Attraction

Posted in parenting by adrianahartley

I am working on this one.

I am not trying to attract attention, but maybe I am.

I am trying to attract like mindedness with my kid, who at the moment (this morning), is frustrating me. He has a very strong will and so do I and I’m the mama so I have seniority and tenure, as if that means anything. I find that when I react in a negative way (think yelling and threatening to take away everything he desires), I attract negative behavior back. He mimics me or I mimic him or maybe we mimic each other.

I am practicing staying calm and focused on being kind and firm as I guide him and I together on our shared trajectory. I have so many things to still teach him and to learn myself, at least that is my intention. I am hoping that if I stay calm and don’t overreact, that he’ll mimic me and listen and learn about cause and effect and make good choices too. I am still learning and practicing repetition, breathing and patience. I know it works. It just takes time to practice and it isn’t easy and it’s work. UGH.

All good things take work. I’ll keep practicing and loving on him as we grow up together, one day, one hug at a time. I’ll check back with you in 7 years and let you know how this little experiment turns out. 🙂

nAMaste

18Apr2016

Wine or Work Out?

Posted in Uncategorized by adrianahartley

Tonight I chose to work out instead of relaxing with a glass of wine or ice cream. It was a tough decision, but I’m smiling now. I bet I’ll sleep better too! I put on my work out clothes this morning with the thought of working out first thing and the day slipped away. I’m glad I still had my running shoes on after the dinner dishes were done and made my way to the garage instead of the couch. Baby steps…or actually 3.53 miles! Yay, for the little changes.

What little changes did you get to make today?

Wishing you well.

Goodnight. xo

17Apr2016

Unity

Posted in one love by adrianahartley

One Love…remember we are more alike than we are different.

We can choose to celebrate the light within each of us, despite our differences and faults.

See the good, especially in those we love. It’s an amazing practice.

Have a good week!

16Apr2016

Food is Fun

Posted in Uncategorized by adrianahartley

I don’t know how I’ll ever be skinny because food is entertaining to me and I never want to pass up a good fiesta!

This was Jeff’s quesadilla this afternoon that he bought at the soccer field and it was gorgeous and surprisingly delicious.

What food do you find fun?

Enjoy!!

15Apr2016

Love the Light

Posted in Uncategorized by adrianahartley

I loved the natural light and nature around Northern California today.
It’s that simple.
Life is good.

nAMaste, love and light.

14Apr2016

Glorious

Posted in Uncategorized by adrianahartley

Carmel.

It was a glorious day in Carmel. I loved being with my BFFs and enjoyed hiking, seeing the beach and watching the kids have fun.

Life is good.

13Apr2016

Little Miles

Posted in Uncategorized by adrianahartley

Today I was thankful for squeezing in time to run and shower in the middle of the day.

This is the first year I am a working mom on spring break with 3 kids home. Luckily one can drive and is really helpful. I am thankful for a flexible schedule that allows me to integrate work and play all day.

Life is good.

12Apr2016

Santa Cruz Sunshine

Posted in Uncategorized by adrianahartley

Today was the second day of spring break and Christian and I explored UC Santa Cruz and the surrounding community together. I loved having time alone with him, discovering something new and something old.

It’s a beautiful campus, nestled in nature and rolling hills, with gorgeous views of the ocean.

After our tour, we had lunch at one of our old favorite places, Charlie Hong Kong. We had to head back over the hill, but I couldn’t be this close to the ocean without sticking my feet in the water. Luckily my kid is a good sport and appreciates my love for the beach. It was an absolutely perfect day to be there.

I love the beach and its majesty. This is my happiest place on earth. I wish I could live right here next to the waves crashing. Maybe one day…but today, I just enjoyed these few perfect moments for a few minutes.

How was your day?

Life is good.

11Apr2016

First Day of Spring Break

Posted in Uncategorized by adrianahartley

Bowling with all my kids and our friends was a great way to start our staycation this week.

I am thankful that all the moms and all the kids were able to connect our schedules for a couple hours today and to play together. I love that the kids still want to hang out with us, even the oldest one.

The moms and I became friends in 2001 and we have enjoyed sharing stories and experiences and watching our kids grow up together for 15 years now. I think that’s pretty amazing!

Bowling is a fun group outing for all ages, getting us moving and laughing and cheering for each other.

What do you like to do on spring break? Do you have fun staycation ideas?

10Apr2016

Sundaze

Posted in Uncategorized by adrianahartley

Whenever I get comfy on the couch, our cat jumps on my chest and snuggles in too. He can’t get close enough and it makes everyone laugh. I think he chooses me because I’m always warm. Juliana thinks he picks me because I’m the one that isn’t needy or wanting of his attention. I am definitely his favorite human at least for now, as we were all sitting on the couch and he wouldn’t leave my lap. Jeff gets such a kick out of our dynamic.