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L E T T E R F R O M T H E LETTER FROM THE

What is it? It is a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. It is a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats in our lives. Seriously? A “natural” human response?

Signs of stress…..heaviness in your chest…check. Increased heart rate…check. Headaches…check. General body aches and pains…check. Feeling tired…check. Gaining weight…check. Sleeping less… check Feeling overwhelmed or on the edge check Being more emotional than usual check How do you cope with stress? Take a walk when do I have time? Practice yoga again, time Sit in silence ummmm k Light a scented candle come on! Read a book seriously I read every day! Focus your attention and become more aware more aware of WHAT??

I am a pretty calm person, seriously calm, my blood pressure is usually around 70/40 But, the last few weeks have been somewhat of a challenge. Stress has taken over me. I am tired! I am not a spring chicken, 55 is right around the corner. I have been working for 40 years and there are times I want to sleep in until 10 am and not worry about anybody or anything. Then, of course, reality smacks me in the face, hard, and I know that if I don’t get up and go to work, someone isn’t getting the support they need to succeed. This is my motivation and my responsibility.

I sometimes feel like hiding under a rock but I’m certain someone would find me. I am not much into taking time for myself even though I preach work/life balance on a daily basis to my staff. As soon as I get up in the morning, I am on my computer, then all day long, and as soon as I climb into bed. This is my daily routine. I need to learn self-care. A friend of mine put this in perspective for me the other day. She said, “Do you fly?” I said, “On airplanes?”, and she said yes. I said yes. She said, “What is the one thing that they say about the airbags.” I said, “To place it on yourself first and then help others ” She asked why they ask you to do that I said, “Because you can’t help others unless you help yourself first ” She said, “Exactly ” She is correct

You have enough You do enough You are enough Now RELAX!

Love and happiness to all, Karen Lopez

M O M M Y M O M M Y M O M E N T S M O M E N T S

by Amanda Luksha

It is that time of year when we, as parents, are beginning to plan warmweather activities to keep our kiddos busy and out of our hair. Some parents want to enjoy the time with their kids and be involved in the things their little ones do. Some parents wish that they could just send their kiddos off to camp for the summer. I don’t judge. You be you! Point blank, being a parent is exhausting and when it comes to spring activities, we want our children to burn off some energy so that we can enjoy some peace and quiet.

As most know, if you have been following Mommy Moments since 2021, you know that I have three boys. All three of my kids are into different things and then some of the same things. This year my two youngest have signed up for little league. One thing I am excited about is being a baseball mom and yes if you see me at the ball field being loud, I am just trying to be a motivational cheerleader. Baseball and softball is a great sport for kids because it keeps them moving around and outdoors. It is a competitive sport that the kids and parents get into no matter if it is at the t-ball or high-school level.

My oldest on the other hand doesn’t like to play sports. He does like to be outdoors playing with his brothers on the playset and trampoline in the backyard. Trust me on this because the parks and playsets teach motor skills like running, climbing, and swinging from monkey bars. It will wear them out. Local state parks are another great resource to find and venture out to. They have hiking trails where the kids can ride bikes on or go on a hike. Other activities are fishing, going on a picnic, swimming, or taking the weekend and going camping.

On the days that you want to be that average Joe parent, let them take their bike, scooter, rollerblades, or whatever they may have with wheels and play with their friends in the neighborhood, or go make new friends. Mine do not have the privilege of roaming the neighborhood, so on my lazy days, they hang out in the backyard and enjoy their play set and trampoline.

Spring is all about enjoying the outdoors and the beautiful weather. Let the kids run around and be kids. If they are going to go outside and get dirty, they can take a shower and get clean. No stress. They will fall and may get hurt, but that is a part of being a kid. Get outdoors and have fun with your children while they are still little!