Growing.

Summer. 

It's a time for growth. We see flowers, fruits, vegetables and grasses growing quickly when there is plenty of rain, sun and warmth. And then before we know it, plants start to brown, wither and fall to the earth. It becomes time for the soil to settle into its own, taking pause before the next growing season. 

There is so much about our seasons and time on this earth that comes to mind as I reflect on pregnancy and the parenting journey. This is just where we are, right now. Our challenges won't be our forever. There is beauty in each phase we enter. 


Whether you're growing a baby, helping your baby or child(ren) to grow strong or reflecting back on those times, feel the beauty in what happens when the right growing elements are present. When we have what we need, we grow; sometimes it's just a matter of figuring out just what it is that we NEED. And we have to be aware that these needs change. 

Take the time to consider those needs and what you may need to do to support those very needs. 

• Do you need to have a certain number of hours of rest to function well? To cope well through stressful times? To live the life you want? Maybe reaching that number means you don't get out of bed with your newborn until you've had a certain number of shut-eye. Maybe this is not possible? Consider what you may need to alter in your daily routine to add more sleep- less computer time, asking someone to help with the tasks that are keeping you from that afternoon nap, prioritizing your need for rest over the need to wash the dishes. 
• Do you feel renewed when you spend time in nature? Does the sun, wind, change of seasons bring you a sense of relaxation, renewal or peace? Think about how you can incorporate nature into your daily life. If you can't get out of the house, perhaps you can keep your house light-filled, lamps turned off, windows open. Houseplants, fresh cut flowers, or pictures of your favorite nature scenes may bring the outside in. Even sitting and talking about a favorite spot in nature with your child, describing the smells and sounds may be helpful when you feel like getting out of the house is not going to happen today. 
• Eating and drinking consumes our time, resources and energy. It's a must for all of us, and we're generally in charge of what we put in our bodies. So much of how we feel can be tied back to what we're eating and drinking. Do you eat whole foods much of the time? Stay hydrated? Do you purchase foods and drinks that will support your health? Do you find a balance between convenience and a healthy selection of the foods our bodies need? How can you improve this? 
• SUPPORT! Those tomato plants will topple over without the right structural support. Pea plants will thrive if they have a trellis to climb. Keeping plants spaced appropriately as to avoid overcrowding will yield more fruits and help prevent the plant from succumbing to disease and rot. Where is your support? Do you have it in place, just in case you should need to access it? Or do you find you're anxiously and hectically reaching for something after you've already started to feel lost, overwhelmed or needing more support? 

Today is the day to assess your needs and tap into your innate wisdom. You're not alone, there is support and you probably already know what you need. Now is the day to say it aloud and own it.