LIFE IN BLOOM

Learning How to Flourish in God's Grace

Author Archives: erin.almond


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Parenting: The Ultimate Humility Builder

I’m closing in on 9 years as a parent and 3 years as a parent of two, and if there’s one thing I know for sure it’s that parenting is the ultimate humility builder.

I have done many things in my life, and arguably, have done them reasonably well. I think that my colleagues would agree that I’m a competent professional and that those who know me through my civic involvement would say that I have a measure of competence and ability. And…very little of that matters in parenting.

Right now, we’re in the middle of what I like to call “Potty Training Purgatory” with our youngest. It feels like 3 steps forward and 2 steps back. He does very well using the bathroom at school and is completely resistant to using the bathroom at home. We are regularly washing clothes and underwear, and trying to stay encouraged by the little wins – but it is EXHAUSTING. I know that at some point, this will be in the rearview mirror and we’ll look back on this and laugh, but right now it feels very consuming and frustrating.

What I am continuously realizing is that in almost any area in which I think I have a semblance of aptitude and achievement, it absolutely does not matter when it comes to parenting. Sure, there are some transferrable skills and knowledge, and also – there are moments EVERY DAY when I find myself wondering, “Who decided that I was capable of being a parent?! I have no idea what I’m doing!”

I am grateful for my community of other parents – some with children older than mine, some with children younger than mine – who remind me to give myself grace, and also share that at every part of the journey, there is something new to learn and figure out. It is comforting to know that while parenting is hard, we are each just trying to figure it out together.

Until next time- be encouraged! Peace and blessings!


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Tips for Reading More: Some Insights from My Journey

Last week, I shared that I’m on a journey to read more as a way of reconnecting to something that I love and used to do a lot of. I shared this on Instagram and asked my followers a few questions – and got some great insight about how much people are reading and tips for reading more.

When I asked people to share tips on reading more, I got A LOT of responses, but here’s a quick summary:

  • Many people read audiobooks during their commute, while working out, or during other spaces where they may have to wait or need to fill time (e.g.: in the line at the grocery store, waiting for an appointment, etc).
  • People who read frequently always have books available to read (audiobooks, e-readers/e-reading apps).
  • People aren’t afraid to put down a book they don’t like. In some cases, they will return to it later, and in others – not at all.
  • There were also quite a few people who utilized the Libby app to access books through their local library and listen to them or have them on their e-readers/e-reading apps.

What I’m learning about all of this as I continue on my quest to read more:

  • I should probably give audiobooks a try. I generally listen to podcasts when driving, so I don’t know that the leap from podcasts to audiobooks is huge. That said, I’ll probably have to be more careful about it, because I am rarely in the car by myself – and I try to be mindful of the media that my kids consume.
  • I can do better about having books readily available to read (keeping my Kindle with me, using the Kindle app on my phone). Honestly, there’s no excuse here. I have a Kindle, I have the Kindle app on my phone – I have just chosen to use the time to mindlessly scroll or do other things. Here’s to readjusting habits towards what really matters.
  • It’s okay to NOT finish a book. I feel particularly guilty about this – and will sometimes struggle through a book or will stop reading altogether. I’m not sure of the root of this feeling – and I’m not even sure that it’s something to feel guilty about. That said, I believe one way that I can feel less guilty is by already having something else queued up to read so that when I decide a book isn’t for me, I already have something else ready to try.

And as a general accountability update – I’m still reading The Davenports, and am currently about 65% through it! I’ve been reading during short breaks and before bed! Two things I’d like to know: What are you reading right now and would anyone be interested in a book club?

Thanks for being on this journey with me!

Until next time – be encouraged! Peace and blessings!