Hi, friends 👋🏽. I’m Stacy Casson, Chief Play Officer at Things to Think About. As a mom of five who also held a full-time job, I used to hold a PhD in creating chaos. Now, I help other busy, overwhelmed parents have peaceful evenings and avoid dramatic mornings. I discovered that by applying organizational principles through play, I could reduce my mental load, stop nagging, and finally move from overwhelm to action. You set the tone for your kids, and I can help you set a calm one. Let’s get started.
Celebrate Your Wins
Pause for a moment:
What’s one thing you accomplished this week—big or small?
- Did your flowers bloom?
- Did you start that exercise routine?
- Did you make a decision and stick with it?
Drop your win in the comments or share it with a friend!
My wins: I successfully completed my talk at the Family Matters Mega Summit. I received very positive feedback. I also reconfigured my living room. Reflecting on your wins helps to energize you when you are drained.
Every week, we explore a Tarot card because Tarot is rich in symbology and helps us to tap into our intuition. Reflecting on the card and noting what comes to mind is a metaphorical form of brainstorming that can provide insights when problem-solving.
Card of the Week: Four of Swords
A person is resting, reading a book, and enjoying the delights of a charcuterie board. Another aspect of rest is material comfort. Who hasn’t relished a decadent mug of hot cocoa or the fit of your favorite broken-in jeans? Most importantly, as parents, when was the last time you had a quiet moment to yourself to think and just be? We’ve pulled this card before, and it was reversed. To me, it means that we have made progress on this challenge.
The Pattern It Reveals
As parents, we often deny ourselves simple pleasures to make sure everyone else is taken care of. I read a short story in which this mom wanted a new coat, but the car had broken down, and her daughter needed shoes. In a pique of exasperation, she went to the store to splurge, only to find that her size was half-priced but unavailable. We wait for our turn, only to find our opportunities no longer available. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Rest is not only sleeping, but it’s also allowing yourself to sink into the comfy chair and feel supported while you enjoy your favorite book. It’s sitting in your car for a minute or thirty before you come inside the house, and enjoying that time to yourself. It is our job to rest so we can properly renew and resource ourselves for one of the most demanding jobs in the world.
The Question Worth Asking
How am I filling my cup?
One Small Experiment to Try This Week
When the gas light comes on, you fill your car's tank. Pay attention to signs that your body’s gas light is on: irritability, fatigue, brain fog, or eating your feelings. Go find a quiet place, like the bathroom or your car, and take five minutes for yourself. You can breathe, stretch, or even dance. Or take a moment to be present, like enjoying your coffee or the feeling of your clothing. Do something that engages your senses.
Ready to Enjoy the Simple Pleasures?
As parents, we often forget to have fun. You’re making progress in taking time for yourself and resting. Another way to recharge is through the power of play. I’ve created a fun guide to help you play your way to a better day. It’s free. Download it here.
