So, how ARE you?
It’s a loaded question, isn't it?
That’s fine. It’s okay. You don’t need to answer me.
Because I know things may not feel fine and okay.
Today, some friends walked by our house and stopped to chat (from the other end of lawn).
My kids were eating ice cream. Friends asked if they earned it or it was “just because”.
Today the answer was - just because.
Because I’m choosing to say yes more often.
You want a piece of gum? Yes. You want ice cream for lunch? Yes. (Don’t worry we had real lunch later in the day). You want to help me bake? Yes. You want to sleep in a tent in the playroom? Yes. You want to dance in the rain? Definitely.
Because we’ve had to say no to many other things.
March 8, 2020. Just a week before school closed.
May 3, 2020.
No, you can’t play with your friends.
No, you won't get to finish the school year in school.
No, we can’t go to the park. Parks are closed.
No, you can’t come to the store with me. Children aren’t allowed into the store.
When they (we) have had so much uncertainty in their lives right now, when they’re feeling insecure, unsafe and unsure about everything, the least I can do is say yes (or at least try to).
And you know what, it preserves my energy for saying no to the things that I really can’t negotiate on. Like sharing my chocolate.