Sometimes I just sit and watch my son do the funniest stuff, but beyond my amusement there are little bits of hidden inspiration in there too that I feel like I can learn from.
Lesson #1- When you can’t fall asleep, talk to God, The Universe or whatever you’d like to call it.
Just recently, when I started putting my son down for his first nap of the day, he would look up at his Mobile in his crib and babble away. Granted, he made no sense to me, but he made sense to him enough to release the tension associated with him falling asleep. For about 10 minutes he expresses himself to his hanging elephants and giraffes likely telling them how much he’s not interested in this thing called sleep, but knows it’s necessary. Some days, it’s hard to fall asleep. When that happens, look up and let it out. Eventually, you will.
Did I mention tension?
Lesson #2 – Find a Way to Release Tension before Falling Asleep
Some babies actually need to do this in order to fall asleep. What that looks like for my son…red face, kicking, and saying “awoyah woyah“ over and over until he finally gives into it. Together, we’re figuring out how to get past this but until then I realize this is no different than when we as adults just don’t want to fall asleep due to excitement about something, perhaps anxiety or just not feeling tired enough. In these cases get active, get up, move around until you’re ready to fall asleep and lay down drowsy.
Lesson #3 – If You Are Sad, Let Your Person Know
Nobody is a mind reader and my son has mastered the adorable sad face with that cute pursed outfit bottom lip. Sometimes we can be too hard for no reason, not giving anyone an opportunity to show up for us emotionally because we don’t express ourselves. Suffice to say, show your bottom lip, be a little expressive. Not only is it cute, yes even from adult to adult in loving relationships, but more importantly letting someone know how you’re feeling is the first step to action. More importantly, be timely about it. Babies don’t overthink, they just do. Adults have the ability to think but far too often we over-utilize our brain to express the most simple of emotions.
Lesson #4 – Don’t Hold it In
Many grown folk whether they discuss openly or not, will hold in their very natural bodily functions out of fear or judgment or just being polite. You can still be polite and discreet, but please do make it happen. Your stomach will thank you.
Lesson #5 – Observe More
We are endlessly learning. Naturally we become overly active and begin to overlook even the smallest things. Babies are always observing and discerning of new faces, new people, new energy because well everything is new to them. Yes this takes up energy as an adult, but the older I get the more I appreciate slowing down to observe more as to not overlook something pretty darn important. Becoming more of an observer or witness to our everyday environment and what new or old energy we welcome into our lives serves us well.
Lesson #6 – Just Be
There’s a moment after feeding my son that we just have to sit and do nothing so that his tummy will settle. His dad and I have experienced plenty spit ups right after feeding due to getting right back to play. However, we’ve learned how important it is to just take it slow and easy once in a while, not just to savor your meals or settle your tummy, but to just relax and chill. Not always being go go go, not constantly doing something and being able to relax without distraction goes a long way in becoming present and feeling good. One thing I love about being a mom is it has made me give pause to life and made me slow down. I don’t have endless energy as I used to, energy preservation is real. He gives me an excuse and reason to stop running around all the time, and if I do, making it worth it. Yes sometimes you just need to get out, I have been there, but as time goes on and I watch him, I have appreciated finding contentedness in doing nothing. He has made me slow down and I am happy with that.
This list can go on and on. Our kids are great teachers and everyday I look forward to continuing to love and learn together.
