A Reminder to Stay Awake

Living an Awakened life is easy. Simple. Piece of cake, right?

Not at all.

It’s so easy to let a stressful situation take hold of our lives and then, soon, that’s all we think about, dream about, worry about.

Waking up isn’t about forgetting those things.

Waking up is about living life to the fullest in spite of those things.

Sure, things still have to get done but so does living, so does those sacred moments that make life more amazing, so does laughing and being silly, so does making memories.

We often need a reminder of this. That’s why I write this blog. That’s why I’m on this mission. I write for you. I write for me.

Intentional, creative parenting doesn’t just happen. It takes work — much like being patient does.

We all need gentle nudges to remind us to remember to stop and enjoy the little things. The hugs. The kisses. The spontaneous game of Frisbee or injuring yourself doing a cartwheel when you have no business doing a cartwheel. It’s about standing in a secret location, watching imaginary play unfold because your child has suddenly become a little self-conscious that she’s being watched and will freeze up when she know’s you’re watching.

This is about making life more beautiful, more meaningful. It’s about adding bling to the everyday routine we find ourselves knee-deep in.

It’s about how good the sheets feel after you change them, about how wonderful a room feels when it’s picked up.

It’s about the smell of the deep, deep woods during a hike. Or, feeling the warmth of holding someone’s hand. Or following a little child’s passionate lead to no where, or rushing to see a big bug you didn’t want to see or feeling cool creek water running through your fingers. Or spontaneous teddy bear picnics in the backyard.

There are moments we want to happen that some of us spend our whole lives planning for.

And then there’s right now, right here — the moments happening between every blink, between every sleep, between every destination, between every Big Moment. Those are the ones I wish to remember, the ones for which I want to to stay awake — Awesomely Awake. Those are the chapters of our lives in full living color.

This week our intention is to simply, wonderfully, magically, fantastically STAY AWAKE for all that unfolds in our lives — with our eyes wide open. Hearts bursting with joy of the perfectness of it all. Minds clear of the clutter.

• If you like this post, please be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter Wake Up, which sends a new and unique intention every Monday to your inbox. Emails are promised to be short but inspiring for you to keep living a mindful, relaxed family life.
• Family life is the ultimate to the Awesomely Awake community. If you need new ideas to do as a family, get your copy of my book The Playful Family, which encourages families to connect and engage through play.
• Finally, I’m teaching my first e-course this October for families. The course is a creative writing course that encourages creative freedom and expression. You will walk away from the class more fearless than ever all while enjoying time as a family — or for just yourself! And, this course is PAY WHAT YOU WANT. Sign up now. Last day to register is Sept. 30.