March 1, which seemed SO far away when I first set this retreat up, is fast approaching. This is the date I'd originally set for the $50 "hold your spot" payment. If you haven't yet paid this (and, only two people have so far), please send in your moola asap. You can send me a cheque, use the Paypal link at the side, stop me on the street (well, those of you who are local, anyway!).
If you won't be coming, please let me know that as well so I can open your spot up. But - please come!!!! It won't be the same without you - yes, I'm talking to you! :-)
If you need me to send a form to you, email me at tmkisil at gmail.com
Cheers,
Teresa
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
The Power of "Away"
This weekend, four families that all share a common bond of adoption, got together for a winter getaway. It was so, so powerful for all involved. At one point, I overheard a couple of my kids talking to another child about adoption in the same tone as they might ask "So, what's your favourite toy?". It was as if we re-wrote the definition of 'normal' for just a couple of days.
As parents, we had the opportunity to just watch our children interact with others without having to worry about explaining their offbeat behaviours. We got to see other parents and how they handle things. We shared meals as families, and as one large group as well.
I can't overstate how empowering it was for me personally to just be away and to just feel normal. It seems like it has been months since I felt that way; maybe since the last time we all went camping together last summer.
My husband and I came back refreshed and ready to tackle the next parenting challenge, whatever it may be. It felt so amazing to know that we are not alone. There are days, weeks, and even months when we have felt just that way. Weekends like this (and hopefully the May retreat) reinforce the connection and chase away that isolated feeling.
As parents, we had the opportunity to just watch our children interact with others without having to worry about explaining their offbeat behaviours. We got to see other parents and how they handle things. We shared meals as families, and as one large group as well.
I can't overstate how empowering it was for me personally to just be away and to just feel normal. It seems like it has been months since I felt that way; maybe since the last time we all went camping together last summer.
My husband and I came back refreshed and ready to tackle the next parenting challenge, whatever it may be. It felt so amazing to know that we are not alone. There are days, weeks, and even months when we have felt just that way. Weekends like this (and hopefully the May retreat) reinforce the connection and chase away that isolated feeling.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Make that three...
Here's a chance for you and two of your friends to come as a group! One of our moms has had to back out, so we have three spaces available.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Two - count 'em - two!
We are down to just TWO spaces left in the original house for our Moms Away weekend! I think that is absolutely awesome. Two is also the number of people who have sent in their deposits, so please let this act as a gentle reminder about that as well.
Cheers!
Cheers!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Courage
“Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow.” ~ Mary Ann Radmacher
Many of you moms and dads are amongst the courageous; those who get up day after day - tired, but not beaten. My hat is off to all of you. You are making a difference to a child (or 2 or 12 or 40) by just trying and trying and trying again. Even if it looks like failure and feels like failure; there is success in the very attempt.
I sometimes forget to give myself a break; my own expectations for myself as a mother get in the way of my reality. That often causes me grief and stress, and no little amount of guilt. Yet, when I can step back and just breathe for a moment, I can see that, although not perfect, I am just brave enough to say, "I'll try again tomorrow."
The days that are toughest are the ones that I just can't say that. I don't know about you, but those are the ones that eat away at my own belief in myself and my parenting.
So, here's to you, me, and all of us and to that quiet strength that whispers, "Okay, one more day."
Teresa
Many of you moms and dads are amongst the courageous; those who get up day after day - tired, but not beaten. My hat is off to all of you. You are making a difference to a child (or 2 or 12 or 40) by just trying and trying and trying again. Even if it looks like failure and feels like failure; there is success in the very attempt.
I sometimes forget to give myself a break; my own expectations for myself as a mother get in the way of my reality. That often causes me grief and stress, and no little amount of guilt. Yet, when I can step back and just breathe for a moment, I can see that, although not perfect, I am just brave enough to say, "I'll try again tomorrow."
The days that are toughest are the ones that I just can't say that. I don't know about you, but those are the ones that eat away at my own belief in myself and my parenting.
So, here's to you, me, and all of us and to that quiet strength that whispers, "Okay, one more day."
Teresa
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)