My middle child (perhaps not by coincidence) is my sensitive one. She’s my child who I have to check in with – emotionally – daily to make sure she is doing alright. I can’t say that I blame her – having to deal with a rambunctious little brother and a tyrant (ahem, I mean tween) for an older sister is enough to make anyone lose their marbles. One of the things that really bums her out is when a really fun experience comes to an end. Whether it’s a vacation or a party or a special visitor leaving the house, I’ve learned to look out for her lip tremble and quiet exit to her room – it’s my clue that she’s trying to process the sad feelings that wash over her when the fun stops.
I’ve taken to saying the following – that I made up just for her: “Don’t be sad that the experience is over – be happy that you got to experience it in the first place.” It doesn’t always work, of course, but my hope is to shift her perspective to not dwell on the sadness, but to relish in the memories of the happiness.
It’s easier said than done, sure, and a lesson for adults and children alike. But if you’ve got a Mama whose blog name is “Life IS the Party” then you’ve got to expect an optimistic outlook on the day-to-day!
I’m hoping that this little note of encouragement will stick with her and eventually help her to see the glass as half-full, and make an impact on her perspective. Speaking of making an impact, I’d love to hear what quotes or advice you give your children to improve their worlds. Leave me a comment on this post and you’ll have some pretty amazing karma headed your way! Want to know why? You’ll be a part of the month-long Blogust movement birthed by the UN’s Shot@Life campaign.
Blogust is a month-long digital dialogue, bringing more than 45 of the most beloved online writers, photo and video bloggers and Shot@Life Champions together to help change the world through their words and imagery. Make an impact. Join the conversation. Each day we will bring you an inspirational quote. Every time you comment on, like or share the Blogust posts, Project Perpetual will help provide a vaccine for children around the world who need them most.
I had the honor of participating in the inaugural Blogust in 2012 and played a role in providing 10,000 children with vaccines to prevent diarrhea, pneumonia, polio and measles. How you ask? By being part of an amazing team of bloggers that generated 10,000 comments!
The Shot@Life team has hosted Blogust each year since and this year you have the chance to make a difference once again. Every comment, share or like of the Blogust posts = one vaccine for a child in need. Over 37,701 vaccines have been donated via Blogust ’15 – and the month has only just begun!
Every time you comment on this post and other Blogust contributors’ posts, or take action using the social media by liking, commenting or sharing my Instagram and Facebook posts, Shot@Life and the United Nations Foundation pages, one vaccine will be donated to a child around the world (up to 50,000).
And when August is over, don’t be sad. Remember to be happy that we had the opportunity to experience Blogust together and to make an impact on so many lives.
Learn all about Blogust HERE.
Stacey, thank you for being part of Blogust 2015!! I love your quote – what a wonderful suggestion for a more positive outlook on life.
When I used to drop off our kids and their friends at school, I would alternate saying, “Do your best!” Or “Make our family proud!” Our daughter Heather, 2nd child, was also bummed when the fun ended. But she has always worked hard at school, became valedictorian, now has a Ph.D. in biomedical science–cancer research, and will start post-doc research in drug-resistant TB! So our encouragement can make a difference in our children’s lives! TFS!
~Diane Glasgow
Shot@Life Champion Leader
and GFWC Cookeville Jr. Woman’s Club International Outreach Chair in TN
Love your quote! and I know we are lucky to have the experiences to keep the memories alive.
Stacey, how beautiful! I love your post, and the reminder that we get to enjoy this experience together for a long time to come!
Love this. Being happy and grateful is so important; and such a great lesson your instilling in her! 🙂
Thanks for sharing your “glass is half-full” optimistic outlook … so good for the soul! And thanks for supporting Blogust 2015 & SHOT@LIFE’s campaign!
You spread so much happiness in the world!
Thanks for participating Shot@Life’s Blogust…and for the encouraging quote.
Love the “glass is half full” approach to life. Can’t say I remember a saying I used regularly with my kids. But I do know that they and their children are caring, loving individuals who want to help others. So I guess I did something right.
#Blogust , Experience & encouragement to better world & happiness ,addressed blogust’14 as Happy and Healthy Firsts , address http://ashish-shrivastava.place.xyz/post/55c33d2f51cadd84698b4586/mdg-4-infographic
Great quote, thanks for sharing!
Stacey, your middle child and mine sound a lot alike. Thank you for the kind reminder to check in with her emotionally. So happy to be part of Blogust with you!
HAPPY BLOGUST!! I feel like I am getting to know some of my favorite people so much better simply by these awesome quotes.
Thank you. Happy blogust!
Thank you. Happy #Blogust
I tell my sensitive one who is afraid of failing and trying new things, “How do you know that you can’t if you don’t try. Maybe you’re the next sensation?” that and, “Even had to practice before he/she got good at it.
I completely agree: always be happy for the experience. Love how you always make the time to help others!
So true!! Love this reminder!
Beautiful—as always! Thanks for always lifting your voice and doing good in this world.
Thanks for sharing!!
Happy happy happy #Blogust! Yay for vaccines for children! <3
It’s a good quote to remember when you lose someone.