Category: Family

When it’s Still Tough: The Season After a Challenging Season

On By theunexpectedeveraftersIn Author: Jessica, Family, Parenting, Self Care2 Comments

It seems there is a lot written about navigating the truly tough times of illnesses, injuries, and other challenging moments. However, there is less written about the season that follows the difficult one. There seems to be an unwritten rule that this season should be exclusively full of joy, gratitude, and celebration. And, in a lot of ways, it is! However, when less comfortable emotions, such as anxiety and fear linger at the party, it can feel disappointing. It can also feel lonely. Because, it is really tough to explain that your life is full of good news and gratitude, but you are still feeling a bit terrible.

June Reflections

On By theunexpectedeveraftersIn Author: Jessica, Family, Self Care2 Comments

I enjoyed soaking up the start of summer with some extra time to spend with my family as well as additional time to relax. I found myself reading more, laughing more, and even sleeping more soundly.  In the blink of an eye, the month was over.  As I transitioned into July, I thought about a reflection practice that I learned from a favorite author of mine, Emily P. Freeman. 

Waves of Change

On By theunexpectedeveraftersIn Author: Jessica, Family, Parenting5 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.