I want to start out by saying what a positive, affirming part of the month this practice was. All the gold stars to Elisabeth for running this and keeping track of everyone’s posts. It’s been so fun to see the bright spots in so many of your lives, and to focus on what’s good. February at times felt like a slog, and having this practice balanced out the very easy tendency to focus on the negative. We were all in much better health last week, which is a huge FIG in and of itself. Here’s a rundown of this final week of FIGs.
Monday, February 23
*We played family charades with our friend who comes for regular dinners. So silly! Love how M participated even if she didn’t quite have all the rules down. She’d pick a card and then just do her craziest jumping or dance moves. We all got super into this.
Tuesday, February 24
*We finished Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone with A. Joel, A, and I all curled up to finish this together.
*I want to remember lying in the backyard on a picnic blanket looking at clouds with A.
*M kept asking where my back hurts and giving it kisses.
Wednesday, February 25
*We went out to dinner and to a park with friends--it was nice to mix up the routine and be with another family. We rarely go out to dinner midweek, so this was a spontaneous treat! Also, the kids are much more patient at restaurants with other kids to hang with.
*I saw so many birds! Nuttall’s Woodpecker and lots of Western Bluebirds.
Thursday, February 26
*My back felt so much better! I did a 10 minute workout that felt good.
Friday, February 27
*I’m grateful for a peaceful Friday afternoon/evening--a park playdate after school, a simple and delicious shabbat dinner, and an early bedtime.
Saturday, February 28
*A huge highlight of the day was a trip to the beach. The beach is our family’s happy place, and we are so lucky to live nearby. We saw a sea lion, lots of sandpipers, and the kids had fun looking for sand crabs. I forgot to take pictures, but it was so pretty!
Sunday, March 1
*Some bonus FIGS even though the challenge ended: getting to see one of my college roommates and catch up at the Japanese Friendship Garden with M along for the ride. It was fun to see the cherry blossoms bloom and chat. Also, I’m so glad we had friends over for dinner. It was a nice way to end the weekend with friends to chat with, kids entertaining each other, and delicious homemade pizza.
Is anyone else kind of sad the challenge is ending? I’m thinking of continuing gratitude focused posts since I’ve benefitted from it so much. Maybe a Monday Mood Lift post or something?
What a lovely post! And how wonderful to live so close to the beach!
ReplyDeleteWe're so lucky to live so close to the beach, so I try to prioritize going often!
DeleteA trip to the beach! So fun! That is something we can only do after a fairly long flight! Well, unless you count the beach of a lake. But the beach of an ocean is extra special since it's such a novelty for us! I totally failed at participating in FIGs this month. I tried and started a list in my planner and then forgot to keep up!
ReplyDeleteSomething about the waves and the vastness of the ocean is really special. I'm trying to go more often this year and take advantage of being so close!
DeleteWhat a great list of joyous moments! I love that your kiddo was helping your back feel better (and I also love that your back really does feel better! a bad back is such a downer). I love your idea of doing a Mood Lift Monday!
ReplyDeleteI think I'll try it out!
DeleteI think a "Monday Mood Lift" post is a great idea- this way you will set yourself up for the week. I have been reading the FIGs but did not participate since... Work, parenting, conference, etc. But those FIG posts definitely brightened up my day!
ReplyDeleteDaria
(momofchildren.com)
I do love reading everyone else's FIG posts too! I do think it will be a nice way to start the week by sharing things I'm grateful for or favorites from the past week.
DeleteYes- we shouldn't let the gratitude practice end. If you post a Monday Mood Lift post, I'll read it! I might not do it on a weekly basis, but I would like to continue doing FIG posts occasionally.
ReplyDeleteWe also live near the beach, here in Florida (are you on the west coast? Where do you live?) We used to go all the time when the kids were little, but I hardly get there at all anymore which is CRAZY. My husband will often go by himself on Sunday mornings, and he loves it. I always seem to be too busy running, or sleeping, ha.
So many good things! I don't get to the beach as much as I should because I hate dealing with the parking situation. We have a dog beach around here, though, and my mom and I try to go at least once during the summer to let the dogs run around!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to keep recording FIGs and maybe do a wrap-up section in my monthly recap!
I write a thing in my journal every day that I'm grateful for. Things get crazy in February with FIGs, but my gratitude practice doesn't go anywhere. I think you could still do it if you like!
ReplyDelete