an ordinary excursion with extraordinary results
Enjoying My Own Company
I took myself out on a date. I didn’t know at it first. Strange, right?
Where did I go? I got in my car and drove to CVS. When I got there, pure joy met me at the stationery aisle. I think they call it “School and Office Supplies,” but since this is my story, I like the sound of “stationery.”
DIY Backstory
Well, my goal was to pick up some stationery items for a little Christmas gift DIY I am working on for my 5 year old daughter. Somehow, in the process, I started having fun.
I’ve worked on something similar almost a year ago for my 9 year old’s birthday. My heart still melts thinking of the moment she added her own notes to this little book I created for her. There is nothing fancy about this book I put together, but my goodness, it’s something that shows me the true riches in life.
Sometimes the Simplest Gifts are the Most Meaningful
And to my surprise, my 5 year old asked if I could make her one as well. It was already on my list of goals, but to hear her mention it was priceless.
Books that Resonate with Me and This Story
It reminded me of two incredible books I return to time-after-time:
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.
In it, she talks about “The Artist Date.” Here’s a little snippet — “But what exactly is an Artist Date? An Artist Date is a block of time, perhaps two hours weekly, especially set aside and committed to nurturing your creative consciousness, your inner artist. In its most primary form, the Artist Date is an excursion, a play date that you preplan and defend against all interlopers. You do not take anyone on this this Artist Date but you and your inner artist, a.k.a. your creative child.
All It Takes Is A Goal by Jon Acuff.
I love how he created something called a “Best Moments List.” He states, “I’d never once been asked to create a list of my best moments in life, almost as if they didn’t matter or have anything to teach me. The Best Moments List changed that. Instead of digging around in a coal mine for mistakes, it invited me to look inside a diamond mine for hope.
Practicing Good Habits
So here I am creating something for my daughters that I believe will strengthen their minds and self-awareness through their own creative process and joy. To remember to take note of their best moments and create a habit that slows them down and helps them be grateful for who their are and what success means to them.
Full Circle Moment
In the process of enjoying time in my own company and thinking of my own Best Moments List, I have nurtured my inner child and one step at a time, I am helping my daughters see the blessings in who they are as individuals. Life isn’t perfect, but we can appreciate and acknowledge the good in the imperfections.
If you’re interested in the items I personally used to create this, comment below so I can share it in a future post.
Until next time [God willing],
Sandy
