A Children's Approach to Making Time Slow Down
Vol. 1, No. 19
You’re reading Modern Motherhood Musings, a weekly newsletter written from one mom to another. Each week I share an honest reflection on motherhood, and a collection of things bringing me joy. I’m passionate about community, and I hope that by sharing our stories, we all feel a little less alone. Disclosure: Some links in this newsletter are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
📝 This week’s musing…
I read an article recently that discussed our perception of time. It seems to go by slowly when we’re kids but flies by as we age.
One reason for this is that, as children, we’re constantly learning new things and engaging with new people. Our world is an endless reel of new experiences.
As we age, new experiences become more rare. The less our brain has to learn and process, the less memorable our time becomes, giving it less weight in our memories.
So, if we want to make time slow down just a bit, we need to add some variety to our day. We need to be less intimdated to say “yes”, and more spontaneous when the opportunity arises. We need to be unafraid to try something new for the simple pleasure of doing it, even if we might fail a few times.
I watch my kids approach every new experience with all the confidence in the world. Henry is learning to use a spoon. He scoops up his food with abandon, without a hint of frustration that half of it falls into his lap. Will picks up his guitar, strums a few chords, and looks up at me with the biggest grin in the world like he just performed at Madison Square Garden.
We all get into our routines and rhythms; veering from them is hard. If you’re like me, you’re prone to say no out of fear of the unknown or of being embarrassed. But remember, being a mother was a totally new experience for all of us, and I’d venture to say we’re all doing a pretty great job. And the good thing is, we have Google now! So you can find out what to wear to a hot yoga class or what kind of prep you’ll need to do before you hike The Grand Canyon.
Let’s start taking a children’s approach to life. Let’s add color to our memories by breaking free from the mundane. Let’s give ourselves the perception of more time, and soak up every second of life that we’re given.
I want to challenge you all to try something new this week. Maybe it’s a new cooking technique like making homemade pasta? A yoga class you’ve been too intimidated to attend? Maybe you want to give stand-up comedy a try? or visit a new restaurant with a friend you haven’t seen in a while.
If you’re willing, reply to this email and let me know what you’re going to try this week! I’d love to hear from you and cheer you on!
Two new things I’ve done lately - I’ve started collecting wine bottle labels to start a wine journal, and I gave hand stitching a try thanks to a friend.
✨ Friday favorites…
🍕Some busy weeks just call for takeout, so I was thrilled to find out that Grubhub+ is now included free with Amazon Prime.
🧖🏻♀️ Someone asked (Hey, Megs!), so I had to share my robe from last week’s post. It’s super warm and fleece lined, and also totally inappropriate for 100 degree Houston weather, but I don’t care I still wear it year round!
📖 I just finished reading The Sicillian Inheritance and loved it. The storyline alternates between modern-day and 1900’s Italy, and it’s about family, friendship, women, and fighting for a place in the world.
👯♀️ From one mom, to another…
Your words of wisdom, best piece of advice, and favorite hacks can make a difference in another mom’s journey. What has helped you survive this season? Email me to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
❝
If you’re making a meal, double it, and freeze one. You’ll slowly stock up meals to have handy the next time you don’t have time or don’t want to cook.
Katie L. - Dallas, TX
I hope you all know how much I appreciate you reading this newsletter each week. I love every single email, text, and reply that I get, and I’m very grateful for each of you!
Happy Friday, friends!
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