Day four... Take time to reflect.

I am fortunate enough to teach second and third graders for my day job. I am blessed to have three wonderful children of my own. I look forward to spending time with them more than anything. We travel, explore and live life together. Each one of them has their special quirks and interests that make them the most interesting people that I know.

However, (You knew that was coming, right?)... However, ***everyone needs a break. I often caught myself coming home to my kids and picking up where I had left off with my students. Same rules, same lessons, same tired frustrations. I noticed that this was leading me to be easily agitated with my own kiddos. Some things needed to change.

First thing I did, heaven help me, was to switch to decaf. coffee. Though the withdrawals were a kick in the head, fourteen months ago I stopped caffeine as my drug of choice. I was getting so much done in a day, but by the time I finally got around to time with my family I was exhausted. I started getting better sleep and focused more on my time management instead of extending my awake time.

Secondly, I started making certain to have a transition time every day before I picked up the kiddos. Just a simple cup of coffee (decaf.) or taking the time to take a walk on the Appalachian Trail before switching from Mr. Donahue to Dad made a huge difference. Taking a jog lets me clear my head and focus on how I can be a better father. Sitting in a chair, with a book of poetry, seems like spoiling myself. A father of three shouldn't have that spare time, I'm sure of it. But I found that taking that 20 minutes of me time has made a world of difference.

With that said... Dads, let me tell you that I don't play golf. I don't go out with the guys. I don't watch sports (except when my kids are playing), in fact I rarely watch any television. I'm allergic to alcohol (a blog in itself). Find your personal time where you like it to be. Find what works for you. The time in my day is spent focusing on my job, my kids, building my relationship with my wife and working with the countless number of advisory councils of which I am a member. I thoroughly enjoy making social connections and teaming up with others to make interesting things happen.

But once a day, I pretend that there is nothing else around and I ponder.

I take time to appreciate the world around me and I think about how lucky I have it.

This song by John R. Williamson often strums in my head during this time. To learn more about Mr. Williamson, check out his myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/johnrwilliamsonandthecestlavies.

***Well, everyone but moms of course.

Moms certainly deserve breaks too, they just never get to take them. Thanks to my amazing, tireless wife, Ashley! :) Come on, Dads! Make certain that your wife gets this time, as well. And never forget, raising your children is not baby-sitting!

Link of the day...

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy http://www.appalachiantrail.org/

Quote of the day...

"I have no riches but my thoughts. Yet these are wealth enough for me."
Sara Teasdale

Bible verse of the day...

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Phillipians 4:8