Category: How to

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Is The Greatest Showman a lesson in being human?

 

Being Human. Humanity is defined as ‘the fact or condition of being human’ according to the Oxford Dictionary. What does it mean to be human? Maybe P.T. Barnum was ahead of his time. Yes I am aware that the movie does not depict him in reality, maybe not much at all to be honest. He was far more likely in it for the buck than anything, BUT what if his story had a grander purpose, maybe beyond anything he or the movie producers ever imagined. If the movie does anything besides entertain us, it certainly causes us to pause and think about those around us, those who we associate with on a grander scale.

Exactly what does it mean to be human? It is not just enough to be human in our own right but to see the humanity of others. Aren’t we all different? Isn’t there something about each one of us that makes us feel awkward at times, weird……different…….not accepted? If there is anything that this movie reminded me is that each one of us IS weird, different, and in a way that is what makes us all exactly the same. It is a common bond that should be celebrated, and shouted from every rooftop! We are all unique…different….weird….human.

What if every restaurant you ever walked into served the same exact food, at the same exact time, and there was never any variation or variety? How boring would life be if we were all a cookie cutter version of each other? We need to embrace the comfort of diversity.

What if we lived in a world where everyone was seen and accepted for who they are because let’s be honest, isn’t that what all of us crave anyway?  Acceptance.

Isn’t it up to us? Don’t we, collectively as humans and as a society, determine what is “expected”, normal even….?

I realize that this post is a series of questions but hopefully it makes you think. Remember the Golden Rule? “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Want to read more by Jenny? https://asleepbynine.com

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Time for Yourself: 3 Tips for a Busy Mom

asleep by nine

asleep by nine

Are you taking time for yourself to recharge, to just breathe? Probably not, well we are here to tell you that it is ok to make time for yourself! We see you running about doing all your mom things but when was the last time you did something for you? We all know that you do a thousand things in a regular day (sometimes an hour) for your family but what about you? You are just as important as anyone else in your family, in fact, maybe even more so! Your family counts on you to keep everyone on point. You keep the pantry stocked, make sure they have clean clothes to wear, schedule dentist appts, soccer, play dates, plus a hundred other tasks that you do without complaint (giggle….ok maybe a complaint or two here or there). You keep everything organized so it can all run smoothly and on time (if you are anything like me then we can use that term loosely if you would like). So, what about you, where do you fit it? As busy moms we often feel guilty for taking the time to do something as silly as get our nails done, go to the beach, lunch with a friend, because we are just thinking about all the things that still need to get done. Well make sure there is time allotted for you to recharge because if you burn out then who will take care of everyone? The old saying “You cannot pour from an empty cup.”, is so true.

3 Simple ways to get some alone time

1.) Schedule it. You thought it was going to be more profound than that right?! Sometimes it is as simple as getting yourself in the books. Don’t just schedule it though, keep it! Write it in pen, you deserve better than to just be penciled in!

2.) Steal it. Whether you are in between errands, softball practice or running to the store, just pull over and sit for 10 minutes. Turn off the radio, no cell phone, just take a minute to look around at everyone else running and gunning. Just breathe.

3.) Set your alarm. My favorite alone time is early in the morning. Every day I get up before my family and the sun and have my coffee in peace. To some it may seem crazy to get up so early but the peace I feel from this hour of solitude is worth getting out of bed for!

As you can see this isn’t some grand scheme to score a week away from your family and all your responsibilities or to convince you that a weekly 2 hour massage needs to be your norm. Consider this more of a starter kit for your alone time. Quick ways to steal a few moments for yourself that WILL help you relax a little and see things differently. Give it a try!

Want to hear more tips? https://asleepbynine.com

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Time for Change? When to Say Goodbye

 

Is it time to make a big change? Saying goodbye is rarely easy, and unfortunately, we sometimes have to choose to say goodbye. Whether it is to a job, a loved one, a friend, career or moving across the country to chase a dream, making a big change takes a lot of thought and can be very stressful. Sometimes we are confident in our decision but often times we are not. So, how do you know? How do you know when it is time to severe ties with something or someone that no longer serves you well. Now I don’t mean “serves you” in a selfish way, I just mean that if whatever is on your mind, no longer brings you joy, then you probably aren’t doing it any favors by staying around either.

The difficulty in this decision often rises up from a conflict between the heart and the mind. Our minds are driven by more rational thoughts while our hearts are guided by emotions, and to be honest, sometimes you just aren’t sure which one is right. Sometimes you have to make a decision based on concrete thoughts, such as finances, cases of abuse or mistreatment, future goals, etc.. However, sometimes the decision maker is the heart, and those decisions can be tricky. Whether you’re thinking about changing careers or ending a personal relationship, there are a few key questions that you can ask yourself to help guide the process.

1.) Why do you want to say goodbye? Can the situation be fixed?

2.) What will happen if you don’t change anything? To you and anything that is important to you.

3.) What are your reasons for not being confident in your decision to make this change?

4.) In the end, what do you think you would you regret more…….staying or leaving?

5.) What does making this change represent to you?

Clear as mud right? Now you have all these conflicting thoughts swimming in your head. Let them swim for a bit, eventually you will come to a conclusion. These questions aren’t going to provide you with a clear cut path and no consequences, every decision of this magnitude will have consequences (they aren’t always bad either) but you have to figure out which ones are more important to you. You owe it to yourself and those around you to find fulfillment, joy, and purpose because if you are miserable where you are then how can you bring joy to anyone else?

There is no right or wrong answer here on this page. Only you can decide what needs to be done. Every person reading this has a different situation in front of them, and different reasons for wanting change. I personally have made big difficult decisions in my life, and yes there were times when I doubted that I chose the right thing but in the end I know I was right. It wasn’t easy, but anything worth having rarely is.

For more articles by me check out https://asleepbynine.com