{"id":6314,"date":"2015-02-23T06:47:41","date_gmt":"2015-02-23T12:47:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/?p=6314"},"modified":"2015-03-09T06:39:58","modified_gmt":"2015-03-09T12:39:58","slug":"whens-the-last-time-life-excited-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/2015\/02\/23\/whens-the-last-time-life-excited-you\/","title":{"rendered":"When’s the Last Time Life Excited You?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"hug<\/a>“With arms outstretched I thank.
\n<\/em>With heart beating gratefully I love.
\n<\/em>With body in health I jump for joy.
\n<\/em>With spirit full I live.”
\n<\/em>~Terri Guillemets<\/em><\/p>\n

I honestly could not remember seeing my child this excited about something in her whole life. She exploded off the school bus gripping the American Heart Association Jump Rope for Heart<\/em> information sheet in her hand and never let it out of her sight. She studied it while eating a snack. She kept it right beside her while she did her homework. She read over it multiple times while I made dinner as if she\u2019d be tested on it.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery $50 we earn can help a child with a heart problem,\u201d she explained to me during a rare glance up from the paper. \u201cIf we earn $5, we get Splatter. He\u2019s the duck with the paint splotches. And I really want to earn Sky Dude. See him, Mama?\u201d Avery pointed to a green duck wearing an orange helmet. \u201cI am going to ask people to sponsor me. Then I am going to practice jumping.\u201d<\/p>\n

My daughter ran off to get started on her plan, nearly forgetting her colorful brochure\u2014but not quite. When she ran back and snatched it up like a rare diamond, the oddest statement came to my head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to get excited about ducks.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

I trudged up to Avery\u2019s room where she was supposed to be picking out a book to read for bedtime. Instead she was studying a small dish filled with colorful rocks. She had the neck of the bendable light shining directly down on her collection. She was investigating each one like a true geologist.<\/p>\n

\"rocks\"
\n<\/a>\u201cDo you think this a piece of chalk or a rock?\u201d she posed with a giggle. I could tell it was a trick question, so I played along.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt sure looks like chalk to me,\u201d I replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cNope! It\u2019s a rock!\u201d Avery then proceeded to tell me how she was going to take a few rocks to school tomorrow to show her teacher and classmates.<\/p>\n

As she described noteworthy qualities about each colorful stone, a thought I\u2019d never had in my life came to me. \u201cI want to get excited about rocks.\u201d<\/p>\n

First it was ducks then it was rocks. I had no idea where this coming from.<\/p>\n

The next morning Avery bounded down the stairs fully dressed and ready for breakfast. She was clutching the Jump Rope for Heart<\/em> paper in one hand and her rock collection in the other. It was 6:35 a.m. and she was smiling the way people do when they are sailing away on a tropical cruise. I found her pre-dawn cheerfulness slightly irritating.<\/p>\n

\u201cListen, Mama,\u201d she instructed looking deliriously happy. \u201cSally, seashell, supper, silver.\u201d<\/p>\n

I looked at her cluelessly. It was much too early for word riddles.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can say my S\u2019s now even with the appliance in my mouth<\/a>!\u201d Avery explained. Then she cheered a hearty \u201cyes!\u201d accompanied by a fist pump. She actually fist pumped and it was still dark outside.<\/p>\n

There I stood in my mismatched pajamas and mismatched socks holding a plate of eggs made the way I always make them thinking, \u201cI want to get excited about S\u2019s too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although it was painful to admit, I couldn\u2019t remember the last time I felt excited \u2026 like bursting-at-the-seams excited \u2026 like wearing-pure-joy-on-my-face excited. Truthfully, I was in a slump. My heart felt like it was only half beating. My view of the world looked colorless. Should I consider medication? Meditation? Vacation? What\u2019s wrong with me? I wondered.<\/p>\n

All day I thought about my lack of excitement, my missing enthusiasm, my going-through-the-motions existence. I\u2019d just started a 21-Day Choose Love Challenge<\/em><\/a>. I\u2019d vowed to choose love as my response in times of anger, frustration, distraction, and overwhelm, but suddenly I also wanted to Choose to Love Life More<\/em>. I wanted to get excited about unexpected triumphs and everyday blessings the way my eight-year-old daughter did. But was such an aspiration unachievable? I wondered. Maybe this is just what happens when you get older. After all, very little is new and fresh anymore. My days are redundant; my schedule is predictable. Perhaps only children can get excited about plastic ducks, shiny rocks, and correctly pronounced words. I had no answers, but I felt slightly more hopeful because I was asking questions\u2014even ones that hurt.<\/p>\n

Avery got off the bus that afternoon with three little plastic ducks joyfully swinging from her neck. By the look on her face, it was Christmas in February. She merrily informed me that she had to practice jumping rope as soon as she got home.<\/p>\n

I sat on the driveway bundled up from head to toe while my coatless child\u00a0demonstrated several variations of jump roping despite the bitter wind. I couldn\u2019t help but notice the way the plastic ducks danced on her chest with every hop. As Avery got into a rhythm, the ducks literally came to life.<\/p>\n

\"jump
\n<\/a>\u201cMay I try?\u201d I blurted out of nowhere.<\/p>\n

Avery looked thrilled by my request and handed me the rope.<\/p>\n

I hadn\u2019t expected to twirl the rope multiple times without tripping. I hadn\u2019t expected it to actually be fun. I hadn\u2019t expected Avery to smile so brightly at the sight of her mama jumping rope.<\/p>\n

\u201cWow! You\u2019re pretty good, Mama!\u201d she said with a blend of shock and delight on her face.<\/p>\n

Between the sunshine, her smile, and the movement of my stiff body, I felt a little better. I felt a little pulse coming back to my lifeless veins.<\/p>\n

A few hours later Avery asked if she could set up a \u201cspa\u201d to pamper me. I thought about saying it was too late. I was tired and just wanted to put her to bed. But those ducks hanging around her neck seemed to beckon me with their animated eyes.<\/p>\n

After agreeing to her offer, my child promptly filled a shallow container with warm, soapy water. She lovingly caressed my feet while the ducks hung suspended over the water as if they were flying. Avery patted my feet dry and soothed fragrant lotion into my thirsty winter skin.<\/p>\n

\"spa\"
\n<\/a>I hadn\u2019t expected her to be so good at massaging my feet. I hadn\u2019t expected it to feel this soothing. Between her soft little hands, the tranquility of the water, and our loving connection, I felt a little better. I felt a little life awakening in my sleeping bones.<\/p>\n

The next afternoon was Avery\u2019s swim team practice day. She\u2019d just finished up dryland training, which is the conditioning portion of practice that involves running and calisthenics.<\/p>\n

\u201cWant me to show you where our team runs when we go outside?\u201d Avery asked eagerly.<\/p>\n

I really wanted to get home. I needed to start dinner. But the ducks\u2014the ducks got me again. They seemed to whisper, \u201cSay yes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d I spit out reluctantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cFollow my path,\u201d Avery called out looking back at me with an encouraging smile. Something told me those were words to remember.<\/p>\n

Avery and I ran for seven solid minutes. We ran up concrete stairs, around bends, and down hilly inclines. She was grinning the whole time\u2014this little girl who really doesn\u2019t like to run was grinning and running. And the ducks were dancing against her heart.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo walking, Mama,\u201d she coached when I began to slow my pace. \u201cGotta get your heart rate up!\u201d<\/p>\n

My heart rate was up. Oh, how my heart was beating. Between the encouragement of my mini trainer and the sight of my warm breath hitting the cold air, I caught a glimpse of color in my colorless world. A little spark of life tingled in my extremities.<\/p>\n

Follow my path. <\/em>Those words stuck with me. A few days later, their importance was revealed.<\/p>\n

It was Day Seven of the Choose Love Challenge<\/em><\/a>. I\u2019d taken my daughters and their friend to a rustic park with gentle trails nestled among tall trees. It was unseasonably warm that day and after a short hike the kids asked if they could spend time building huts in the forest. They pointed down to small valley off the beaten path with a tranquil stream and an abundance of fallen tree limbs.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease say yes! Please say yes!\u201d they begged.<\/p>\n

I looked around and noticed no one else was straying from the designated trail. But I had to admit, the children were right. It was<\/em> the perfect spot to build their village.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d I said with a smile. \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

We scaled down the ravine together. I listened to the three companions discussing where they would set up a restaurant, town hall, and their individual huts. After an hour of planning and gathering, I could see we would be there awhile. I began my favorite activity in the whole world: walking. And because the children were in the middle of the open ravine, I was able to keep my little builders in sight.<\/p>\n

\"park\"
\n<\/a>I lost count of the number of people who stopped to watch the children and delight in their imaginative storyline. I lost count of the number of children who begged their parents to let them go off the path too. I lost count of the number of times I looked down and marveled at the joy the children were finding in dead wood and lively company.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s when it hit me.<\/p>\n

As a child, nearly everything is a new path. Children feel excitement about every opportunity, every trail, and every experience because they see it through Beginner\u2019s Eyes<\/em>.<\/p>\n

But as an adult, it becomes more difficult to encounter anything novel or unfamiliar. Daily redundancy and expected outcomes bring a lifelessness that can feel all-consuming and hopeless.<\/p>\n

But just because you are an adult does not mean you must live a life void of excitement, passion, and joy. Just because you are no longer a beginner does not mean you can\u2019t have Beginner\u2019s Eyes<\/em> like a child. You can. Simply go off the beaten path:<\/p>\n

Take a different route
\nAccept a challenge
\nLearn something new
\nSay yes to invitations that go outside your comfort zone
\nSurround yourself with Livers of Life
\nStop expecting and be open to the unexpected<\/p>\n

Every time you feel that ache to feel more enthusiasm\u00a0than you currently do, say something you thought you'd never say:<\/p>\n

I want to get excited about fuzzy socks.
\n<\/em>I want to get excited about snowflakes.
\n<\/em>I want to get excited about bath bubbles, cereal that doesn\u2019t get soggy, and balloons with curly, red ribbons.
\n<\/em>I want to get excited about crunchy green apples in the dead of winter.
\n<\/em>I want to get excited about this glorious day in front of me just waiting to be lived.<\/em><\/p>\n

Say it and then see where it takes you.<\/p>\n

With Beginner\u2019s Eyes, what is lost can be found.<\/p>\n

With Beginner\u2019s Eyes, a lifeless heart can be resuscitated.<\/p>\n

With Beginner\u2019s Eyes, an uncharted path becomes available. All you have to do say YES with an open hand and heart.<\/p>\n

(Ducks optional)<\/p>\n

\"hands\"
\n<\/a>* A special thanks to Avery's amazing P.E. teacher (you know the one<\/a>) who inspired Avery and the entire student body to jump! They raised $35,000 for The American Heart Association! Now that's\u00a0something to get excited about! \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

****************************<\/em><\/p>\n

Friends of The Hands Free Revolution<\/a>, it seems like forever since we last talked. I have missed you! Please tell me how you spent the last 21 days choosing love<\/a>. Tell me your triumphs. Tell me your struggles. It\u2019s so good to be back!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

One thing that never fails to excite me is meeting you, my beloved readers. I am speaking in Indiana in March and would love to see you at one of these events:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Thursday, March 12<\/span>
\n<\/em><\/strong>Batesville Chamber of Commerce Speaker Series
\n<\/em><\/strong>R<\/em><\/strong>omWeber Marketplace Banquet Hall
\n<\/em><\/strong>7 South Eastern Avenue, Batesville
\n<\/em><\/strong>Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
\n<\/em><\/strong>My presentation begins at 6:15 p.m.
\n<\/em><\/strong>Book signing at 7 p.m.
\n<\/em><\/strong>Tickets: $20 per person includes appetizers & soft drinks
\n<\/em><\/strong>Click here<\/a> for all the details.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Saturday, March 14<\/span>
\n<\/em><\/strong>Grand Opening of St. Vincent\u2019s Carmel Women\u2019s Center
\n<\/em><\/strong>13500 N. Meridian St
\n<\/em><\/strong>Indianapolis, IN
\n<\/em><\/strong>I will be speaking from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. with a book signing directly following\u2028.
\n<\/em><\/strong>This is a FREE EVENT with a morning of giveaways, health screenings, pop-up boutiques, & more
\n<\/em><\/strong>Click here<\/a> for all the details.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

*If you have any friends in Indiana that you think might be interested in attending, I'd be grateful if you share my Events page<\/a>. Thank you!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

“With arms outstretched I thank. With heart beating gratefully I love. With body in health I jump for joy. With spirit full I live.” ~Terri Guillemets I honestly could not remember seeing my child this excited about something in her whole life. She exploded off the school bus gripping the American Heart Association Jump Rope […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[79],"tags":[990,1379,1380,929,1384,1382,515,650,1383,1381],"gutentor_comment":1,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p1fUJF-1DQ","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6314"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6314"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6314\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6314"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6314"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6314"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}