Last week we discussed how creativity benefits all of us, regardless of the particular roles we fill. We also examined 6 mental blocks and habits that stifle creativity. Today we are going to consider 6 strategies that can help us foster creativity when we’re feeling stuck. Hopefully these strategies will help us come up with new ideas … [Read more...] about 6 Things that Foster Creativity
Reflecting on Life
Why Minivans are Really Cool Vehicles
A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I reached a new milestone in our lives as parents: We purchased a minivan. Many couples shudder at the thought of driving a minivan. In fact, just a couple of days before we purchased our van, I saw this bumper sticker on a minivan parked in the grocery store parking lot. I’ll concede that they … [Read more...] about Why Minivans are Really Cool Vehicles
6 Things that Stifle Creativity
We tend to associate creativity with certain people or roles. For example, artists and musicians need creativity for their work. However, we don’t often consider how creativity benefits the rest of us. I’m a stay-at-home mom, yet creativity is incredibly beneficial in my work. When I’m creative, I’m better able to plan menus, better … [Read more...] about 6 Things that Stifle Creativity
Why I Don’t Care if I Have a Gender Balanced Family
My husband and I have two wonderful girls. We’re expecting a third child. We don’t yet know if this baby is a girl or boy, but since we first started sharing about the pregnancy, we’ve been hearing questions and comments like these: “Trying for a boy, huh?” “Maybe you’ll finally get a boy.” “You must really want a boy.” “Surely … [Read more...] about Why I Don’t Care if I Have a Gender Balanced Family
5 Ways Timers Can Help You be Productive
I often feel like I’m short on time—there just doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day to get everything done! However, when I stand back and look at the things I need to accomplish and the time I have available, I can see clearly that most days my problem is not having too much to do, but not using the time I have effectively. Over … [Read more...] about 5 Ways Timers Can Help You be Productive
How We Should Respond to Phrases with Racist Connotations
Many of us use a variety of terms and phrases each day without giving thought to their origins. It can come as quite a shock to learn that some of these are rooted in racism! Consider the term “gyp” or “gypped,” for instance. I heard this term on occasion when I was growing up. It is widely used as a way to say “cheated.” I used it … [Read more...] about How We Should Respond to Phrases with Racist Connotations
18 Children’s Books that Feature Multiracial Families
Last fall, as Thanksgiving neared, I was reading to my children numerous books on the topic of giving thanks. I was pleasantly surprised when we opened one of these books and saw that it featured a mixed-race family. Up until that point, I had seen very few children’s books that feature families like mine (a black parent and a white … [Read more...] about 18 Children’s Books that Feature Multiracial Families
Waiting at Christmas
Have you ever noticed that Christmas is all about waiting? I know things like presents, family, festivities, and the birth of Jesus generally come to mind when we think of Christmas. However, waiting is a much more accurate theme. We wait for Christmas in many little ways. Children wait all year to open the presents under the tree. … [Read more...] about Waiting at Christmas
