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Empathy has no script. There is no right way or wrong way to do it. It’s simply listening, holding space, withholding judgment, emotionally connecting, and communicating that incredibly healing message of “You’re not alone.” –Brené Brown
Hello ladies. I am going to get right to the update: summer is here, and I have not done a Christmas card in two years. I consider you all my friends and family, so here we go.
Joe, the eldest, has had enough of the Midwest and is taking the show on the road. He will still be working for the same company but decided to move south: Nashville, Tennessee. I could not be prouder that he has decided to take a leap of faith. What a fun adventure. I cannot wait to visit.
Grace graduated undergrad, and it honestly feels like we just finished kindergarten. When she walked across that stage, I saw that sweet little girl that would never leave my side. Not only is Grace not that shy little girl, but she has also taught me how to be brave and strong, forever my sweet Grace. She will be starting the accelerated BSN program at Creighton in August. I could not be prouder of her.
Henry finished his first year at the USCGA and has decided to pursue engineering at Michigan Tech. I know this was a challenging decision for him to make. It is his journey, and I could not be prouder. Michigan Tech is getting a good one. Quinn is very excited to have his fishing buddy back, if only for a short time.
Gus is busy with football camps and track. This kid has shown us all what hard work looks like. He has never given up on what he wants and never loses faith on what he needs to do to achieve his goals. I could not be prouder.
Quinn is finishing up fourth grade in style. His compassion and empathy for everyone, including strangers, truly is a beautiful gift to witness. I could not be prouder. He is excited to get back to Camp Manitou this summer. I am excited that we will all be able to do some of the “normal” summer activities.
I make a bucket list with kids for things that they want to do in the summer. I think I am down to one kid willing to participate. I have such fond memories of time with my crew in the summer. What I would give to get all of them back to the lake with their little bodies smelling of sunscreen and popcorn. I loved those lazy days. It felt like a crazy time, but I would give much for one more “crazy” day at the lake.
Ladies, summer seems like a good time to practice being in the moment, particularly this summer. We have all been through it this past year. I am working on not ruminating or trying to control what I cannot control. This past year has been a challenge for all of us. I have learned a few things. Indulge me as I share a few:
I am learning to accept help. Guess what? I cannot do it all. Brené Brown shared in her book Gifts of Imperfection,
We need to look before we take the vulnerability leap and choose carefully who we open up to. If we share our shame story with the wrong person, they can easily become one piece of flying debris in an already dangerous storm.
I have found the people that have shown up and sat with me in some ugly moments. If you get one or two of these people in your life, you are lucky. I have a handful; I did win the lottery. My amazing tribe, I love you more than you will ever know. “You share your story with people who have earned the right to hear it.” Brené Brown
I am looking for lessons in all life’s happenings. It’s not easy, and that’s why I call it a journey. I am taking challenging times and pushing myself for growth and maturity. Honestly, it sounds a lot better on paper than in practice.
I am learning to let go of things I cannot control. If it is out of my control, I need to let it go. Any of you that know me at all realize how unbelievably hard this one is for me. I have this on a sticky note on my mirror, and it’s part of my daily mantra.
I am going to allow myself to have some fun. I am going to manage my stress and manage self-care. Another tough one for me. I will not feel guilty for taking care of myself.
Their entire lives, I have told my children, “You only go around once, so make it count.” I am so proud of my children for taking risks and making decisions that are best for them, even when they may be scared to death. They all seem to have heard me. My tribe of five, you have taught your old mama some beautiful gifts to the moon and back.
Ladies, enjoy our fantastic summer issue. I hope some of these lessons will help you to practice compassion with the ones around you—but, more importantly, compassion for yourself. This issue is full of fun summer things going on throughout the Chippewa Valley. We have lessons on friendships and yummy summer recipes. Enjoy every moment of summer, my beautiful mamas. The journey continues in Faith, Family, Friends, Fitness, and Finance.
