Stomach Tight. Jaw Clenched...

As a parent, bedtime can sometimes be the most stressful part of the day. Mostly because the feeling of running out of time sits heavy on our shoulders. Running out of time to finish work, to tick off our to do list, to wash the dishes, to get ready for the next day.
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Then you get that shout from the top of the stairs. “Mum, can you come here?!” “Have you brushed your teeth yet?” “No, but can you come here?”
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I start at the bottom of the stairs, my stomach tight, my jaw clenched, the lack of time weighing me down, usually with a soggy dish towel in my hand. Then, I take a deep breath and slowly and purposely climb the steps. I use my stair time to transform. To become the mother I want to be by the time I reach the top of the stairs. You see, over the years my staircase has become my trigger to switch into the present moment. By the time I get to Nell I am ready to listen and I’ve noticed how precious these moments have become. Moments of wonder. I’ve climbed those stairs to be shown the moon, to notice a shadow, to blow on a dancing cobweb, to wiggle a loose tooth, to rescue a spider, to count her bruises, to gaze at a new freckle. Precious moments of wonder from my daughter that is growing up so very, very fast.
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I am grateful for my staircase, thankful for those few seconds it gives me to tune into what’s really important - time with my daughter.
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We have all felt the pain of not having enough time. I believe the trick is to find a way to catapult yourself to the present rather than worrying about the future. Sitting with wonder in the simplest of moments.

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Thank you for being here. Sending love and kindness.

Laura x