It’s our last week of summer and I’m beside myself. How in the world did the last 3 months fly by and how is it even possible that a new school year is starting? My heart is overwhelmed at the idea of having two 5th graders in the house and navigating all the new and different that will come with it.

And when I get overwhelmed like this, I get overly nostalgic and really ramp up my rear-view thinking. Reminiscing about when times were slower, quieter, less filled in with nightly practices, homework projects, and weekends stuffed to the brim. And this type of thinking is no help at all.

When I spend my anxious energy looking for what was or has been, I don’t see what’s sitting right in front of me. I don’t see the opportunities for connection. I certainly miss the possibilities for new and sweet interactions and I most definitely shut myself out to what’s happening right in front of me.

And I don’t think I’m the only one that does this.

When we’re stressed and overwhelmed we usually do the opposite of what’s helpful in our relationships. We tend to turn away or hide away from those that matter the most.

And as hard as change can be in love, it’s also inevitable in life. Things will look different, situations will change, and most definitely the dynamics in your relationship will shift over time.

But that doesn’t mean there’s not always an opportunity for more.

More love.
More hope.
More connection.
More fun.
More memories.
More time with each other.

And that is my encouragement to you this week…

Look for the opportunities.

Put away the rearview mirror of what has or was and instead look right into this moment for the opportunity to connect. And then soak it all in.

I know that’s what I’m going to be practicing these next few weeks as I move through overwhelm and more fully into connection.

I’m cheering for us.

-A

P.S. If you’re unsure on how to shift your vantage point or how to turn back towards each other, please reach out. That’s what I’m here for!