Mommy Lense

We all view life differently.  Some of us view our lives negatively, or positively or just like a typical day and not really noticing the miraculous things that occur daily.  I use to be that person, I would just go about day to day and not think about the things I was fortunate enough to experience and see.  I am truly really lucky and I get to see amazing things daily.  I am a teacher and I get to see the "light bulb" turn on daily for my students- who else can say they have this at work!  It makes teaching what it is.  But it is not the "teacher lense" that I enjoy the most or even that made the change from day to day ritual to truly being grateful for everything.

My favorite "lense" is the mommy lense.  I have a 20 month old and a four year old.  Think about all the new things they experience and see on a day to day basis.  So, as I go about my day to day routine, my kids are learning and seeing things for the first time.  And, therefore, I see them too!  The one thing I am seeing the most of lately is my kids are growing up and too fast! 

Hollin started ski school.  We got her into the incredible program available through the Breckenridge Ski Resort and she gets to ski every Saturday for eight weeks.  I am seeing her all grown up and independent.  We drop her off each morning at the gondola, with her lunch in hand, layers of clothes, sunscreen, helmet, goggles, lunch made (of course with a note from Mommy- who did not love this as a kid).  I always knew I wanted MY kids to ski, and I couldn't wait for the day (especially after my year of teaching kids to ski myself).  I was excited that first day dropping her off... and then I realized my new "lense"  I was no longer the ski instructor that I once was, I was a mom and I was now questioning if this "ski instructor" was qualified enough to have MY daughter all day on a BIG mountain, with THOUSANDS of people and most importantly on a HIGH LIFT!!  I was terrified, but so excited about the new possibilities for her!  This I know, is just the beginning of her new found independence and my new "lense" of seeing my daughter grow up. 

Recently, Johnny has been going through Speech Therapy.  I am a teacher, and I pride myself on what I am able to accomplish with my students in my classroom.  I believe that I help my students grow academically and socially each year.  I never thought that MY son would struggle with something as simple as talking.  We all know that I talk all the time and have NO problem talking.  Johnny does.  He needs help and is taking to learning on how to talk but at HIS rate.  I look at him and realize that my "lense," the mom, can't fix this.  I can help him but I can't fix it.  It will take time, and who am I kidding... I am not patient!  He is improving and my new "lense" shows me what each little accomplishment means.  I am watching him grow and learn.  Even though I think it is too slow and he needs help, it is overall, too fast! 

I also get to see my kids in a new light about how their personalities have changed daily.  Hollin acts JUST like me!  With a purse, phone, shopping bags and a baby in hand.  She is me-- never expected to see that in my "lense."  Johnny is coming in to his own.  He loves to play with the games on phones, switch light switches, and tonight he laid down on the carpet with his hands behind his head and watched Wipeout.  He is his dad-- NEVER thought I would see what Ted was like as a little boy.  That is a "lense" I am embracing.  I have a new incredible view of the world.  And for that I am grateful and blessed. 

Stop and take a look at the way you view the world... try something different... view it differently.  You will love it... I know I do!