I really like celebrating my kids’ wins with treats. Ice cream, icees, donuts, shaved ice, you name it. It’s so fun to go someplace colorful and bright and loud, brimming with patrons.
Where did that come from? Probably the days when I was a kid…and we went to Carvel or Friendly’s after my dance recitals. It was a thing we did, a place I remembered, a feeling I like sharing with my own kids.
Around these parts, Milky Way Creamery and Pelican Snowballs are our two summertime faves. We can always count on crazy flavors like “cotton candy,” “blue moon” or “tiger’s blood” to remind us why life is so great.
But I’m looking to establish new patterns. Because I know there are more possibilities out there. I know that life is about sharing joy in all kinds of ways.
I want to note here that acknowledging the possibility for change does not discredit the fun of going out, either. I love supporting our local businesses. I love running into friends when our family goes out for ice cream. Our town is just the right size, so we bump into friends regularly at some of these spots. It’s fun! It’s a delight!
When this challenge is over, I know that my budget will always hold space to enjoy our local favorites.
But living in this challenge means creating new opportunities for our family, too. This whole thing is an opportunity to think creatively and find new options—different ways to express joy that don’t involve buying something.
So what am I doing differently?
I’m keeping Popsicles in our freezer.
I’m keeping beautiful, ripe oranges on hand.
I’m offering more opportunities for LM2 to bake things he likes to make for us, like cookies or brownies.
What’s more is that celebration doesn’t have to be about sugary treats.
What if our family created a new dance or handshake to use in these moments of joy? What if we had a favorite song we could all shake our sillies to? What if we took more photos? What if we got into scrapbooking as a way to capture and honor our wins?
This challenge is forcing me to think outside the box, which helps show the kids the benefit of doing so.
Sliced oranges have become a more regular we enjoy on the porch or after dinner. A family walk on our block is another. The kids might bring scooters or skateboards, and Hubs brings a football. Our universe is opening up in exciting new ways, and I can’t wait to see what else we’ll discover in the months ahead.
What about you?! Fill me in! I can’t wait to hear about your experience. I’m sure you’re thinking differently or experiencing life just a little different than before. So, share this process! And as always, Namaste every day, friends!
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4 the Love of Peace 