One of the really special things about spending one-on-one time with one's children is the opportunity it provides for making connections, setting examples, and talking about the important things in life that often get dismissed during the more hectic times. I suppose that is why I like being here in Ottawa with Maya even though I miss the rest of the family and feel unsettled when we are scattered across the country.
A few days ago we were talking about the value of setting goals for oneself. They don't always have to be magnificent goals that may never be attainable, though that is OK. Some goals can be more modest and serve as a way to pull yourself along and as each milestone is reached just look ahead to the next. We discussed the importance of staying focused on the goal(s) one sets, keeping your head down and continually moving forward, keeping your "eye on the prize". I think you get the idea.
So for example, one goal we set was to find as much money on the ground as possible. It started with just a penny on the sidewalk by Cherry Berry in Mitchell, SD. We immediately looked around the entire parking lot and I found another penny. I was so happy to find that second penny to demonstrate to Maya that with effort one really can achieve their goals. And today if found a quarter (yes really!) by the bike rack and ANOTHER penny on my ride back to campus! I can't wait to tell Maya. She will learn a lot from this life-lesson.
FYI, I've blurred the faces a bit to protect privacy.
