Over the last few weeks, I have had the opportunity to travel to the US with my lovely man. We have attended a beautiful wedding, met up with friends and family and have spent time together exploring. We also had a ‘trip of a lifetime’ experience through Alaska. I have ridden on dog sleds, eaten new foods, talked to incredible people and heard life stories that have inspired and challenged me. I have spent time absorbing the beauty that is all around us, the beauty that can get lost amidst schedules, shuttling kids from place to place, work, packing lunches, washing uniforms, making dinner and all the things that go into making life happen.

I’ve been captivated by the beauty, and I’ve been reminded to stop and to make conscious decisions to see beauty, to explore and to let the sights and sounds of life surprise me and speak to me.

As I’ve been contemplating all of this I’ve been thinking about the incredible families that we have in our #littlemiraclescommunity. I’d like to say (once again) that I completely understand the pressure that life can bring. I know the challenge and at times the weight of balancing family, work and life. It’s tough, and I know that. Today, for those of you who have older children, you are embarking on the first day of school holidays. A break in the year that is allowing your kids time to refresh relax and prepare for the next term of school. For some, you are planned and ready for the holidays, you know what each day will hold. For some, there may be a sense of panic, not sure what to do and how to fill the days. Whatever the case maybe I want to encourage you to take the time to explore.

Explore the world around you. Maybe that world is as close as your local beach or nature reserve. Maybe it’s as close as your backyard. When you begin to explore, beauty will be found in the most extraordinary of places. It’s amazing how a collection of shells or winter foliage can take on a new found beauty. And, the time spent together provides precious moments that are remembered forever.

As I’ve been exploring on this holiday I’ve thought about the words from Dr Suess in his book ‘Oh The Places You Will Go.’ Who would have guessed that this little girl (yes, I’m referring to myself) would find herself in Alaska of all places. This Aussie explorer has taken steps that even surprise me 🙂

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.

You’ll look up and down streets. Look ’em over with care.
About some you will say, “I don’t choose to go there.”
With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet,
you’re too smart to go down any not-so-good street.

If you don’t have this book, can I suggest you go out and buy it, it’s a great book to read to your children and one that certainly will spark something with us, as parents? It’s one that will make you think; it will cause you to dust off your walking shoes, to dare to dream again and to create a plan to explore the world around you.

So as you consider the days ahead may you be inspired to go and my prayer is that you will be surprised by the beauty you find and may you be blessed by the time spent with your beautiful child/ren.

Much love,

Susanna

PS… Now I’m off to India, and I can’t wait to continue to explore and see 🙂