Healthy Start

I like it when I'm able to make it to the gym early in the morning. Although it doesn't happen every day (it usually depends on how early I get to bed the night before), when I get my workout done, home and showered before 6:30am, the day rolls better. Beginning my mornings with a 4:45am wake up gives me space/time to prepare holistically. Our mornings as a family become less hurried and forced. There is pace and rhythm.

One of the bonuses is that when it comes to breakfast, my kids don't have to "fend for themselves" (picture 3 children climbing on counter tops, getting ceramic bowls out of cabinets, trying to steady an all too heavy milk jug they've hoisted over the bowl of cereal they just poured) as mom and dad try and wake up and get themselves ready.

When I'm centered I have time (and space) to be available for my kids. One of the simple ways I make use of my availability is by making them breakfast. One of their favorites is oatmeal...the brown sugar, the hearty oats, and splash of cold milk makes this more like indulging in a warm cookie than eating the most important meal of the day.

Sitting with my kids as they eat their Quaker Oats allows me to be present with them. To listen to them talk about whatever is on their mind (from the silly to the curious). I realize that as my kids get older and have more commitments vying for their time, my time spent with them will be less and less. I need to make my time with them count.

I've had far too many mornings where I woke up late, and in a frantic attempt to pack lunches, check freshly brushed teeth, and get kids out the door I have gotten frustrated and snapped at them because they "weren't moving fast enough". Never a good way to start the morning.

I need "oatmeal mornings". Mornings where I have gotten my act together before the kids get up. Mornings where I can truly be present for my kids, so they can start their day off right. Mornings that remind them (even without words) that Dad loves them and is always available.