Mommy We Can Calm Our Bodies Here

Yesterday was a rare incredibly warm March day. Bean and I took advantage of our day together by hitting the beach. We kicked a ball down the beach, built a sand castle, dug for treasures, and dared each other to touch the cold ocean water. That was great in itself. But the best part of the trip was when I was sitting next to her as she was digging. I was gazing out over the landscape, taking the beauty of it, thinking how lucky I am to have the opportunity to be here with her enjoying this. I thought nothing could be better. Until she stopped digging and crawled on my lap and said "Mama, we can calm our bodies here, isn't it beautiful?" And she proceeded to sit on my lap and just relax for a good five minutes. And we enjoyed the beauty of the landscape together, and calmed our bodies together. At that moment, all of our recent financial worries we've had about me going part time vanished. It's been harder financially. No doubt. But this day at the beach with her never would have happened if I was still full time. Our little girl has learned one of very best coping skills ever, at 3 years old. Going to be beach and sitting and taking it all in is one of the best places to "calm your body." And it was calming yesterday for me and her, as opposed to the stress we were all under last year at this time. It was one of those "it's all worth it" moments for me. And I am grateful for it, and for the day with her at the beach.