What’s your Mountain?

I bought grape-nuts the other day. Ya know … Hot Grape Nuts is perfect for wintertime. I found a thought-provoking question on the back of the cereal box.

We all have our own El Guapo’s in life… I mean… Mountains in life. And for me I have had different mountains at different times.

My mountain in college was figuring out who I wanted to be. That was hard. It worked out. I had a few more years to grow alone than I hoped for. It was good for me.

My Mountain after I got married… my health. Recuperating from Mono and trying to get back my energy. Moving to Florida was tricky only because it was like a foreign land to me. But it was good.

My Mountain after 2 tots… how to keep my house clean. Still working on that one obviously.

My Mountain after child #4… wow. Mothering so many littles.

My Mountain after child #5… busy calling and still figuring out how to keep my house clean, have energy, mother tots with love, etc.

Right now…

My Mountain:
Most of that combined plus…
Parenting: child #4 who keeps me hopping/dragging more than the other 4 put together. Sometimes I don’t know that I am capable of managing it. (oh wait – that wasn’t positive… but it’s how i feel some moments).

Myself: my physical health, spiritual strength, my attitude, balancing responsibilities, fun, and duty.

I’ve climbed a few mountains… ok – really I’ve climbed one mountain twice. Mt. Timpanogos. It was hard even when I was younger, littler, and more energetic. P.S. Always wear sunglasses when you hike to the top of a mountain. If you don’t, and you’re an albino like me, your eyes will burn.

So mountains –  They are spectacular once you get past the HARD. Getting myself back on track … back to HEATHER… is like climbing a mountain. It’s little daily decisions that affect so much. It may take a few years of tots growing older and becoming more capable people, but I’m going to get myself back… health-wise.

Wow – this just keeps going, now doesn’t it.

I have a new plan … more on that later. “I know, right”… like there could be more after all this jazz. But it involves being more positive… changing my thoughts.

We were encouraged recently at a fireside to write a positive personal statement (ok – really that’s my wording)… part of the Positive Affirmations to create change. Changing weaknesses into strengths is my goal with this.

And just for the record… as I was typing this, Eliza barfed all over her crib, the carpet, and all her beloved blankies. I hate cleaning barf more than anything. As I cleaned and tried not to cry, I kept telling myself over and over… I am a strong, positive, healthy, loving mother and woman of faith. (really – that was in between “i hate cleaning up barf.”)

Positive thoughts might get me partially THERE… I’ll keep working on a plan of action to find more joy despite the HARD… or because of the HARD… which is it?

Good grief… could this get any longer… but while I’m at it… I wanted to document the recipe for Hot Grape Nuts. It’s important for posterity. hee-hee.