Back to School Blues

It's that time of year again for my fellow mom and dads, school teachers and coaches and students of all ages. Summer seems to fly by ever so quickly these days. Now it's back to school shopping and preparations while still trying to soak up the last of summer time fun. This year is different for me though. I would like to share with you some intimate details about what is happening in my life in hopes that you can either share advice or similar experiences with me. Well, I feel like I blinked and she went from diapers to preparing for college. My daughter has been a true gem her entire life and I have enjoyed every minute of the journey, but now is the time that I have to trust that her father and I have prepared her for being a responsible adult in this world. I will be driving her down to move into her dorm at University of Kentucky (UK) this Friday.

Go Wildcats!  Photography by Libby McAvoy

Go Wildcats!  Photography by Libby McAvoy

Oh boy does saying that bring a rush of emotions to my head and to my heart. I sit here typing with tears welling up in my eyes. I am beyond happy and excited for her next leg of this journey. I believe deeply that Morgan will accomplish her greatest dreams and be a successful student. She will be in the College of Agriculture with an undergraduate in animal sciences hoping to go on to Vet School. Needless to say this life transition brings with it uncertainty. Morgan is nervous as well as excited, but will miss her family, friends and pets. I am sad to “lose” my daughter and quite frankly best friend. I am scared for the experiences that will bring her challenges and heartaches, dissapointments and fears, but that all comes with growing up. I know that she will learn by leaps and bounds and excel. And I, of course, am looking forward to her visit home for Thanksgiving, the phone calls and the many text between us.

So many proud achievements over the past four years.

So many proud achievements over the past four years.

For those of us who are sending a child away for the first time this year, UK did a phenominal job in their parent orientation sharing ideas that help students excel. They explained to us parents that sending a text before big exams or papers are due and calling after to see how it went really helps students (our children) feel that we are there with them in spirit. He also said that small care packages from home are well always received. I have taken notes and plan to stay close to her even from a distance. 

Bonding time hiking with my son at Red River Gorge.

Bonding time hiking with my son at Red River Gorge.

 This transition also brings change for my son. Corwin is entering 8th grade this year. Having his sister away from home brings great changes to him in multiple ways. He is used to her driving him places and they are very close. It is a great way to teach him that our love for people does not change because of the distance between us. He is looking forward to having special visits with his sister without his parents around too, especially for a basketball game. But as he too goes back to school I am also excited that I will now have more time with him. This is a very important year for Corwin as he prepares for high school next year. Being the second child sometimes means taking a back seat or not having things be new and as special for him. But, at least he knows I will do drivers ed a little better when it's his turn and his sister definitely paved a good path for him. I also look forward to making special memories with Corwin while Morgan is away.

Some parents cannot wait for school to resume. I have never felt this way. I love time spent with my kids and the relaxed schedule of summer. However, I am excited to finish projects of my own including my upcoming book about stress. I believe that although we are parents, it is also important to remember our own unique identity and purpose. Using my positive thinking I am excited to dedicate more time to organizing, updating a couple rooms at home, and getting back to a more disciplined routine of working out. 

Celebrating Graduation with Family and friends.

Celebrating Graduation with Family and friends.

Although transitions do bring uncertainties, it is important to embrace them as we have discussed in our latest blog series. Uncertainties, such as the transitions back to school, also bring new opportunities, positive changes, unlimited possibilities and growth. Now is the time. Get excited if you to are in this season of change with me. It is time to give our children wings and launch them lovingly into a new level in their lives. Of course, being the energetic beings that we are, as they launch into new begininings we too follow. Life is exciting. Let’s see what this amazing school year brings to us all.

Peace and encouragement,

Libby

P.S. - For those parents who have been through college transitions or have moved children away from home, I would love to invite you to share ways to communicate anything that helped your child or yourself. You can comment in the box below or on our latest post on Instagram.


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Why You Should Not Fear Death

I have two friends who passed and went to the other side before coming back into their bodies. They both experienced the most beautiful unconditional love and peace while they were on the other side. It was so wonderful there that they didn’t want to come back. They were both told, however, that it was not their time and then they were drawn back into their bodies. This experience had a profound effect upon both of their lives. Today they no longer fear death and they have an incredibly strong sense of purpose on this planet. As a result they live more fully than before and have a positive impact upon those who are blessed to know them.

Embrace the magical moments that life offers. Photography by Paul Garrett

In Libby’s last blog titled, "Live the Life You Love," she wrote about the fear of death and how it has a tendency to hold us back from fully living. This fear is so common and yet there are countless stories from people who have died and come back to life that the other side is a beautiful place that we should not fear. You see death is not the end. Instead it is a transition from this plane of existence to another dimension where our souls continue on their journey. I was with both of my parents when they passed away. Although it was sad saying goodbye, the process itself was very peaceful. I once wondered if it would be painful missing them after they were gone. The reality is that I feel their warm presence everyday and that is very comforting.

So live your life to the fullest extent and do not fear death because there is nothing to fear on the other side. You have an important purpose while you are here and it is your job to discover that purpose and use your God given talent to make this world a better place. There are many ways to do that and each of us has our own unique mission to fulfill. FEAR has been described as False Evidence Appearing Real. For the most part it isn’t real. It is just a product of our imaginations most of the time because we think and worry way too much about the future. Therefore, live fully in the present moment for it is all that we really have.

Life is incredibly light and beautiful when we let go of all fears. Photography by Paul Garrett

See if you can release your fears starting today. By letting go of the heavy dense energy of fear, you will feel lighter, happier and more energetic. In addition you will be able to manifest positive things into your life like never before. It's important for us to acknowledge and face our fears in order to release them. When we stuff our fears down or just plain ignore them, often they cause energy blocks that lead to other problems within us including disease. In his New York Times best selling book, "The Untethered Soul," Michael A. Singer writes at length about clearing trapped emotions and transmuting them through your heart. You can read my review of this book by clicking on its title above. 

Let’s give power to our courage and inspire each other to fearlessly live our very best lives!!

Wishing you happiness, great health and courage,

Paul

P.S. - Thanks so much for your support, your likes, your comments and your DM’s on Instagram! Your encouragement truly inspires us to keep writing. Know that we love and appreciate you all!  Libby and I would also like to give a personal shoutout to all of our new readers in Boardman, Oregon. You guys are awesome!!


Awaken • Inspire • Empower

New Posts Every Tuesday and Saturday