I’m so excited to introduce a new blog series, “5 Things I’m Loving Right Now!” My hope is to release one post each month, centered on five things I’ve fallen in love with. The topics will vary; from motherhood to kid-friendly toys, to upcoming events, and other topics that mesh with our lifestyle. If you have something you’re loving right now, share it with us in the comments below for a chance to be featured!
STONEYFIELD INITIATIVE FOR #PLAYFREE FIELDS
Since Jaxon started T-ball this season, we’ve spent the better part of each week at the baseball fields. According to Stoneyfield’s website, over 26 million kids play sports each year and 65% of the fields they play on are treated with harmful pesticides. To be honest, I hadn’t thought about any dangers that could be on the field until I ran across this initiative by happenstance. Since last summer, Stoneyfield has made it their mission to make every playing field and public park organic by stopping the use of commercial pesticides. Visit their website for more info on what you can do to support this initiative! There’s even an interactive map indicating which cities have already started making positive changes.
SET BOUNDARIES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA
Okay, I’m obsessed with the iPhone’s “Screen Time” page and new app limits. Truth be told, I hate social media. I think having a business has made me hate it. As a small business owner, there are so many algorithms and “games” we have to play to get noticed. It just seems like a never-ending battle. Oftentimes, I would find myself just aimlessly scrolling, also probably due to how bored I was while breastfeeding. Nonetheless, it became distracting and non-productive. Since setting my app limits, I’ve noticed my screen time has dropped drastically AND I find myself being more productive for work. I highly recommend setting limits for yourself. To do so on an iPhone; go to settings, then down to “screen time” and from there you can see your daily screen time, schedule downtime or set app limits.
I’m not sure how to do this with other phones, so if you have this option on your phone, please comment below so others can see!
Although I’ve set major limits on social media, I did download a new app last month called “Happy Not Perfect.” As someone that struggles with anxiety and often feeling overwhelmed, I decided that it couldn’t hurt to try something new. The app does cost money, but the platform is filled with lovely imagery and videos, and I have not seen one ad since starting. It’s no secret I love to write and this app has helped me to get my thoughts out instead of nesting inside, causing more anxiety.
It’s so easy to use! I choose the Happiness Workout each morning. First, you choose your mood, then there’s a breathing exercise and you can select how long you want it to go for. Next, there’s usually a game or puzzle or something that’s fun and helps to reset my mind. After that are a few places where you can write down your thoughts based on what “mood” you are in; why you feel this way, what you are grateful for, how would you help a friend that was feeling this same way. I know it sounds kind of silly but it has very much helped me reset and focus my intentions for the day. Next is a guided meditation - you choose how long!
I’m thoroughly enjoying this app and look forward to it each day. It has helped me focus on any negative energy and replace it with positive. And it’s set to calming music in the background. Put your headphones in and try it free for 7 days.
Affirmation statements are scientifically proven to help reprogram and rewire negative thoughts in the brain and reaffirm positive and helpful thoughts to build confidence in life.
Last week we launched The Renegade Mama’s daily affirmation card decks in our shop. They include four different types; pregnancy and birthing, postpartum support, women’s empowerment, and affirmation for kids. As soon as I received these decks in my office, we started using them here at the house. Every morning, Jaxon and I sit down and pick our respective cards; I go between the postpartum and women’s deck and he chooses from the kid’s affirmations. Since starting this practice, I’ve noticed a great improvement in both our moods throughout the day. We both actually look forward to choosing our cards the next day. Shop all four sets in our shop here.
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK (MAY 6TH THROUGH 10TH)
If you have school-aged children, you know how important our educators are. This year we made the decision to start Jaxon in a formal pre-school/ Kinder prep school. Before starting in this program, I had a lot of difficulties getting Jaxon to focus on drawing, art, reading, and writing. He just wanted to play outside with trucks and build stuff… nothing wrong with that! But I felt like I wasn’t giving him a well-rounded education and was scared for him to start Kindergarten. Since joining this program in January, he has flourished. He now sneaks paper from my office printer and works on “activities” voluntarily, making us cards and drawings. I am forever grateful to his three teachers for all they have done!
I had been brainstorming ideas for gifts or ways to show his teachers how much we appreciate them. Luckily, the school emailed us last week with some pointers, so I’m sharing them with you! Your school may do the same thing, so definitely check that out if they’re already doing a daily theme. No matter what, any acts of kindness or gifts you can bestow on our educators will surely be very appreciated.
MONDAY: You make us BLOOM (give a gift or drawing with a flower)
TUESDAY: You are NOTEWORTHY (write a note to your teacher explaining how she has impacted your child’s life)
WEDNESDAY: SUPPLY them with thanks (pick up any supplies that your teacher is running low on in class)
THURSDAY: My Teacher’s a TREAT (gift a treat)
FRIDAY: Thanks are in the CARDS (gift a gift card)
I am so excited to treat our teachers this year, and excited for him to start Kinder in the Fall (gulp)! If you are an educator, I want to say THANK YOU for all you do!
That wraps it up for my first ever “5 Things I’m Loving Right Now!” Again, don’t forget to share with us below for a chance to be featured!
Carley