A Secret to Success as a Working Mom: Turn Burn Out Into Bliss and Embrace Joy

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Last weekend my youngest was committed to going to the "Water Steps" a man-made water fall in Pittsburgh by the rivers. (Fun Fact: Three rivers converge in Pittsburgh--The Ohio River, The Monongahela River, and the Allegheny River.)  He kept asking. I knew he was serious when he said, "If you won't take me, I'll ask  daddy!" Given that it was highly unlikely that would happen on an unscheduled day, I relented. So, we went. It wasn’t planned in the way most things in my life are. No calendar block. No checklist. No “productive” purpose attached. And, so in some respects it was uncomfortable. And yet, it seemed necessary. It was the idea of my 8-year-old—offered with the kind of urgency only children possess when something is profoundly important to them.
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The Importance of Celebrating Halloween During the Pandemic

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Toddler with Pumpkin
Several years ago I posted a piece entitled,  "Four Family Friendly Halloween Fun Tips" . I had forgotten all about it until today when I was about to start writing this one. Upon reviewing it, I realized that I completed the items of that list with the exception of one. It's always nice to be reminded that I am an authentic blogger!

Dad Carving Pumkin

  






Last month, I was questioning whether Halloween should be celebrated this year. Quite frankly, we have all had a very scary year with the pandemic, grocery shortage, and daily doom and gloom messages, and have been wearing masks daily for most of it. So, I thought that all of us had enough of the series of fright nights that we have called, 2020. 




This month, my views changed. One thing that changed my mind was my sister, Jeryn, and her infectious spirit. She came to visit for awhile. Before she left, we went to Soergel Orchards for apple picking and pumpkin viewing. That visit changed my entire outlook about celebrating Halloween.

#JackOLanterns

I realized that celebrating holidays carries more meaning than what we may feel like doing. Celebrating holidays is about creating memories for our children and creating a sense of normalcy. Holidays punctuate our years and allow us to recognize traditions. In these tough, tough times, I think that we need to celebrate what we can when we can. 







Location: Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Comments

Unknown said…
Pumpkin carving is a little messy for me, but there will be trick or treating.
10:54 AM
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