I never intended to be a stay-at-home mom, but that is how things worked out. With my husband, I raised two loving, creative, and lively boys who struggled with dyslexia and ADHD. Somehow we successfully got them through the most difficult parts of their learning disabilities, through middle school and high school, and off to college. Then we entered a new phase of life with its own challenges: caregiving for parents, helping our sons navigate life on their own (well, mostly on their own), and trying to figure out who and what we are now that the game of life has shifted again. While I’m curious to find out who I am now that I am not full-time mom, I am also overwhelmed by how quickly this life has gone. How did I get to my mid-50s already?
A while back my friend, Rochelle, recommended The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle to me. That book presented me with an alternate way to view my reality. I try harder these days to remember that all I have is now. I aspire to find my highest self. And while I nearly never glimpse my higher self when I’m stuck in traffic while running errands, the knowledge of its possible existence is never far away. Someday maybe I will embrace a wholehearted love for myself and my fellow people. Someday maybe I won’t care how wrinkled I am or notice how the dog-hair bunnies populate the surface of my wood floors. Someday maybe I will truly know peace. Maybe. Or maybe I’ll die trying. But, at least I will have tried and that’s something, right?
My name is Justine. These are my stories.
Live Now and Zen 
I read parts of that book, The Power of Now. I’m afraid I abandoned it mid-way through : ) No matter how we look at it, life is a journey. I don’t think we decide the course as hard as we try.
Othe great books are Ask and It’s Given by Ester Hicks. A brilliant read. Also to tickle your tastebuds and get you inspired and connected to.writing try The Artist’s Way by Julia Canfield. Hope you enjoy. Keep up with the writing.
dingdongitsmrwrong.WordPress.com 🙂
Love that last line. You’re very funny, did you know that —
I nominated you for the ‘One Lovely Blogger’ Award! http://hslaterblog.wordpress.com/2012/09/06/the-one-lovely-blogger-award/
I was a stay at home mom for 12 years and then found myself to be a single mom of 3 for the past 2 1/2 years… This really is not fun!!!
But we will make it!
You are a gift to your children. I’m inspired by your fortitude. I’m sure it’s incredibly difficult, but you sure do seem to be handling it all with as much grace as possible. Thanks for sharing your story!
Hi! I have nominated YOU for the Liebster Award. As said there, “I am nominating people with whom I have had very insightful and educational discussions with, who care about their followers and whose sites I really enjoy visiting…if you’ve done this already and do not wish to participate anymore, kindly give us a link to your Liebster Award page — I really do want to read your answers! If you can’t answer because it does not follow your blog’s strict format, or you simply just don’t want to, no biggies, we understand.”
I just want you to know I appreciate you and your blog. You can find your award here: Rock, Liebster!
So honored that you would think of me, friend! I received this award awhile back and posted about it then. Here’s the link to it: https://livenowandzen.com/2013/01/23/an-award-for-me/
Thank you so much for nominating me. I appreciate your thoughtful comments on my posts. You always give me something to think about. 🙂
See? More people think your blog is very much worthy of the award! You’re doing well with your blog so please keep at it. I do like reading your posts and I’m glad you are writing again.
hi, justine. i love your story. and i loved that book. thanks for the follow, looking forward to reading your words too ) beth
Thanks, Beth. Have been going through your posts. Really enjoying them. Thanks! 🙂
Congratulations! You’ve been nominated for the Sunshine Blogger Award!
Click the link below for details.
http://wp.me/p1o8Lz-gT
As a long-time follower, I must say your blog is often a ray of sunshine!
Best regards,
Paz
Thanks for being honest, and courageous. You’re a good one ❤
Justine:
Thank you for the kind note. I miss the blog community tremendously, and I’m readying for a return!
I’m enjoying your post-a-day! You are my inspiration!
Blog on, Butterfly!
All my best,
Scott
Glad to know all is well and you are reading for a return, Scott. 🙂
It’s so important to remember that all we have is now. I think as we get older, and we notice time speeding up, we treasure the present moment more!