Let's Look: Things I've Changed My Mind About

 Hello,

I’m linking up again this month to join Shay from Mix and Match Mama and Erika from A Little Bit of Everything’s link party for “Let’s Look”. I love that these topics are so fun and just make me happy to brainstorm on each month! 🥰

Here are some things that I've changed my mind about...

1. The Baby Race

As a new mom I fell into that trap of worrying about milestones, starting team sports at the first opportunity, potty training as early as I possibly could, etc. This was not only a bad mentality for us as a family, but also drove me to frustration so many times. There is no race in life, every person will do things differently and, while I am still a huge believer in early intervention for developmental and physical milestones, it's no longer something that I allow myself to stay awake at night over. 

2. Avocado

I despised avocado for so long. I didn't like the texture. I didn't like the bland taste. I didn't like it at all!!!

Wow, was I wrong. Avocado is one of the staples in our house and quite possible the only green thing that my youngest will eat like candy. It's delicious, it is a great creamy and nutty spread, I am a huge fan now.

3. Long Flight Travel

I was very into travel in my teens and 20s. Always planning the next trip, very focused on my bucket list and seeing everything up close on different continents and environments. I still enjoy experiencing new things, however travel, at least if it involves a flight longer than four hours, is not the right call for our family at this time. Instead of being frustrated by this, I've chosen to spend our time exploring sites that we might have otherwise overlooked if I had remained more distance focused. We've spent time at the lake in New England, we've found some amazing hikes in Ohio, we're even going to try out a new (to us) campground located on a safari park that is a rhino sanctuary. 

                                        

4. Number of Kids

As a newly married couple, Sulev and I were very career focused. Two active duty Army officers don't have a ton of free time and there were so many adventures to have before we added anyone else into our family. I wasn't entirely sure if we would have children at that point. When I hit 24 that changed and we had a long discussion and decided that we wanted 1-2 children. Well... ten years later and we've spent over a year trying for a third. We've experienced 5 miscarriages, one emergency surgery for an abdominal ectopic that had torn open my colon and caused a liter of internal bleeding before I'd even missed my period, and we are content. If we are blessed enough to be able to add another child to our lives then I will be the happiest mom. If that answer continues to be a "no" then we are so grateful for the children we have and the life we share together. 

5. Letting Go

I always thought of quitting anything whether that be a job, a friendship, or a hobby as a negative thing. In my 30s I'm getting to the point of understanding that there are seasons and that not every season is a lifelong thing. Friendships can drift apart or even become toxic to the point that it's better for all involved to go in different directions. Jobs aren't identity and I really don't want to live to work, though I do really enjoy working and staying productive. Hobbies aren't the same for a mom in her 30s as they were for a young newlywed in her early 20s. (I'm sorry running, maybe we'll meet up again one day but hiking and weighted walks just serve me better in this season.)

                                            

6. Style

I have changed my style significantly over the years. I was extremely preppy in my personal life for a very long time and have fallen into a more feminine outdoor look. I've also played around with my hair a lot trying to find what works for me and while I love the face framing of my current pixie, the bangs are not my favorite to maintain and so I think I will slowly transition back to a longer style and just embrace the ballerina bun. I tried to avoid this for so long because it was my only choice when I was in the Army, but it works for me and my lifestyle. I'm glad that I'm playing around, experiencing everything, and finding what I truly like and what works for me. I'm also confident that just because something works in my current season doesn't mean it has to be permanent if it no longer serves me. 

There are probably many other things that I could add to this list, but for now this is right for me. 

Have a wonderful day!

💛Jessie