Minnesotans like to joke that we have two seasons: winter and road construction. This often means slow driving conditions year-round. Lately, due to my prolonged grief journey, I’ve felt like my life has been wavering between two seasons: sorrow and an elusive sense of normalcy. This has resulted in everything slowing down. Grief is a …
Author: theunexpectedeverafters
Breaking the Trap of Negative Thinking
Recently I lovingly reminded my son, a “small mistake doesn’t change who he is. He is still thoughtful, smart, and kind. Everyone makes mistakes.” I firmly believe this truth. And yet, when the situation is flipped, I struggle to talk to myself in a similar, gentle way. Instead, I find myself ruminating on the could-haves and should-haves. Life is irritating that way.
We Are All Still in Training
Several months ago, I had an opportunity to view a collection of bonsai trees. The phrase “In training” was written on a placard by each tree. At the time, it struck me as odd to consider trees being in training, they’re trees, don’t they just grow? Although bonsai trees do “just grow,” they are also …
Dreaming in the New Year
When I think about it, it makes sense, this goal for both being in the moment and dreaming about the future, because today’s moments are a result of dreams from previous years. And, the dreams I have today will, hopefully, lead to future moments to be thankful for. I wish you all the best as we continue this new year. Happy 2024!
Grace as Breath
There’s a labyrinth not too far from my home that my family enjoys visiting every once in a while. Several months ago, I watched my daughter as she sped along the winding trail while sharing cheerfully that she knew exactly where she was going and that I just needed to follow. As we wound our …
Our Blogging Journey: A Celebration of Four Years (Part 2)
We are excited to continue the celebration of our fourth blogiversary of the Unexpected Ever Afters! As a way to mark this blog milestone, we decided to venture way outside of our comfort zones and record our first video posts! You can find Part One of this two part celebration here. And, we are excited …
Continue reading Our Blogging Journey: A Celebration of Four Years (Part 2)
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas from the Unexpected Ever Afters! As we celebrate with our families, we wanted to share two Christmas posts from past holidays. Enjoy! We will see you back here in the new year. -Wendi and Jessica Jessica: I wrote The Comfort of Christmas in 2020, a Christmas which was full of celebrations that looked …
Our Blogging Journey: A Celebration of Four Years (Part 1)
We are excited to celebrate our fourth blogiversary of the Unexpected Ever Afters! As a way to mark this blog milestone, we decided to venture outside of our comfort zone and record our first video post!
The Little Things: Fall Edition
I have found some peace when I am intentional about changing my mindset to focus on gratitude. As Thanksgiving nears and I continue with this busy fall season, a shift to gratitude seems especially important. I will share some of the things on my current list and encourage you to consider your own list. What is saving your life right now?
Pursuing the Opportunity of Time
I’ve been thinking a lot about time the past few months, especially how I spend my time and if I’m making the most of the time given in each day. Life cycles through seasons of excessive time and never enough time. It seems strange to acknowledge, but too much time, where I wonder how in …
the unexpected ever afters 