Decisions, Decisions Decisions: How Do We Decide To Thrive?
The one thing I know for sure about being a parent is that we are faced with an endless stream of decisions. And for possibly the first time in our lives, we’re faced with making some really important decisions on someone else’s behalf.
That feels like kind of a big deal.
Combined in this perfect storm is the fact that none of us parents really know what the heck we’re doing and we’re all just figuring it out as we go along. We’re all just doing the very best we can (often on not nearly enough sleep!).
Never has it felt more important to make the “right” decisions and never have we felt more unsure and ill equipped.
Add into the mix the fact that consumer marketing loves to prey on this goldmine of parental love and insecurity with the latest product and gadget that will for sure guarantee that your precious child will grow up healthy, happy and successful. Let alone the endless, sometimes well-meaning and often conflicting, barrage of unsolicited advice on how to do this parenting thing right.
It can be overwhelming to say the least.
We forget that all our children really need is us. We forget that the simple solution is usually the one that serves us all in the grander scheme of things.
After more than a decade of being a parent and supporting hundreds of parents through green and healthy choices for their families, and more deeply supporting moms to create lives we truly love and that are truly aligned with what we value….There are a few things I know for sure:
Simplicity tends to be part or all of the solution.
Going outside to play tends to supply the answer to life’s greatest questions.
The other is this:
Developing the capacity to make the decisions that are right for YOU and your family is the most important parenting skill you’ll ever master. (Heck it’s the most important skill for anyone living a thriving life and to teach your children how to live their own thriving lives.)
All the while knowing that what’s right for someone else isn’t necessarily what’s right for you… AND (this is equally if not more important) knowing that what’s right for you isn’t necessarily what’s right for your friend or that other mama in the park. And knowing THAT is where we can come together and not only survive but to thrive in our parenting journey.
Simple stuff then right?
As always, mastering any skill takes practice. The best part about the parenting journey is that it serves up ENDLESS opportunities to practice choosing what is going to support you and your family to thrive. At least a thousand times a day.
Perfection isn’t the goal. Perfection doesn’t exist in the human experience so aiming for it is a sure way to drive yourself crazy (for realz).
Let’s remember that we’re in this together and welcome every decision as an opportunity to practice being ourselves and an opportunity to learn and be open. If we do that, we’re going to be just fine. It takes a village not only to raise a child but to thrive deeply in our lives.
You’ve got this.
Big Love to each and every one of you as you decide to thrive.
About the Author:
Tanis Frame is a science geek, a thrive-catalyst and a mama to two fierce young girls who both inspire her and drive her nuts on a daily basis. She is also the powerhouse behind the Decide to Thrive Revolution supporting women to create the thriving lives they truly yearn for, especially while raising the next generation. With a background in environmental health she’s also passionate about creating green and healthy spaces where we and our little ones can flourish. She’s got your back. Find her at www.tanisframe.com
