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A gentle assignment
January delivered a beautiful day today. Yesterday was rainy and chilly and gloomy; this morning is blue skies and mild temperatures, full of false spring teases. So I did what many a New Englander does on rare days like these: I went on a walk. Glorious vitamin D therapy! Fresh air in my lungs!
On the way home I passed a mom on the bridge, one child in the jogging stroller and one dawdling behind her. The stroller baby was asleep and the dawdler was poking at sticks and peering over the bridge at the water and squatting to examine bits of something-or-other. The mom was relaxed and watching, crouching sometimes to examine right along her son.*
As I trudged up the hill and left the trio behind, I regretted not crossing the street and telling her how awesome she is + how lucky that boy is to have someone who lets him set the pace now and then + how she's making the world a better place a little at a time, every single day.
Shoot. I think I'm going to regret that all day.
So my gentle assignment to myself (and you, should you choose to accept!) is to catch a mom who's doing a good job and tell her. Write a note, pipe up in the grocery store, leave a wide smile and a compliment.
We all can use a little feedback + cheer now and then, right?
{Let me know how it goes + I'll do the same.}
. . .
*Ah, I miss having a three-year-old dawdler, although I'm not sure I appreciated as much as I should have at the time. I should channel that child wonder pace in my life now and then. Stop and look. Marvel and wonder.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Reader Comments (11)
Challenge accepted.
What a great idea. I always love when people tell us how good our kids have behaved after long flights where we have spent the entire time creating new ways to entertain and shushing them mercilessly. I always try to return the favor when I am traveling alone and I see mothers with small children. I will now move my focus from inside airplanes to the general world around.
What a great idea! I find myself wanting to tell young moms to "enjoy this wonderful time" but I remember how I felt when 45 year old ladies said that to me. Instead, I will tell them how darling their children are and compliment their mothering.
How about if I accept to dawdle and praise (because I really, always need to be reminded myself)?
I can't think of anything else that would brighten my day than to get a compliment like that. This is a great reminder for me to do it, too!
LOVE this. I accept.
(thank you)
I will try. I find myself the person hurrying by thanking my lucky stars that my kids don't dawdle like a three-year-old anymore. I need to be better. I was once that mom. What a difference it would have made to hear such praise. Love you.
Annie - great post. You are amazing! I can't wait to catch some moms doing a great job. PS - I LOVE the stair rail on the photo. Is this a stock photo or from a house you are personally familiar with?
I catch you today.
Mothering and nurturing each one of us who read your post!
My best,
Whitney
I'm so thrilled to find your blog! And to realize that I've read your "Letters to a Parent" blog before but didn't know you! I did complete my assignment today...thanks for the great idea and encouragement.
Thanks for the challenge... what a fun thing to think about and do.