Some have called it a midlife crisis. Some have called it hormones. All I know is the past year I’ve found myself completely unsatisfied.
Don’t get me wrong, my life is pretty incredible. From the outside, it might look like I “have it all.” I have two amazing kids, one successful husband and a great career. I own my own home, I have a mid-sized SUV and a slobbery dog. I go to happy hours with friends, have the most wonderful in-laws and spend Sundays in the park with my family. Seriously, what’s not to love?
But as awesome as all of that sounds, I felt like I was running on empty. My whole life was passing me by, and I just wasn’t happy. I blamed much of my misery on my job, which while it was well-paying, wasn’t really revving me up. I dreaded going to the office each day and found myself turning pretty ugly to the people I love the most.
After my birthday last year, I made myself a list of resolutions (which can be found here) to make myself a happier person. And really, they did. I started riding horses again. I started running. I found myself doing things I hadn’t since I was a kid and I was definitely happier. But I still felt lost. When people would ask, “Well, what do you want to do?” I didn’t have an answer for them. I just knew where I was wasn’t cutting it.
In March I finally bit the bullet and signed up for a class with the inspiring Karen Walrond called “Path Finder.” The entire goal of this five week course was to really explore yourself and figure out how to understand what you want out of life. It was not easy. It was really, really hard. Many of the exercises Karen gave us to complete involved taking a real, difficult look at yourself, and seeing what it is that really lights you up. I won’t divulge the entire course here (if you want to, or are feeling like I was, you should visit here to find out how to sign up), but suffice to say, my life has completely changed.
I’m a better mother. I’m a happier wife. I’m a kinder friend. And I’m even a better employee. All because I finally, FINALLY took control.
That, I think, is the biggest lesson I learned from the Path Finder course. You want to figure things out? Then try. Try to learn and change and explore…and just by trying, you’ll feel 100 pounds lighter. I can’t even describe the physical and emotional changes that have occurred since I started Path Finder. I am alive. Truly alive, and it shows.
Much, much more to come…but for now, I’d love for you all to watch this video of Neil Gaiman (author of one of my most favorite novels ever, Stardust) giving the 2012 commencement speech to the University of the Arts. My absolute favorite part is at 8:21, if you don’t have twenty minutes to watch the whole thing. Trust me, you won’t regret it. (Hat tip to The Bloggess for the link.)
http://www.crazybananas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Crazy_Banans_Logo_WebsiteBanner.png00Meganhttp://www.crazybananas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Crazy_Banans_Logo_WebsiteBanner.pngMegan2012-05-31 06:00:102012-09-06 09:59:30Finding My Path - Part 1
Lulu is obsessed with fairies. And let’s face it, when you’re a feminist mom with a kid who loves all things princess and Disney, you’ll take fairies any day. So when we heard from our fabulous friends over at Petit Soul that Powell Gardens was creating a summer experience called “Fairy Houses and Forts,” we were all over it.
The premise of this year’s display is life-sized fairy houses that kids can explore and enjoy. There was a big pink tee-pee, an “ice house” made of clear material and even a pirate ship. Each fairy house or fort had a story that you could read to learn all about the house and the fairies that lived there. Lulu was in heaven.
We were lucky enough to snag tickets to the sneak peek night, where several of the designers of the fairy houses were on hand and there were tons of extra activities for kids. Powell Gardens is usually only open until 6 p.m., so it was a real treat to be able to be in the park after dark. In fact, our cars were the last ones in the parking lot when we left around 9:30! Yup, we were pretty tired, but it was worth it.
Along with the fairy homes to explore, on this particular night they had s’mores stops along the walking trail, where kids could pick up a baggie filled with s’mores supplies and cook them right there. When you’re a kid, is there anything better than s’mores? Heck, I’m almost 30 and I think s’mores are awesome!
Inside the main building there was also a display of mini fairy houses, which were so detailed and incredible. We were in such a rush when we got there to get to the big fairy houses, we almost missed this display. Luckily we found it on the way out, and the girls ran all around trying to find the hidden fairy dwellings nestled into the greenery.
I have to give a super big thanks to the Petit Soul crew, who not only informed us of this fun event, but hung out with me and my crazy munchins on a Friday night, which also happened to be Ben’s birthday. Happy belated birthday, Ben! And check out Nicole’s camera! She shot a bunch of film (yes, film!) and I can’t wait to see what she ends up with. (You can see some film shots Nicole took of our family last fall here and here.)
Finally, and on a totally random note, can I once again pronounce how much I love the iPhone? I brought my big camera, but since I was on solo kid duty, I never had a chance to bust it out. Every photo for this post was taken on the iPhone….just bananas. Every parent needs to get one.
The Powell Gardens Fairy Houses and Forts installation will be available for viewing now thru October 7. Powell Gardens is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
http://www.crazybananas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Crazy_Banans_Logo_WebsiteBanner.png00Meganhttp://www.crazybananas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Crazy_Banans_Logo_WebsiteBanner.pngMegan2012-05-30 06:00:422012-05-29 21:54:09I Heart KC - Fairies at Powell Gardens
{The view of the financial district, across the East River,
taken from Brooklyn Bridge Park}
Today we came home from what I only describe as a magical trip to New York City. How much I love that town is pretty ridiculous. I will have a full wrap up later this week, I promise! But for now, my lovely bed is calling my name (an unexpected 5 hour layover will do that to a girl).
{What I found on my fridge after returning from the
first trip I’ve ever taken away from them
…I am home.}
Finding My Path – Part 1
/7 Comments/in Finding My Path, Happiness, Work /by MeganSome have called it a midlife crisis. Some have called it hormones. All I know is the past year I’ve found myself completely unsatisfied.
Don’t get me wrong, my life is pretty incredible. From the outside, it might look like I “have it all.” I have two amazing kids, one successful husband and a great career. I own my own home, I have a mid-sized SUV and a slobbery dog. I go to happy hours with friends, have the most wonderful in-laws and spend Sundays in the park with my family. Seriously, what’s not to love?
But as awesome as all of that sounds, I felt like I was running on empty. My whole life was passing me by, and I just wasn’t happy. I blamed much of my misery on my job, which while it was well-paying, wasn’t really revving me up. I dreaded going to the office each day and found myself turning pretty ugly to the people I love the most.
After my birthday last year, I made myself a list of resolutions (which can be found here) to make myself a happier person. And really, they did. I started riding horses again. I started running. I found myself doing things I hadn’t since I was a kid and I was definitely happier. But I still felt lost. When people would ask, “Well, what do you want to do?” I didn’t have an answer for them. I just knew where I was wasn’t cutting it.
In March I finally bit the bullet and signed up for a class with the inspiring Karen Walrond called “Path Finder.” The entire goal of this five week course was to really explore yourself and figure out how to understand what you want out of life. It was not easy. It was really, really hard. Many of the exercises Karen gave us to complete involved taking a real, difficult look at yourself, and seeing what it is that really lights you up. I won’t divulge the entire course here (if you want to, or are feeling like I was, you should visit here to find out how to sign up), but suffice to say, my life has completely changed.
I’m a better mother. I’m a happier wife. I’m a kinder friend. And I’m even a better employee. All because I finally, FINALLY took control.
That, I think, is the biggest lesson I learned from the Path Finder course. You want to figure things out? Then try. Try to learn and change and explore…and just by trying, you’ll feel 100 pounds lighter. I can’t even describe the physical and emotional changes that have occurred since I started Path Finder. I am alive. Truly alive, and it shows.
Much, much more to come…but for now, I’d love for you all to watch this video of Neil Gaiman (author of one of my most favorite novels ever, Stardust) giving the 2012 commencement speech to the University of the Arts. My absolute favorite part is at 8:21, if you don’t have twenty minutes to watch the whole thing. Trust me, you won’t regret it. (Hat tip to The Bloggess for the link.)
I Heart KC – Fairies at Powell Gardens
/7 Comments/in Fun, Kansas City, Photos /by MeganLulu is obsessed with fairies. And let’s face it, when you’re a feminist mom with a kid who loves all things princess and Disney, you’ll take fairies any day. So when we heard from our fabulous friends over at Petit Soul that Powell Gardens was creating a summer experience called “Fairy Houses and Forts,” we were all over it.
The premise of this year’s display is life-sized fairy houses that kids can explore and enjoy. There was a big pink tee-pee, an “ice house” made of clear material and even a pirate ship. Each fairy house or fort had a story that you could read to learn all about the house and the fairies that lived there. Lulu was in heaven.
We were lucky enough to snag tickets to the sneak peek night, where several of the designers of the fairy houses were on hand and there were tons of extra activities for kids. Powell Gardens is usually only open until 6 p.m., so it was a real treat to be able to be in the park after dark. In fact, our cars were the last ones in the parking lot when we left around 9:30! Yup, we were pretty tired, but it was worth it.
Along with the fairy homes to explore, on this particular night they had s’mores stops along the walking trail, where kids could pick up a baggie filled with s’mores supplies and cook them right there. When you’re a kid, is there anything better than s’mores? Heck, I’m almost 30 and I think s’mores are awesome!
Inside the main building there was also a display of mini fairy houses, which were so detailed and incredible. We were in such a rush when we got there to get to the big fairy houses, we almost missed this display. Luckily we found it on the way out, and the girls ran all around trying to find the hidden fairy dwellings nestled into the greenery.
I have to give a super big thanks to the Petit Soul crew, who not only informed us of this fun event, but hung out with me and my crazy munchins on a Friday night, which also happened to be Ben’s birthday. Happy belated birthday, Ben! And check out Nicole’s camera! She shot a bunch of film (yes, film!) and I can’t wait to see what she ends up with. (You can see some film shots Nicole took of our family last fall here and here.)
Finally, and on a totally random note, can I once again pronounce how much I love the iPhone? I brought my big camera, but since I was on solo kid duty, I never had a chance to bust it out. Every photo for this post was taken on the iPhone….just bananas. Every parent needs to get one.
The Powell Gardens Fairy Houses and Forts installation will be available for viewing now thru October 7. Powell Gardens is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Welcome Home!
/0 Comments/in Fun /by Megantaken from Brooklyn Bridge Park}
Today we came home from what I only describe as a magical trip to New York City. How much I love that town is pretty ridiculous. I will have a full wrap up later this week, I promise! But for now, my lovely bed is calling my name (an unexpected 5 hour layover will do that to a girl).
first trip I’ve ever taken away from them
…I am home.}