The Journey is the Gift…..

Over the past several days, a recurring theme has woven it’s way into our lives. Life is truly a journey and that includes pain and joy, grief and celebration, cloudy days and sunny ones.

This is certainly true of life itself. Take the opportunity to share with your children the lessons and emotions surrounding life events. This weekend marks a year since we learned of my mother’s terminal illness, she died a month later. It is also my birthday. So this weekend has been a combination of the pain of losing Gran and honoring the celebration of life.

Children are so intuitive and connected to us emotionally. When the opportunity presents itself in your life, be sure to discuss the ebb and flow of pain and joy in life. Discuss your feelings honestly and encourage your children to express theirs. It is profoundly important to be able to accept and move through painful experiences in a healthy way. These experiences are a natural part of life. This is an important way in which children develop empathy, compassion and coping skills.

Yesterday, in a conversation with the president of a mobile wellness network/company located in western Pennsylvania, she so simply clarified a fundamental truth about life. The cloudy days make the sunny ones even brighter. Share this truth with your kids and remember to be grateful for every day. The journey is the gift….