80 and Awesome

Today my Mom celebrates her 80th birthday.

She is a great being. She lives alone, supports herself, and maintains a healthy and active lifestyle. She stocks her fridge with healthy ingredients, isn’t afraid to try that new recipe she carefully cut from Zoomer magazine, and always keeps the treat house fully stocked with goodies just in case. She has a great bunch of friends that she sips wine with, is an active participant of two book clubs, and attends women’s lunches and dinners, often times on her own. She walks to wherever she can, and if she can’t, she will park her car blocks away. We often tease her about this, but there is a method to her madness. She doesn’t have to deal with parallel parking, or parking fees, only has to make right hand turns, and besides, she doesn’t mind the extra few steps. Her zest for life never ceases to amaze me.

Our celebration today, a family brunch at The Elmhurst Inn, was perfect. Mom put on her fancy clothes for the occasion, she always looks so put together. She had her hair done perfectly, wore her special leaf necklace, and made sure she was picture perfect. Her cheeks were extra red, especially after enjoying her birthday martini, and her smile bright. She definitely deserves to be honoured in grandiose fashion, especially on this milestone birthday, and although today’s celebration was a small, intimate one, I could tell it made her 80th birthday complete.

My mom is the sweetest, most genuine, human I know. She has an extraordinarily warm and accepting heart, and those who know her would agree. She welcomes everyone into her home with a smile, and the offer of a bowl of ice cream. She is non-judgmental, and always looks at the positives. If you looked up “integrity” in the dictionary, my mom’s face would probably appear. Her sense of fairness and of always doing the right thing is one of her strongest attributes. She is always so full of love and so keen to make everyone around her as happy as possible. My middle son, Jacob, said to me today, “Today was awesome Mom. I love Grandma. I don’t think she is capable of being anything less than 90% sweet.”

A lot of people say that I am so much like my Mom. When I was a teenager, I would have cringed at that statement. I was my own person. I was rebellious. I wasn’t like my Mom. Now that I am older, I take that statement as a compliment. How lucky I would be if I could be even half of who my Mom is.

She is true example of commitment and loyalty. When my Dad became sick with cancer, she cared for him physically and mentally, staying by his side until he passed. What an incredibly stressful time that must have been for her. I know inside she must have been falling apart, but on the outside it never showed. She was so strong through it all. That was 15 years ago. The last thing my Dad said to me before he passed was “Take care of your Mom for me.” I promised to do just that.

Mom, today, on your 80th birthday, I promise to listen to you and be patient. (That comes easy. I get that from you). I promise to respect you. I promise to help you tackle any challenges that come your way. I promise to take care of you.

Thank you for being you, and for loving me through thick and thin. You truly a remarkable and special person, and I don’t just say that because you’re my mother!

Happy 80th! I love you!

Thanks for reading the weekly seed.

Laura

12. Welcome Spring

Today, March 20, 2022, is the first day of Spring in the Northern hemisphere. Regardless of what the weather is doing outside, Spring officially begins with the arrival of the Vernal Equinox. This occurs when the sun's rays cross directly over the Earth's equator and provide nearly equal periods of day and night. The word vernal means Spring, and the word equinox derives from the Latin "aequus" (equal) and "nox" (night). From this point forward the days get longer and warmer. The earth awakens from its hibernation, the black and white of winter transforms into high definition colour. We open the windows wide. The warmish air circulates through the stuffy winter home, leaving it downy fresh. Seed are planted in anticipation of what will grow. The birds are stuck on the soundtrack of Spring, the squirrels chatter, children laugh as they ride their bikes up and down the street. Ahhh… Spring is here.

On Shady Lane, home of Little Acorn Life Coaching, the signs of Spring are everywhere. The geese have returned to our backyard looking for that perfect nesting place. Turkey vultures wait patiently high in the tree tops, ready to prey on the first sign of eggs. The daffodils are starting to poke out of the ground, and the little bits of snow that were on the ground just last week have all but disappeared. While cleaning up the yard I found a squirrel nest. Four babies squealed loudly as I unknowingly disturbed them. There is new life on Shady Lane.

Spring is all about new beginnings and transformations. It is a season that symbolizes rebirth and growth. After months of cold temperatures that often result in many of us feeling the Winter blues, Spring re-awakens us. It’s like we can take a deep breath again. There is a Spring in our step. We have the urge to make plans and start new projects. Our creative juices flow, and we are motivated to get outdoors. It’s also time to do a little spring cleaning. Yes, you can deep clean your house, and organize your closets Maria Kondo style, but it goes deeper than that. On an emotional level, getting rid of what is no longer serving you, will transform you from that little acorn, sprouting new life, to that Mighty Oak you are dreaming of.

The change of season is the perfect time for some self-reflection. Let go of what no longer serves you, and do a little Spring cleaning. To get you thinking, ask yourself these questions.

1. What do you need to let go of? This could be a thought or limiting belief, a goal, a relationship or something smaller. Only you know…

2. What do you need to just get done? Schedule some time, ask for help, and get to it. You will feel so good once it’s completed.

3. What is something you could introduce into your life that would make a positive change in you? Think of something you could do on a daily basis. Exercise? Read a book? Perhaps a new hobby?

4. What are 3 things you want to accomplish this Spring? Write them down and take action.

It is Spring. It could snow again. Yes, I said snow; it is only March. But for now I am going to live in the moment, that is Springtime.

Thanks for reading the weekly seed.

Laura

11. What Are You Looking Forward To?

Today I worked hard on my Nut Hut renovations. I am so happy with the progress I am making. It is truly starting to come together. I have spent the last few weekends mudding, taping and sanding. I have also spent way too much time on Facebook marketplace looking for treasures to make my dream space a reality. This little project (which has turned into quite a big undertaking) has given me something to look forward to. It has given me purpose, and the drive to work hard to see it to completion.

Studies show that having something to look forward to can make your life a much happier one. Simply hoping and dreaming can wear you down, but having something tangible secured for the future will lift you up. In fact, actively imagining, and anticipating that future occurrence can be as exciting as the event itself. It doesn’t have to be big and definitely should not be limited to one thing. The positive mindset and happiness you obtain from a coffee date with a friend, can be just as fulfilling as planning that big vacation to the sunny south.

A good friend and co-worker of mine is indeed planning a trip South. We talked the other day about the joy it has brought her. The planning, the packing, the shopping for that new cute sundress, the thought of sand between her toes, the simple anticipation of her trip, still weeks away, has her smiling each and every day. What’s amazing is that her smile has a ripple effect. Her happiness sends positive energy to those around her, without her even realizing it.

Imagine if you could continue that ripple. Use a calendar to highlight upcoming events. Carve out some time and schedule in something that makes you happy. The uncertainty of the past two years has definitely had an impact on those “something’s to look forward to.” It has been difficult to make concrete plans; vacations were cancelled, businesses were closed, and the unknown future put us into survival mode. Now is the time to arrange that dinner with your partner, go to the Aquarium or museum with the kids, buy tickets for that concert, research campgrounds for your summer vacation, or hop on a plane and dip your toes in the ocean.

Don’t forget to enjoy the event itself. When that planned something finally arrives, allow yourself to enjoy it. Put down your phone, think about why you anticipated this event, make some memories, and be mindful of the pleasures it gives you. In the aftermath, don’t be sad that the event is over, take that joy and satisfaction to start planning your next something to look forward to.

I envision my completed little hideaway often; from the welcoming, warm colours, to the unique chair I came to acquire from marketplace, to the cute little macrame plant hangers I am going to make. I see myself surrounded by all things that make me happy, my yoga mat, craft supplies, books, and my favourite fuzzy blanket. Oh, and pillows; lots and lots of throw pillows. When I open the doors of The Nut Hut to Little Acorn Life Coaching clients, The door will also open to many more somethings to look forward to.

Having something to look forward to can truly change the way you move through your day. Take a moment and ask yourself… what are you looking forward to?

Thanks for reading the Weekly Seed.

Laura