Last week we talked about not sweating the big stuff by accepting and appreciating the fact that life always moves on. The sun will come out tomorrow and all that. This week, we're talking about the small stuff. The first thing in the morning, easy but sometimes annoyingly tedious tasks that make the world the slightest bit more welcoming at night. You know, the stuff that makes 12 and a half year old Jadon ask, 'but why?' and makes his mother, Jessica say the words she swore she'd never say...'because I said so.'

But these small wins aren't important just because someone said so. Or just so you get into a clean bed at night. Or just for the sake of passing the time. They are important because they give us hope, they prepare us for the road ahead, and they offer a hint of success when we feel like we're 'doing literally everything wrong'.

As this Walk stretched beyond the parent and gave the child a voice too, we found the words 'big and small' popping up in a variety of ways. Of course, making your bed as soon as you wake up is a small way to set the tone for the day. But finding your voice and embracing your faults are small ways to help you feel big. Or at least keep you from feeling small. Trying and failing and learning and trying again help establish 'keystone habits' and resiliency from the pressures of perfectionism. And accepting the vision of yourself from the eyes of your children...well that can change the whole game.

Here's to small wins and growing big. Thanks for Walking, Jessica and Jadon.

#WalkwithMe #WalkwithLiz #GENed #Parenting #Leadership #LearningDifferences #Inspiring #MakeYourBed #Preteen #Anxiety #WendyMogel #PanicAttacks #HockeyMom