Beginning of something great
Good morning. Today, let’s dig into a beginner’s mindset. No matter how much you know about something, there’s always more to explore.
Saying you are a beginner gives you the courage to show up.
- You aren’t expecting perfection.
- It’s ok to make mistakes.
- You’re open to new ways of doing and thinking.
Allow yourself to feel like a novice. To feel the uncertainty. But also to let the creativity, learning, and growth make a home in your mind.
Today’s table has a game for tonight, a 30-day reset starting whenever you’re ready, and a reminder that laughter is free medicine. Let’s get to it.
First, perfectionism says game night needs a theme. It doesn’t. Here’s proof:
This free left-right story game works any time of year — no holiday needed
Someone’s going to end up passing the gift to the wrong person, and everyone will lose it. (300+ families have played this month! – it’s a popular one!)
TABLE WISDOM
“Stop and take your time to notice things and make those things you notice matter.”
— Cecelia Ahern
You don’t need to wait until January, until the kids are older, until things calm down.
The 30-day reset starts whenever you start it. Including today.
This isn’t just bubble baths and face masks. These are doable recharge ideas for anyone who has approximately 12 minutes to themselves.
STORIES FROM THE TABLE
The other day, I came across a family picture where everyone was posed beautifully. Every single kid (in matching outfits) was smiling. Plus, the mom was uber fit, professionally done up, AND her huge custom house was spotless.
It was a great photo, but I was struck by how incredibly flawless it was.
And I started thinking…”heck, she probably has a healthy gourmet meal cooking, her kids never scream bloody murder over toys, she’s on fire at work, and she throws glamorous parties in her spare time.”
My life will never be this put together. Does that mean I’m failing?
NO!
And that’s the kind of dangerous thinking I’m dang tired of.
Because somehow we’ve set unattainable standards for ourselves. Our worth shouldn’t be determined by doing it all perfectly. So, why do we compare ourselves to these photos online?
(This is backed by science. The Journal of Child and Family Studies shows that this comparison trap frequently causes higher parental stress and lower self-esteem)
But when we try to be the perfect mom, we end up sucking the joy out of life – which is now one big “should do” list to keep up with the other “supermoms” out there.
The hamster wheel never ends. And darn it, you deserve better. Rest and recovery are not your enemy. And “doing it all” doesn’t make you a better mom. It just makes you an exhausted one.
That’s why we’re using systems that make mom life easier, encourage you to take better care of yourself, and help you connect with your kids without the fluff.
Because in the end, these are the things that support a happier, healthier, and more impactful you.
Not being flawless at everything.
Today and every day, I want you to know it’s okay to NOT be perfect. You are enough {{ subscriber.first_name }}. I see you. I know how hard you work.
And you’re incredible just as you are.
Sometimes the best thing for an exhausted parent is an hour of ridiculous laughter with her kids.
These free games are exactly that →
Lori says, “I have downloaded several of these games from your site. We have had so much fun with all of them and your creativity!”
Perfectionism also says you should already know the answer. You don’t, and that’s the fun part.
Appetizers for the Mind: These Tasty Riddles Will Keep You All Guessing
Warning: #2 sounds easy and absolutely isn’t.
SOMETHING TO CHEW ON
Which animal is the only animal that can’t jump?
Most adults get this wrong. You’ve definitely seen this animal at the zoo and never once thought about this. — The answer is #22 on this page.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Are you giving yourself grace lately for mistakes, flaws, and just plain hard things?
TABLE TALK
You ever take a nap so good that you thought you missed the school bus.
But it’s Sunday…and you’re 40.
Thank you for sitting at the table with us. I hope you enjoyed today’s edition. If you have anything at all you’d like to share, ask, or say, just hit reply. I’d love to hear from you.
I appreciate you,
Jenn Kropf
Founder of Healthy Happy Impactful