I stopped by OfficeMax to get a few notebooks for “in the moment” inspiration.  As I was checking out, I saw a bin that advertised a large bottle of hand sanitizer for only a quarter! I scanned the label that stated the sanitizer was seventy percent off.  I was thrilled - I found the steal of the century! I grabbed four bottles and proceeded to the checkout with pride. I got in my car and cheerfully imagined all the places I could now have sanitizer -  one for each kid’s bookbag, my purse, the baby bag, and the backyard.

I eagerly opened a bottle for a quick squirt before I started to drive, and a thick, gooey slime came out. I know most sanitizers have a bit of gel, but as I rubbed in the 25-cent sanitizer, it felt like dried-up dirty glue. Having sticky hands is one aspect of life that I absolutely can’t stand. I ended up washing the cheap slime off with the emergency alcohol in my trunk –– too proud to return to OfficeMax and ask for a $1.00 refund.

Moral of the story - if something is 25 cents, keep it on the shelf.

Quote

It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.
Lena Horne

Life

The Dark Side of Gratitude

Gratitude. We’ve all heard the word and reminders to be more grateful in our lives. But in this interview with Kate Cole, she explains the dark side of gratitude – a term that I have never heard before. Kat’s words deeply resonate with me, as I have been in situations involving gratitude’s dark side. Take two minutes to watch the clip –– I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Corporate Ecology

“New research from Washington University in St. Louis reinforces the arduous demands placed on working women, who are expected to work as if they don’t have children, and raise children as if they don't work.”

I can’t think of a more accurate explanation of corporate motherhood! The Forbes article below explores data behind the “motherhood penalty,” and touches on one of the most prominent studies supporting a shorter workweek.

On Family - Baby Unplugged

In the age of digital overload, how can you help a young child still be a kid? Listen to this powerful three minute interview with Sophie Beckman, author of the new book, Baby, Unplugged.

Disconnect To Connect

Welcome to a new section of the newsletter! I love technology, but when it’s overused or abused, it can impact us in ways that we are only starting to understand. This section will share insights and tips on how we can disconnect and subsequently be more present to connect with others. I hope you enjoy the new section!

I don't need my phone; it’s just convenient. It makes my life easy. I can access almost anything with the click of a button! Since I can get things done quickly on my phone, I have more time with my family. My digital pocket companion keeps me connected with friends on social media. My phone is fun, lightweight, and gives me a jolt of energy, however, I don’t need it…

I’ve always told myself this story, but sadly it was a lie. Sometimes we tell ourselves what we want to be true because reality is too hard to accept. The truth is that I am addicted to my phone, and didn't even know it.

I loved the phone’s convenience and entertainment but realized my ability to focus on less-exciting topics was diminishing. I thought my phone made me more efficient, so I could spend more time with my kids. However, my son has begged me to put my phone down more times than I can count. I put the phone aside, but I crave picking it up again, even when I don’t need it. I love that social media connects me with family and friends, but I often compare everyone else’s trips, kids, houses, and lives with my own. Secretly, I think, Where the heck did I go wrong? Comparison is the thief of joy.

After realizing the impact of looking at my phone constantly, I tried to use my phone less. It worked for a few hours, and then I ‘needed my phone.’ I started to be on an endless hamster wheel of breaking up and making up with my phone. This section is dedicated to stopping that cycle. Why? I want my life back. I want to have my kids grow up and know their mom without a phone in her hand or staring at the TV or laptop. I want my kids to know how it feels to talk to someone and know that the person is listening – intently and exclusively – to what they have to say. I want to enjoy dinner with my husband without fear that our phones will become a buffer when the conversation lulls.

I want to know how to be bored again. And so the journey to 'disconnect' begins. Will you join me?

Can I leave you with a song?

A song that will makes you feel we are all part of the human experience (especially if you look at the comments).