Category: Self Care

Vanquishing Nightmares

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

My eight year old son was recently plagued by a recurring nightmare.  This nightmare disrupted our sleep and exacerbated his already slow moving, groggy mornings.  Being no stranger to sleeplessness due to middle of the night awake sessions, I turned to a handful of tricks to try to ease his night fears.  Interestingly, some of the kid-friendly nightmare vanquishing tips have actually helped me with my own overthinking. Parenting has an amusing way of ensuring I am learning as much as I am teaching.

Healing, Hormones, and Emotions

On 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. 

The Little Things: Holiday Edition

On 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?”

Throwback: Be Three

On 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.