Healing, Hormones, and Emotions

On February 27, 2023February 26, 2023 By theunexpectedeveraftersIn Author: Jessica, Self CareLeave a comment

It has been a long journey, almost five years, to rediscover and readjust to my new body cycles, health rhythms, and emotions. But, my biggest take-away right now is the reminder that emotions are complex, sometimes intense, and that is okay. As I have made my way through February, I have practiced pausing and identifying the emotions I actually feel. Then I gently remind myself to be thankful I can feel again, the good and the bad. Even when it is hard, this process of acquainting myself with the emotions present in all of life’s journey is often worth it.

I am a Writer.

On January 30, 2023January 28, 2023 By theunexpectedeveraftersIn Author: Jessica3 Comments

I am a writer. Sometimes the simplest statements are the most difficult to say, or more accurately the most difficult to believe. Whenever I attempt to label myself a “writer,” I feel the need to qualify the statement. I will say things such as: “I like to write for fun,” “Writing is my hobby,” “I …

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A New Way to New Year

On January 2, 2023December 30, 2022 By theunexpectedeveraftersIn Author: Jessica, Self CareLeave a comment

There have been years where my goals were outlined with a clear understanding of success or failure. I focused on an outcome I wanted to pursue and outlined steps to achieve my goals. Not this year. This year I am choosing a different journey. A journey that reminds me that my year doesn’t need to be full of big changes or big successes.

The Little Things: Holiday Edition

On December 5, 2022December 2, 2022 By theunexpectedeveraftersIn Author: Jessica, Parenting, Self CareLeave a comment

As we enter another holiday season, I’m reminded of the reality that the anticipation of the celebrations and the initial enthusiasm for the traditions can sometimes be derailed by the nuance and contradictions of the season. Excitement can be deflated by stress and unrealistic expectations. The busyness of the holidays can distract from the joy of the season. While navigating this year’s festivities , I took the opportunity to reflect on a past post, “The Little Things”, and to revisit the question of “What is saving your life right now?”

Wrong Side of Sometimes

On November 7, 2022November 2, 2022 By theunexpectedeveraftersIn Author: Jessica, Self Care2 Comments

On my “smash the glass days,” the reminder to create “space” seemed to have an opposite effect: instead of the stress escaping, the space seemed to make room for my anxiety with a reminder that “the world is a terrible place.”

Kindergarten – There She Goes

On October 10, 2022October 9, 2022 By theunexpectedeveraftersIn Author: Jessica, Parenting2 Comments

Although the ongoing changes of the past few months have created a season of upheaval for my family, there is something about this transition to Kindergarten that feels so final, even more permanent than a change in address or employment. It is something that we cannot turn back from. The school years have begun.

Memories and Musings: A Change in Career

On September 12, 2022September 16, 2022 By theunexpectedeveraftersIn Author: Jessica, Jobs1 Comment

Even through the difficult days, I know that meeting students where they were at, caring for them as they were, encouraging them to be themselves, all of it mattered. It is the students I will miss the most.

Waves of Change

On August 16, 2022 By theunexpectedeveraftersIn Author: Jessica, Family, Parenting3 Comments

That even in the midst of endings there is still the hope and excitement that accompanies beginnings. At times the changes have felt a lot like leaving a portion of my heart, with the memories attached, to specific buildings, schools, jobs. But, isn’t that part of life? That we leave a little footprint behind on all of the places we go. And yet, there always seems to be enough left to begin again.

Throwback: Unexpected Moments of Unrestricted Joy

On July 18, 2022July 17, 2022 By theunexpectedeveraftersIn Author: Jessica, Parenting, Self CareLeave a comment

So now I watch for them, my little unexpected moments of joy where my face hurts from so much smiling and the mess-free glitter flies around me. I no longer take them for granted. The ordinary moment that is filled with joyful power no longer gets left as ordinary, but I capture it in my mind for rainy day remembering.

Throwback: Be Three

On June 20, 2022 By theunexpectedeveraftersIn Author: Jessica, Parenting, Self CareLeave a comment

Three-year-olds get a bad rap sometimes. Granted, for good reason, they are often dramatic, defiant, loud, and unpredictable. However, as I reflected on some of the traits of my little girl, I started to flip my perspective and consider all the positive aspects of three. I thought of the times that I have watched her in awe and I began to wonder what my life would be like if I took on some of the positive characteristics of my three-year-old daughter.

the unexpected ever afters

Category: Author: Jessica