Change is inevitable. Growth is optional. – John C. Maxwell

 

One of the most profound gauges that exist to measure change and the passage of time is a child. Days, weeks and months turn quickly into years and decades when tracking a child’s age. Changes are measured in doorways on birthdays and compared in annual class photos, yet learning and small incremental changes occur daily in children that even the most perceptive parent may not see in the moment.

 

John Maxwell’s quote infers that inevitable change includes the passage of time and changes in physical stature (i.e. physical growth), generally speaking. However, the deeper aspects of growth remain optional and open to the reader’s definition. Some markers of well-rounded, tangible growth might include knowledge, mindset, awareness, perception, judgment, compassion, integrity and maybe even being a nice person, which are some of the basic cornerstones of reputable character generally attributed to good parenting.

 

With children changing daily and technology, society and the world changing at an accelerating rate; it’s no wonder that parenting remains both the most challenging and rewarding job in the world. While all of us have weathered uncharted territory the last few years, this month’s feature pays respect especially to the resiliency of mothers and offers tips for their self-care and support. Don’t miss Carrie Jackson’s article, "Resilient Mothering," especially if you are a mom forging ahead in a changing world. Also be sure to check out the Online Exclusive section on page 30 to learn about a list of local mom groups within the region.

 

We’ve all taken on a parenting role the last 24-plus months. Whether we’ve had to extend the care and concern of a loving parent to our children or ourselves; our neighbors, our community, our job or co-workers, our customers, clients or our businesses; we have experienced and weathered a stressful period that has brought inevitable change to the way we live, work, shop, eat and relate. Whether we grow as a result of this change is optional, and it’s up to us to decide if and how we will.

 

Because we have experienced this ongoing strain for an extended time which can disrupt the body’s natural stress response, consider being mindful and loving to yourself and contact one or more of the practitioners or businesses within these pages to take simple, actionable steps to restore and reset your mind and body, so you can get back to feeling good, living simply and laughing more.