When I travel for business, my young son stays with a family member, usually my mother.  I miss him while I am away and I know he misses me.  I always leave behind a "While I'm Away" box (made by Once Upon A Family).  On the top, I insert a photo of my son and me.  Inside, I place a few goodies, including a special note from Mommy.

This time, I saw a quote from the wise, old Pooh bear, Winnie the Pooh.  I included it in my letter and plan to reproduce a framed photo with the following quote on it:

"If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together, there is something you must always remember: you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart, I'll always be with you"

That powerful message is what kept me focused and my young son loved and cared for by me while I attended my sales conferences.  He loves the "While I'm Away" box and the wisdom of Winnie the Pooh made it extra special this time.

Savor life's best,

Aimee

As we get closer to the 4th of July, I see more people talking about freedom and what is your definition of freedom.  I see the 4th of July in a different way.  The 4th of July is not necessarily about freedom for me.  It is about celebration! 

Although I do not need a reason to celebrate (I even had a party because our kitchen was remodeled), my tradition at this time of the year is planning a family gathering and celebrating a fun and relaxing time together.  In fact, my birthday is right after the 4th of July and our family would have my birthday party in the early afternoon and a cookout afterwards.  It was a blow-out and one of the best times of the year! 

For me, the 4th of July is about laughs, celebration, reminiscing, forecasting and planning our futures, and being so tired from the fun we had that we could not wait to do it again.

I'm curious, what does the 4th of July mean to you?

Savor life's best,

Aimee

Today, my 4 year old son "graduated" from preschool.  He is onto Kindergarten starting September.  It reminded me of a poem about growing up.

Savor life's best,

Aimee

A Touch of Love - Anonymous

You were six months old and full of fun,

With a blink of my eye, you suddenly were one.

There were so many things we were going to do,

But I turned my head and you turned two.

At two, you were very dependent on me,

But independence took over when you turned three.

Your third birthday, another year I tried to ignore,

But when I lit the candles, there weren't three, but four.

Four was the year that you really strived,

Why, look at you now, you're already five.

Now you are ready for books and rules,

This is the year that you go to school

The big day came, you were anxious to go,

We walked to the bus, going oh so slow.

As you climbed aboard and waved goodbye,

I felt a lump in my throat and tears stung my eyes.

Times go so fast, it's hard to believe

That just yesterday you were home here, with me.

And tomorrow when the bus brings you home and you jump

to the ground,

You'll be wearing your cap and graduation gown.

So, I'm holding to these moments as hard as I can,

Because the next time I look,

I'll be seeing a grown man.

I enjoyed an interesting and motivating presentation several weeks ago in Nashville, TN for my business.  Company managment and field leadership shared content-rich sessions and I had several ah-ha moments.  A motivational speaker, Dale Smith Thomas from http://www.WinnersByChoice.com spoke and confirmed a critical philosophy I am striving to pass onto my young son - the issue of choice.

When I had power struggles when my son was 2- and 3-years old, I asked his pediatrician about how to deal with the behavior challenges.  It was simple - give him choice.  I started to give my son a "this-or-that" type choice on a regular basis.  For example, instead of asking would you like to put on your shoes (or something to that effect), I started asking "Would you like to start with your left shoe or your right shoe?"  It worked brillantly.  I have since moved up to "Option A", which is usually what I need him to do or "Option B", which comes with a negative consequence and is typically something he would like to do.

The presentation by Ms. Smith Thomas reminded me of the control we truly have over the present situation - not that we can change circumstances by sprinkling pixie dust.  We choose how we react to a situation.  We have a choice on how we take responsibility for our actions in a given situation.  I always asked my son as I dropped him off in the mornings - "Are you going to have a good day?"  Now I ask "Are you choosing to have a good day?"  My son is a generally upbeat and optimistic child so the answer is an enthusiastic "Yes!"  I like that tone.  And if I am not able to pass on any other value, I choose to pass on the value of choice.  It is never too late for me to learn the power of choice as well.

Savor life's best,

Aimee

http://www.OccasionsToSavor.com

Follow me on Twitter!

Life has been especially busy for me.  However, I have noticed a showstopper, so to speak.  My son, who is 4 years old helps me slow down.  He sees the wonder is ordinary occurrences - the wind blow the trees, the squirrels chasing each other up a tree, and seeing live fireworks, when he jumped up and down clapping and shouting.  You cannot help but show excitement with live fireworks, unless they give you a headache.

Each time, it made me say "WOW" because I forgot how great it was to see these things.  It takes a kid to help me see the wonder of the world.  He helped me savor those precious moments in life that are not routine or a daily occurrence.  My young son helped me reset my pace to slow down sometimes.  I am glad to see the wonder a kid sees!

Savor life's best,

Aimee

www.OccasionsToSavor.com

Follow me on Twitter!