Salt

I saw this poster on Pinterest a few weeks ago.  I thought it was such a great quote.  Maybe when I get "crafty" I can find a way to display it in our house somewhere.

As I was running on the treadmill this morning, I remembered these words.  Sweat was pouring into my eyes (despite my overpriced Lulu headband) but suddenly I felt so much better about EVERYTHING!  The kids were stashed away in the on-site daycare (best $9 I ever spent!) and I was alone, running, with some great tunes pumping through my ear buds and not a care in the world.  For me, a good "sweat" makes me human.  It puts all my life in perspective.  It makes me a happier mother, wife and human being.  I feel the catharsis of "sweating" out my stress.  It just makes me feel whole. And salty!

Recently we took a family vacation to the ocean.  Since my early childhood, I have been drawn to the ocean.  I love the smell of the sea.  I love the feel of soft sand under my toes and the pull of the surf as I jump into the waves.  When I was growing up my parents brought us to the beach as often as they could manage.  Now it is my turn to make these seaside memories with my family.   Toting a family of 5 to the ocean is no small feat (right Mom?) but once the stress of the long car ride is behind us, the bags are unpacked and the kids are turned loose on the beach, nothing else matters.  The kids got along better.  We were more relaxed and present.  For us, the shore gifted us with some respite from a busy life (for a few days).  Great memories were made which we will cherish forever.

And now back to the daily grind.  Summer days are long.  Trying to keep the munchkins happy every day is no easy task.  Sometimes it gets ugly.  In those moments, I try to take a deep, calming breath.  I remember the beach.  I think of the ocean.  It doesn't always work.  Sometimes there are tears (usually belonging to the kids and occasionally they are mine).  In the end though, we work it out.  Sweat.  Tears.  The sea.   Saltwater is a cure for just about anything!