I'm standing up for my truth

Today, Mindful Beginnings® is about standing up for what we believe to be our truth, but doing it in a way that shows respect to others.  Often, I've written about appreciating difference, finding our own paths in life, etc.  The opportunity lies in finding our truth and still being in harmony (and community) with others.

I live in Hermosa Beach.  There is an election on March 3rd and its residents have the opportunity to vote for or against oil drilling.  At first, I was going to quietly sit back, vote "no" and not share with others, for fear of offending someone.  I then thought how blessed I am to live in a place where I can share my ideas and be protected from physical harm.

So, here I am, voting "NO" on oil drilling.  Here's why:

When I first moved from New England 23 years ago and landed in Hermosa Beach, I looked up at the soft sand, the warm sun and the sky above with its blue colors of wonder.  I knew I was home.  I went for a jog along the shoreline my third day in, only to collapse.  I couldn't breathe and my heart started pumping in anticipation of this newfound feeling, of which had never happened before.  Was it the smog?  What happened?  A man around my age approached and said, "Dude, call 911!"  I asked for water, slowed my breathing down, and ultimately no ambulance was needed.

Fast forward to today.  The story of my collapsing illustrates how important our environment is, especially for vulnerable populations.   No, I didn't read the reports that share the health impacts to our city where the proposed oil drilling site would be located.  I did, however, gather information from people of whom I trusted:  my husband, an attorney, and also watched the process of my own elected City Council, who were voted in to represent the best interests of its people, sat through countless hearings, behind closed door meetings, to understand and best represent its citizens.  All of these Council members are voting no and have publicly announced this, including some members who waited until the very end to join their fellow council.

My process of how I arrived at my truth was one where I sought counsel, but also listened to my own inner wisdom.   I trust myself to listen to those thoughts that continue to tell me we need to move forward to find alternative ways where we don't have to rely upon oil.  Yes, I drive a gas-powered vehicle.  I also drive an electric powered golf cart.  I do the best I can with the resources that I have to make this world a healthier place to live.

I have read some information highlighting the proposed oil drilling site having a 150 foot setback from its closest residential dwellings.  150 feet?  I could never wish any emissions from this project to reach vulnerable populations (elderly, children, those with suppressed immune systems).  For all of the above reasons, I am voting "NO".  

For the children, elderly and vulnerable populations, I'm voting no.

For those living near the site, I'm voting no.

For the times that I jog on the beach (these days it's been more like walking), I'm voting no.

For future generations,  I'm voting no.

I want to #KeepHermosaHermosa and move towards change that is aligned with my truth.  Please join me in voting no.  If not, the work becomes living (and staying) in harmony with you, too.

I hope you find your truth regarding oil, the environment, how to parent, fall in love, clean your house and balance all that life has to offer.

Here's to TRUTH!

Blessings,
Lisa

Vision and goal setting jars really work: set those intentions!

Comb through the internet and you'll see lots of folks setting intentions for this New Year.  New diets and new ways to exercise are just some of the goals to elicit change in our lives.  I remember reading about how some people were writing down their dreams/visions/goals on pieces of paper and then tucking them away into a jar, never to look back until the following year to reflect on what came to fruition.

What the heck, I thought.  Let me try this with my boys.  And that we did.

Wow, what a year.  As a result of this "jar" activity, I haven't been writing on my "Mindful Beginnings®" blog.  I've learned that I  must be careful what I wish for, because it may very well come true!

And here's my story....

It started when I asked my kids to write down their goals.  Of course, I joined them.  We wrote them on tiny pieces of paper, then rolled them up and placed them into the "coveted" jar.  This jar didn't have a name, like the photo pictured above that highlights the word, "dreams".  Ours was an old "Ball" jar, and the paper didn't have any yarn wrapped around each one.  We simply wanted to get the job done (and this is the story of my life with boys; sometimes it doesn't look like the Pinterest version of things, but the point has been to do it in a style that suits us).

We halfheartedly put them in, kind of forgetting that we even participated in this activity.

Fast forward to one year later.  Christmas night I brought out the jar.  One of my written goals included how I wanted a job where I was working "part or full-time, supervising staff and making a difference in the world; a job where I'd earn xxxxxx amount of money...or more".

This is exactly what I got.  Since April 2015, I've been working at a large University, feeling like I'm channeling Mother Teresa in what I'm being asked to do.  Not only did I receive the salary that I had written on that tiny piece of paper, but I received the "or more" amount of salary 5 months later.   I haven't minded the absence of  blogging.  I don't know when I'll write next, but when I do, I promise it will be to update and share the magic of my journey, for I never know where it will take me.

Please write your goals down, then forget about them.  The universe has a way of working out and bringing to you exactly what you should receive.

Believe me, I know.

Happy New Year!

Lisa

Why can't we all help to avoid tragedy?

Today, I sat and read the entire document from the State of Connecticut, which highlighted the history of Adam Lanza; his school and mental health records, and all events leading up to the tragic massacre at the Sandy Hook School in Newtown, CT.

I don't mean to revisit the past.  My intention is to learn from it so that we can avoid such a tragedy ever occurring again.

This boy needed help, that we all know.  What is obvious to me is how so many professionals (through the years) worked in silos, which ultimately put Adam Lanza, and our society at risk.

Here's the link, if you care to read:  http://tinyurl.com/mmbc7df

The importance of screening children ages 0-3 becomes more paramount.  I want this for every child; not just those in wealthy communities, but the underserved as well.

Please share your comments here if you choose to read this document.

As we move into the Holiday season, some people won't fare well.  Feelings of depression and gloom may emerge.  My response is to proactively share a smile, or be armed with the questions to ensure someone knows how to seek help if they experience these feelings.

Here is a number I hope we all will share with anyone in need.  Let's all do our part to ensuring the safety for ourselves and our loved ones.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Phone Number

1-800-273-8255

Women's online spirit and soul of woman magazine features Mindful Beginnings® article

Plan to immerse yourself in the world of wonder, as you read articles in the latest issue of Sibyl Magazine.  In it, you'll find stories on health, healing, love and relationships.  Page 5 highlights an article  from Mindful Beginnings®, highlighting how to know if you're making the right decision on your journey through life.


http://pnder.com/SibPr/APRIL-MAYSibyl2014.pdf










Enjoy!

~Lisa

Amazing you, oh, yes you are!

Sometimes just hearing the words, "You are amazing" can lift you right outta your chair and up, up, up into the blue sky above.

Think about it.  Just like adding water to a wilting flower, our words have the power to perk another up.

That's all I have today, folks.

Have a lovely day.  Finish it with knowing how amazing I think YOU are.

Hugs,
Lisa

Thank you for making me food so I don't die, and other Valentine love from the mouths of babes

In honor of #OperationFebruary, which is meant to spread more love into the world, I thought I'd share these seriously cute Valentine cards.  Maybe some of these will spark something in my own family to write some on their own.

What I love most about these cards is the honesty.  These children tell it how it is.  They don't beat around the bush.  They haven't "learned" to squelch their feelings and emotions.  They were their hearts on their sleeves.

Enjoy these quotes, and I hope that we all can speak out truths this Valentine's Day.
http://distractify.com/fun/fails/the-most-hilariously-awkward-valentines-from-children/

Time to rally behind art by drawing a heart

And, just like that, we are off to support a local artist who has been spreading joy throughout the land.   My journey started during the month of February, when I wanted to create a vehicle to honor the positive actions of my kids and spouse within the confines of our home.   #OperationFebruary began, where we would write on heart-shaped paper, and put it in the respective member's envelope to read.

#OperationFebruary quickly moved out into the community.  It just had to, because we all can use a little more love in our lives, can't we?

This Valentine's Day, some members of our local beach community will be honoring an artist that has been creating chalk drawings along the cement sidewalk (AKA "Strand").  For the last couple of months, there's been an individual who doesn't approve of these drawings and washes them away.

Rather than give attention to the removal of art, the idea has been to celebrate the chalk artist, whose only intention has been to inspire.

Please read below what was posted on Mindful Beginnings® fan page on FaceBook, and see if you can join us!

Have you noticed all the joy that #Funism brings, via the chalk art expressions all around our beach community? "You are on the path to greatness" as you walk up the staircase where Hermosa meets Manhattan along the strand, "Not all who wander are lost" on the strand wall, or "Hug Your People" are just some of the visual play on words you may have witnessed.  

In celebration of Valentine's Day and the artist behind #Funism, I am declaring #OperationFebruary, where we continue to honor the love in our lives, and spread it even more. Funism could use more love and recognition.

Here's how we can help:

On 2/14/14, #OperationFebruary asks for you to grab your own piece of chalk. Walk, run, jog or skip down to the strand wall anywhere in Hermosa Beach, and bring your creativity.

Draw a heart on the wall, draw a heart on the strand sidewalk. Pinks, purples, blues. Yellows, reds and oranges. Pick your color. When you feel complete with your art, you can also add: #Funism or #OperationFebruary.
Do so any time of the day this 2/14/14.

Let's meet in a more formal way, with Funism supporters performing their own group operation. 22nd Street and The Strand in Hermosa at 10:30 a.m. Bring your chalk. Bring your smiles. Bring your gratitude for a kind of art that is temporary and fleeting, and the kind that saves lives when it lifts those who suffer from stress and despair. #chalkcanthurt 

If you can't make the 10:30 a.m. time, simply go down on your own at any point during the day!

See you soon!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!! 

"For sale" is the only sign we need

I once was with a group of women.  We were all sitting on the comfy couch of a friend, in her lovely home.  It really was a lovely home.  The sky painted blue through the window.  The wind blew enough that in the pauses between our words spoken, we could hear the tree's branches, as they danced to their own rhythm.   We were sipping tea, contemplating how one knows if she is journeying along the right path, and if there are signs to illuminate or validate the decisions she makes.

One woman shared her process of buying the home she currently lives in; the home we were all in, asking these questions from that same comfy couch. Feeling inundated, this friend wasn't sure if this home was the right one to purchase.

"Give me a sign," she kept saying, as she scrutinized whether to bum it an offer.  This woman wanted some kind of indication that she was on the right path.  She wanted to be jolted out of bed while sleeping, with the hand of God slapping in the face, while hearing the words, "Yes, this is your sign.  Go buy that house."  

No hand of God came.

No messages in her dreams.

Nothing.

This woman felt a surge of anxiety to the point where she wasn't moving forward with her decision to purchase this home.  Days past, and a wonderfully wise friend offered words she'd never forget.
This friend said, "You want a sign?  I'll give you a sign. The sign you are looking for is literally in front of you."  Her wise friend shared that the wooden, 'For Sale' sign pitched right in the front yard was the only "sign" needed.  The "For Sale" sign was the bridge for a new owner to make an offer, and await for its acceptance.

Huge sighs of relief came over my friend.  She was waiting for the lightning bolt, but finally realized that life doesn't always offer them.  She needn't look so hard, try so hard or be so hard in all aspects of her life.  The "For Sale" sign was enough for her to submit her offer, which then led to her ultimate home purchase.

What path do we take?  What job do we ponder?  To whom do we sit with next to sip herbal tea?

Sometimes the answers are right in front of us, and if we are looking too hard, we may simply miss them.

What "For Sale" sign have you been missing in your life?

I'd love to hear!

Be a warrior of love.

I don't think there can ever be enough love in the world.  That's why there needs to be hippie warriors; those that stand tall, with their head aligned perfectly over their necks, arms held out in a "T" position, ready to hold an arrow that will target those who need love the most.

Many people are standing in line waiting for the arrow to hit them, and they may not even know it.  When it hits, they have two choices.  They can:

1)   allow the energy of the arrow to permeate throughout their bodies, nourishing every cell, which may help them heal physically and emotionally

or...

2)  resist the arrow's energy, only to find that they are depleted in every way, shape or form.

If you have the energy to give, then what's stopping you?  Our job is to share, and we can do so liberally.  It's the other person's problem if they don't accept what we have to offer.  Everyone is on their own journey in life, that's for sure.

So, go be a "hippie warrior of love."  How many arrows will you ignite into the world around you?
Oh, how I hope they are all received by those targeted.  Can you imagine what the world would look like?  I can, because I am a "hopeful optimist"!

Fear is my shadow

I thought I'd revisit an earlier blog post about fear being my shadow.  Sometimes she visits and she is all encompassing.  Have a read about how she took up a bit much of my mind space recently, and how I coped with her visit.

My article is on page 7 of Sybil Magazine:

http://pnder.com/SibPr/Sibyl%20Mag%20FEB-MAR%202014.pdf

Let's all tell our shadows to pack their bags when we embark upon something new in our lives.
Instead, let's fill our hearts with love (and more love) for ourselves.

Operation February

I haven't been feeling the love in our household these days.  Running here.  Running there.  We probably even saw a person (or two) in their underwear.

It's time for #OperationFebruary.

I cut out hearts.  I put them into a bowl, some with writing on them.  Some hearts say, "You are special to me."  Others say, "I believe in you", which is a family favorite.  Others are left blank where someone can express gratitude for an act of kindness, behavior or any other love fest they see another member commit in the course of the day.

I hung homeade, red "envelopes" marked with each family member's name.  Nothing fancy; just stapled sides, with a slot at the top for the hearts to enter their new home.  These artful wonders are taped to our dining room chandelier, so we won't have opportunity to forget that Operation February is serious business.

Each day in February, someone can help raise the love vibration in our home through these cut-out pieces of paper.  Although they're just words, they're so much more.  As we all know, sticks and stones can break bones, AND words can hurt.

#OperationFebruary aims to bring back love in our home, where it belongs.  Words of kindness.  Words that help another feel esteem and joy.  I will post back as to how we are all faring.

Care to join us this February?  It's never too late to start, because we all can use a dose of love!

Mindful Lisa: I had the courage to share from my heartOf all th...

Mindful Lisa: I had the courage to share from my heart
Of all th...: I had the courage to share from my heart Of all the things I've written in my life, I think the piece below is at the top of the lis...

Mindful Lisa: I had the courage to share from my heartOf all th...

Mindful Lisa: I had the courage to share from my heart
Of all th...: I had the courage to share from my heart Of all the things I've written in my life, I think the piece below is at the top of the lis...

I had the courage to share from my heart

Of all the things I've written in my life, I think the piece below is at the top of the list for the "Vulnerability Prize".   Some of you know that I had a very interesting summer that was met with health challenges.  I'm grateful for all the lessons that I learned along the way, and finally have the courage to share with the world, hoping that my story will help others.  

My story was published in the latest online Women's Spiritual Health magazine, www.SibellaPublications.com.  Look for page 24, where you'll see the article below.  There are many other great writers who have lots to offer, so be sure to sit down with your glass of wine, your cup of tea, or any other way that you can get quiet enough to sit and take in their words.  

MINDFUL BEGINNINGS

Perimeno-PAUSE – Taking Time For Healthy Reflection

By Lisa Pedersen

Sometimes perimenopause creeps up on you, other times with a big bang. In my case, it was

the latter. After mentioning at a routine physical my heavier menstrual cycles, an ultrasound

revealed ovarian cysts (one measuring 5.4 cm.) and a thickened uterine lining. An endometrial

biopsy and ovarian cancer screening were performed. Despite relief over the negative results, I

continually bled for over forty days, ultimately requiring intravenous iron therapy for the added anemia diagnosis.

Surgery loomed in my future, having been informed I should have the cyst, and part, if not all, of my left ovary

removed. This happened close to my 48th birthday. Here lay a pause I had yet to encounter: perimenopause.

I’m in the healing profession, counseling on the importance of self-care. This time, I was the person needing care,

especially if there was opportunity to continue life on this planet. I slept, cried and felt guilt for arriving at this life

event. Through working with healers, utilizing calming techniques, journaling and allowing others to help me, within

two months, my body changed to its natural state of health. A repeat ultrasound was miraculously NORMAL! No

more cysts or thickened lining. My doctor had never seen a woman heal within such a short time frame. All surgeries

were cancelled.

The following list may help women create space to graciously navigate menopause and beyond:

1. Find your “team”. Besides family and friends, mine included a medical doctor who prescribed natural

progesterone, an herbalist who offered herbs, an energy worker who used the art of touch and loving kindness, and

a gong therapist who played while I immersed myself in the surrounding vibrations. This didn’t happen overnight.

Find who works for you; be willing to accept their expertise, while listening to your own inner guidance.

2. Listen to calming music, or meditate. Taking time to pause is the true lesson for us all. We must slow down

and quiet our minds so that magic can take over.

3. Write about hopes, dreams, desires and resentments. Be honest about your relationships. I realized how

complacent I had become, needing to return to the joy of life’s offering.

4. Evaluate responsibilities and allow others to share the load. I felt exhausted doing what others could do for

themselves. I now ask myself the simple question, “Whose

job is this, anyway?” If it’s not mine, I move on.

My new lease on life begins nourishing my soul. Writing is one

act that falls into this category and I humbly share my story here.

What feeds your soul? Pausing well before menopause may help

you discover exactly what you need to live with optimal health

and well-being.

www.mindfulbeginnings.com

lisa@mindfulbeginnings.com

When friends need soup

Someone has a baby.   Another person breaks her leg, finding herself confined to her home for months.  The neighbor down the street is on the couch with the flu.  What this means to me is a call to action for "love soup."

What is love soup?

Did anyone ever see the movie "Like Water for Chocolate?" where any creation made turns into a magical feast of yummy?  That's the idea I have in mind each time I make my love soup.

I know that it works, because people ask for the recipe and I'm not sure how to answer, because the ingredients change from time to time.

The only constancy that rings true is the idea that when I think of the person I'm offering the soup to, I stir all of the ingredients, and send love to him/her.  It also might help that I use Maidya Mishra's ayurvedic herbs, such as Moringa Leaf Soup Mix, Soma Salt and SVA Mum's Super Spice.  All of those products are imbedded with herbs that heal the body and soul.  Even my kids "drink" this soup up, and they're not always fond of my "healthy" meals.

What should you do the next time you feel called to make a creation for someone you love?  Take out your crock pot (or go buy one).  Throw in Bob's Red Mill Soup Mix, or dried black, pinto or kidney beans (or all of the above).  Add in butternut squash, garlic, onion, carrots and any other vegetable that you have waiting to be part of this loving creation.  Add in the herbs and wait.

Each time I make the love soup, it turns out differently.  Isn't that what life is about anyway?  We have a plan going in, and sometimes the plan works.  Other times, the plan works better than our wildest dreams could ever imagine.

I hope that the soup will help the new mom find the time to snuggle her little even more.  I hope that my friend with the broken leg gets to relax and find peace instead of worrying what to serve her family for dinner.  I hope my neighbor down the street heals soon enough to join us outside for our sun-filled days.

I hope you'll spread the idea of cooking with love and share it with your world.

Blessings,

Lisa

P.S.  To order the ayurvedic herbs, go to www.chandika.com
++I have no affiliation with this company.

Making hearts and honoring love for others.

Cut out a bunch of hearts and for the month of February write something on one of them sharing what you are grateful for (and for me it'll be about someone in the family and a particular attribute or behavior I am honoring in that moment).  Post it in the house to have a magical February!  Repeat this activity daily.

I heart this and will commit to doing it.

I imagine writing on a heart, "Thank you for walking the dog."  I may write, "I love watching you play basketball."  And, the oldie, but goodie is to see the words, "I believe in you."

If you care to partake, let me know how it goes!  I'm certain that by doing this activity, we'll all feel the love that's always there for the taking... even more!!!

She thought she could so she did

"She believed she could, so she did."


Who's ready to fly?  We all can, especially if we believe we can.  January is a time to take stock and believe in ourselves.  It's a time to believe that we can, just like the little train that could.

My hope for you in this new year is that you stretch yourself, literally and figuratively.  Be kind to yourself.  Be kind to those around you.  Go for a walk when your body tells you running is too much. Sip some tea and sense how the steam feels as it enters your mouth and you begin to swallow the savory, blended herbal concoction.  Say please.  Say thank you.  Say no thank you, because you know it will hurt those around you if you do offer a note of thanks.

Laugh.  Cry.  Take out a piece of paper and doodle.  Doodle some more.  Doodle until you believe that doodle can turn into a piece of art to be hung on your bathroom mirror.  Hang it up so that it represents the life inside you that's screaming to come out and have a chance to introduce itself to the world.

Fall.  Get up and start over, and then start over again.  Write down your dreams.  Put shaving creme on the kitchen floor and "skate" barefoot.  Fill your bathtub with water and color the water with food coloring.  Put floating candles and create your own oasis of crazy.

Take chances.

Take risks.

I've done all of the above activities and I can honestly say I'm the better for it.  They may feel like they hurt, but the secret is -none of them do.

Happy New Year to all, and to all a good day.... a good night.... and a good flight!

See you in the sky!

Lisa

A team approach to a cesarean birth should include a doula's presence

Yes, there’s a new baby in the world!   I’m usually very quiet when it comes to sharing about my doula services because I want to ensure privacy for my clients.  I’m not going to post details regarding a most recent birth that I attended, but about the health care team in general.   This recent birth had all involved working as a team when their was a (much needed) cesarean delivery on the horizon.  As a doula, I was invited to be part of this team and  I’m grateful that the obstetrician from Cedar Sinai Medical Center acknowledged the relationship I had with my client and consented to my being in the operating room (OR).  I know that Cedars doesn’t generally allow for such.

My question is WHY NOT?

When a doula is in the operating room it’s  ”win-win” for all involved:  1)  the mom, because she has continual emotional support to mitigate any anxiety 2) the health care team so that they can focus on the tasks that they have been skilled and trained to do, without worrying about any kind of emergent situation ensuing 3) the baby, who enters the world in a more peaceful way.

From their coaches that lend an encouraging word, to trainers stretching and nutritionists hydrating, athletes delivering babies shouldn’t miss out on the team approach to birthing, even win it comes to a cesarean birth.  Generally, women do not want to feel alone at this critical juncture, and research shows that feelings of isolation can lead to problems with postpartum depression in mom, which ultimately sets up a disconnect in bonding with her baby.

My post today is a plea to all hospitals:  please allow doulas in the operating room.  As long as they are aware of their place in the team, the “winning run” can be scored; the “prize” is the baby.  Let’s ALL be part of that home run.

An iPhone Holiday?

Growing up, I remember my father would tell us to stop watching the "boob tube".   Can anyone else relate to this comment?  Television was supposed to be the demise of our society.  On a radio show, someone recently asked what  happened to the "good 'ole days", where families would sit around  watching television together.  What was once the judgement of yesteryear, some are now craving the simplicity of once was.

Will this be the experience of today's generation when it comes to technology use?  Everywhere we turn, there are opportunities to be plugged in, and just when we think we have a handle on what's happening, there's new technology waiting right around the corner.

National Public Radio (NPR) published an Apple generated story about a near 14 year old boy that appears to be disconnected from his family as they are celebrating the Holidays.   I won't spoil the "ending" since the clip is shared at the end of this post.  What I'm sure we all can ascertain is television, iPhones, iPads, personal computers and all other technology yet to be discovered, are here to stay.  This is how the vast majority of today's teens choose to connect (and stay connected) in the world.

When my oldest was a toddler, he loved Superman.  He would dress in a cape laden with red, blue and yellow and run around the house jumping from couch to couch.  Instead of missing out on what consumed most of his day, I bought a large book all about this super hero.  There we were, reading all about him.  Superman swoops down from a building just in time to save the world.  Superman defends himself from numerous rockets.  Superman even flies into the sunrise.  And there I was, watching the engrossed eyes of my son, as he soaked in every word.   By connecting with him without judgement, the love between us flowed even more.

Yes, there can be limits in our homes around technology use.  I've made a conscious decision to refrain from use when our family is all together in the evening.  What's missing is the opportunity to join and learn from the younger generation; how they think and interact with technology may build some forms of intimacy and connection that are not in our scope of practice.   Today I will use the experience of Superman and apply it to my children's thirst for technology.  I promise not to yell, "Get off the boob tube, or iPod!" and first see how I can join them in their world of wonder.

Maybe, if I'm lucky, our family will create our own version of an iPhone Holiday.

Wish me luck.

Fighting, yelling, arguing in siblings leads to intimacy

I believe that if I could go back in time, the YouTube clip I'm sharing below would have been a glimpse into my childhood.  This mom, Katie Crank, sings praises and craziness for raising her 4 sons.  Being the oldest in a family with 4 brothers, I saw lots of fighting, heard lots of yelling.  The one thing that has wrung true throughout those days of the past, and now as a mom to two sons:  this is contact.  This is a way of connecting, and without it there are no opportunities for intimacy.

Wouldn't it be nice if, years earlier,  one of my brothers would have walked up to the other and said, "Hi, I missed you today.  I'd like to play some catch of the football with you."  That's usually not how it went down.  Instead, there was the almighty throw of the brown leathered ball, without the receiver knowing it was coming, and sometimes hitting him smack in the head or stomach.  The result?  A big 'ole "Mmmmoooooommmm!!!!" And there my mother would step in, trying to discern how to foster a sense of safety amongst her children, without losing her own cool.

Yikes!

This has been my world for the last 10+ years.  When I'm in a "good" place, I can recognize that with the mere throw of the football lies an opportunity for communication and an understanding into what my children's needs are in that moment.  Generally, it is a desire to connect.  It's not the way I imagine connection, but it is their way.  With this awareness comes a conscious shift in my own energy, which results in a sense of peace returning to my life, especially amidst the chaos.

Today, I celebrate all parents who find themselves resonating with what this mom sums up best at the end of her video clip:  the fighting can (and does) lead to intimacy, and that love will ALWAYS prevail.