I want to remember…

I’ve really been into podcasts lately and last week I shared a few of my favorites. But, I have a new favorite on my list: Grace Talks|Inspiration & Encouragement for Women by Edie Wadsworth (her blog is Life in Grace). Because podcasts are strictly audio I’m inspired in a totally deeper way, especially compared to reading a blog post (with photos). This has been a huge welcomed change for me, mostly because it’s so easy to hitch a ride on the Jealous Train when online.

Something I didn’t expect to happen as a podcast listener is for me to change so much as an individual.

I usually listen to podcasts during naptime a few days each week. They’re a really wonderful way for something new to spark inside me, especially if I need a perspective-change. Being at home with two babies is one of the most difficult tasks I’ve ever had, probably because I love our children so much and want the best for them. It takes a lot of intentionality and consistency to raise children well. So, podcasts have quickly become my naptime BFF.

I want to remember this chapter of life I’m in. Like all past chapters, it’s fleeting; it won’t last long, and I’ll often remember it as easier than when in the thick of it. My current chapter of life is one where affirmation for myself as a parent will come to me in the future. My current chapter is one where I get to live out the awesomeness of parenthood. My current chapter is one where I get to nurture, feed, and encourage my children on a daily basis.

For Christmas 2014 I received a red leather journal and it’s one of my favorite gifts. (I’ve gotten smarter as I’ve gotten older, and any gift that helps me refine who I am or better serve my family/friends is what I wish for.) Within this journal I write down my prayers, ideas and daily musings. But I’ve also been taking notes on the podcasts I listen to.

In Edie’s first podcast, A Life of Calling, she describes our calling as “that thing I do when I daydream”, which is such an interesting perspective. How many times do we daydream about X but actually spend our lives doing Y?

It used to be such a struggle for me that I hit pause on my handmade businesses so I could focus on my family — but after I spent some time reflecting on what Edie shared I now think differently.

Isn’t what I daydreamed about exactly what I’m doing with my life? Taking care of my babies, creating things (remember when I shared how I used to paint rocks with nail polish as a kiddo?), and my best friend is my super handsome husband. So what that I’m not designing new product or sewing ruffles. OF COURSE I miss that chapter of my life, but I don’t see it as fully closed. Besides, I’ve happily accepted that creating can happen in the kitchen, in the nursery or in our neighborhood. A bonus, for sure.

I have many struggles and one of them is (has been? could this really be behind me?) wondering what my purpose is. I often thought I had to continue with my handmade shops in order to feel like a creative person, when really I’m still living a creative life I’m just also surrounded by my children.

I want to remember these times as great times. And the next time I need to be inspired in a deeper way you betcha I’m going to find myself a podcast to listen to, because I know I’ll need to be and I know there’s one out there ;)

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