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Home » Play Ideas » My Nature Journal

It's a Climb

Dear Moms-Who-Worry-They-Are-Not-Doing-Enough:

I know you look around and see:

  • sporty families doing sports,
  • artsy families with kids in dance, theater or music,
  • the pressures of test-based schooling and homework.

You worry that you are not doing enough.  You feel alone or lonely, because all that stuff is just overwhelming to you.

You feel there is no one who understands your plight -- as an old-fashioned holdout for simplicity and a slowed down life -- in this very fast-paced world.

You know that you know what's best for your family, though. And for yourself. You know it involves sacrifices in friendships and making tough choices when it comes to how to schedule (or un-schedule) your time.

It's a climb.  But, you wanna know something? Climbing is fun!  It's hard, too. It's a challenge set in the form of a big old oak tree. It's you and the tree and all the time in the world to get to that branch. On the way, you'll feel the scrape of bark and feel cradled in the footholds and hand cracks. You will feel. In your muscles, in your mind. And after you reach that first branch, you'll gradually climb higher. The view will be clear and beautiful and BIG.

Bigger than standing on the ground.

So climb trees, take your Saturdays off, play with your kids, blow bubbles, go for hikes, swim in the ocean, dig in the sand, and enjoy life at your own perfect pace.

Have fun, play often!

Love and big hugs,
Me

 

More My Nature Journal

  • Sharing My Mother's Mom-isms in Celebration of Mother's Day
  • Noguchi Gardens (California Scenario) in Costa Mesa
  • Practice 2 Simple Parenting Strategies and Never "Entertain" Your Young Kids Again
  • 10 Ways to Find New Places to Play

About Michele Whiteaker

Writer mom and nature guide promoting play and empowering families to prioritize outside time since 2008. Park information gathered through my personal experiences and provided as a FREE community resource to millions of Orange County families over the past 17 years via blog and social media. Subscribe to my FREE weekly email inspiring you with park tips and play ideas.

"The Park Lady"

My name is Michele Whiteaker and I'd love for you to think of me as your personal Play Concierge. When I used to search online for family-friendly activities, nothing quite fit my playful outdoor interests or tight budget.

More about me

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