A Springtime Reminder

I once heard a seasoned mom say, “If the walls are closing in on you, take the walls away.” 

Go outside!

A few notes on the outdoors and motherhood:

In the early years of motherhood with a house full of little boys, getting outside not only felt sanity-saving, but it ended up creating some of my best memories. And bonus, it formed nature lovers. This family rhythm is still going strong, whether it's the backyard, the neighborhood pond, or a daily walk. 

(Additionally, all the time in nature directly guided my art and writing, even creating the theme for my next children’s book. Don’t ever believe that focused motherhood for a season has to detract from other dreams and goals in their right timing. I have found it has clarified my vision and focus all the more). 

Each of our children spent hundreds of hours in the stroller walking the neighborhood in the early morning. We talked about the trees and birds and stray cats and clouds. Wow. Can you believe God is so creative? Isn’t this incredible? (Or strange!)

In addition to walks, there were visits to every park, hiking trail, and nature preserve I could locate. Still are.

When times were tight, it was free entertainment.

When we were working hard to minimize stuff inside, it was a stuff-free pastime. 

Nowadays, there are inspiring and informative websites and podcasts like 1000 Hours Outside that will have you running outdoors before the end of the episode!

It was always my goal and preference not to allow screens to steal those precious bonding and learning moments in the strollers, aside from music and the occasional children’s audio book. We offer our kids a gift when we teach them to look around and notice. 

Of utmost importance: Nature excursions with children will always result in found treasures! We’ve kept a few special dishes or trays permanently out in the house to display these wonders. After 15 years, our tiny exhibits are still showcasing new finds all the time.