Introduction to the Power of Moments

“But the biggest mistake I made is the one that most of us make while doing this. I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of the three of them sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages 6, 4 and 1. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less.” – Anna Quindlen

 

Perhaps this now famous-among-mothers quote sums up the purpose of The Power of Moments best. Discovering the power of moments is about learning to “live in the moment” — to recognize and make meaningful those brief flashes in time with our families, especially our young children who grow up so fast.

What mother has not been so fixated on getting things done that she failed to stop and “treasure the doing” as Anna says? There really is great power in stopping to smell the proverbial roses, especially for work weary mothers who are all too often consumed with their to-do lists, being constantly “interrupted” by the cute little reasons for all their doing. Ironic, isn’t it?

It is equally ironic that by pausing to take in those passing moments, mothers can be reminded of why they do what they do and get the renewal (or power) they so desperately need for the work that will always be waiting for them — unlike the children who will in fact grow up!

Listen to some wise words from mothers who are learning to take advantage of this power:

“There is strength to be gained in soaking little moments in. Dropping everything and reading with your 9-year-old because you realize she’s more important than any other project you may be working on. Watching two of your children who are usually at each other’s throats on a day when they’re getting along. Watching the glow on your child’s face when his dad is praising him for mowing the lawn well. Letting yourself get caught up in the music your toddlers are dancing to in pure delight. I think it’s all part of the secret for enjoying and loving life as a mother of small children, a lassoer of chaos … cherishing and soaking in those little moments.” (Shawni Pothier)

“In one of those moments of feeling a bit overwhelmed today, I decided to pause and just think of what I love about being a mom. Just thinking about it did wonders for my spirit and perspective. Here are a few of the things that came to my mind:

* “I love those quiet moments just rocking my newborn, his head cuddled up against my chest.

* “I love how my kids get so excited for their morning ritual of waving goodbye to Dad as he drives away to work.

* “I love to see the creativity in my kids as they use their imaginations and play.

* “I love to see my kids’ faces light up when their little brother wakes up from his nap.

* I love peeking in on my kids after they’re asleep and finding the little toys and treasures they brought into their beds.

“When I think about how much I really love what I do, it makes me smile and gives me the needed boost to make this a wonderful day of being a mom!” (Christine Jackman)

 

CHALLENGE: If you’re a mother of younger children, carve out some designated time each day to just “live in the moment” with your kids, putting aside your to-do list. If your children are older and not clamoring for your attention anymore, think of ways you can make those truly fleeting moments with them more meaningful.

QUESTION: What are some of your favorite moments with your children?

 

About Allyson Reynolds

A Midwest girl, Allyson met a California boy in Japan, and after getting married and living in all three places together, they have spent the better part of the last decade in the Mountain West with their four children, ages 11-21. After many years of writing and speaking about motherhood for the Power of Moms organization, Allyson now produces The Sisterhood Podcast with long time Power of Moms friend, Tiffany Sowby. Along with creating episodes that focus on empowering and entertaining women, they hold monthly “Service & Sweets” events up and down the Wasatch front where they gather women to serve at a different service organization every month followed by a visit to a local treat shop. (For more information and to get involved, find them on
Instagram.

In a parallel universe, Allyson travels the world as a freelance writer and National Geographic photographer. In reality, she tries to squeeze in as many of her favorite things as possible (the great outdoors, photography, biking, cooking, living like a tourist) while trying to keep up with her busy family. Though woefully neglected, you can occasionally catch up with her on her blog, A Day in the Life and on the local daytime TV show, Studio 5