Samantha Tennant: Mirror, Mirror

I have a new Fitbit.  I call it my “Fitbutt”. 

Why, you ask? Because that’s my motivational name for it.

Fit butt.  It’s what I want.

Every time I  back up to the mirror and look over my shoulder, I keep waiting for the appearance of my 18 year old backside.

I miss it. I want it back.

I’m 48 years old, I’ve worked hard, I deserve this one, little thing.

Or so I tell myself.

But, who am I fooling?  I walk 10,000 steps, day after day, checking the thumb-sized tracker in my pocket, pushing for that perfection.  

10,000 steps to perfection…. Sounds like a self-help book.

And while my little fitness friend has helped motivate me, I need to remember that I am being watched by someone  far more important… my teenage girls.

To see a mom who is motivated to exercise, who marches around the kitchen laughing and counting steps at the end of the day is one thing.  Seeing and hearing her complain about a perfectly heathy body is something else entirely.

One is good, one is not.

I do not want to make them unhappy maniacs. I do not want them to back up to the mirror with self-loathing. I do not want them to waste the joys of this life obsessing over what was, or trying to be someone they are not.

What has my step counter done for me? It has made me painfully aware that I am being watched, studied and imitated. Do I need my 18 yr old body to be my legacy to the young women I am raising?

No.

I want to pass on health, joy, acceptance, faith, compassion, love and laughter.

I want to reflect all of that, every day,

for they are my mirror.

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You can learn more about Samantha and follow her on Facebook 

Heather Powers: Daughters

 If I had to name one thing I am most grateful for in this lifetime it is my two beautiful daughters.

I didn't really know the meaning of love until I held them in my arms.

The world is a better place just for having them in it.

Being a mother is the definition of unconditional love.  There is nothing they could say or do to make me love them less.  My love is a constant.  A completely encompassing emotion that knows no bounds.

I love them when they are horrible and they are teenage girls, so that can be hourly.

I love them when they are lazy.

I love them when they sass back to me.

I love them when they disobey.

I love them when they are defiant.

I love them when they argue with me.

I love them when they fall apart and need me.

I love them when they are fire and rage.

I love them when they are negative.

I love them when I don't understand them.

I love them when we don't agree.

I love them when they say they hate me.  I know they never mean it.

I love them when I catch them doing something selfless.

I love them when they hug me in the morning.

I love them when we laugh about old memories.

I love them when we share an inside joke.

I love them when they silly.

I love them when they are kind.

I love them when they thank me.

I love them when they share their problems with me.

I love them when they work hard.

I love them when they reach for their dreams.

I love them when they share their joys.

I love them when they seek my advice.

I love them when they remind me of my husband.

I love them when they seem like they are from another planet.

I love them. Always.

Ups and downs, good times and bad, sweet or complicated, they are amazing humans and I am so thankful to be the one who gets to help shape them into the adults that they will soon become. Having teenagers is the hardest job I've ever had, but I don't want a minute of it to go by quicker, our time together before they head off into the world is short. Good days and bad days alike I cherish our time together.  This year has been a difficult one, but through it all our love has held us together and been the wings that helped us rise above some of the hardest challenges.

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You can learn more about Heather at her blog Humblebeads