Can You or Can't You?

 Hello December!

As a musician, farmer, and mother of six, the month of December is filled with concerts, appointments, schedule changes, and lots of busy-ness. It is also a time of great reflection and anticipation of the new year. This month in particular seems to fly by (which reminds me, I need to order a planner for 2022 for my desk at work). Today I'm reflecting on the challenges 2021 brought for our children. One child in particular comes to mind as she started her freshman year of highschool in September. During a recent parent teacher conference, her teacher mentioned "she needs to be kinder and gentler to herself and stop saying she is stupid". I of course agreed, yet how often in my own life have I spoken negatively to myself? I think we all have a tendency to use negative self talk and be incredibly hard on ourselves. 

I mentioned to my daughter that her swimming coach had mentioned something similar in context of her swimming mentality. She would say: "today probably isn't going to be my best day for breast stroke" instead of cheering herself on with positive affirmations and thoughts of setting a new personal record. I've requested my daughter pick up a copy of the audible book I'm currently enjoying titled:  The High Five Habit . We had a great conversation about being our own cheerleaders but how we are blessed with a large family and the opportunity to not only cheer ourselves on, but to cheer on our siblings as well! Connecting with a teenage daughter (at least in my experience) is somewhat hit or miss. We ended the conversation on a high note and went on with our days.

This morning on my way between jobs our youngest was watching the movie Boss Baby in the vehicle while I was driving (and before you gasp ... I had once thought 'I'll never be the mom who lets kids watch a movie in the car - I want to talk to the little angels and not have them engrossed in television'... 6 children later and my parenting approach is much different...gasp and judge away). If you aren't familiar with the movie, it's fine because I haven't actually seen it, but I can hear the audio while driving and something caught my ear as I heard an old Henry Ford quote:

"Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right!"

Once I got the youngest dropped off by my mom and settled in at the office, I sent my freshman daughter a text:

This begs the question - and yes, now I'm talking to you dear reader:

CAN YOU OR CAN'T YOU?

As we approach the new year, where is your thinking going to be? Can you finish that novel? Can you get a publishing deal? Can you make time for self care? Can you commit to being your biggest cheerleader? Can you commit to writing in your journal 5 out of 7 days a week?

Make a list of goals you want to accomplish for 2022 and make sure there are items on there about positive thinking! I'm going to go order that planner before I forget, and your job is to leave a comment with one of the following:

- share your favorite quote that you refer to often in your day to day

- share a book that you think others will benefit from reading in the new year

- share how positive thinking has influenced your life

- share what your current self would say if given an opportunity to chat with a younger version of YOU

Cheers and Hugs Ya'all!

xoxox

Crystal

Today's blogger is Crystal J. Casavant-Otto who is a hot mess of a momma and dairy farmer enjoying her little corner of the cornfield in frigid Wisconsin this winter!