2 Ways to Keep Going as an Adoptive or Foster Parent

The other day I was listening to an interview with an athlete talking about ENDURANCE.

Now, I'm not an athlete at all, but I certainly could relate to the conversation as an adoptive and foster parent. 

This journey of parenting an adopted or foster child is a MARATHON, not a sprint. And the finish line feels pretty far off lots of times. 

Ever get the comment, "I don't know how you do it!"

Guess what? There were plenty of days I thought, I can't do this anymore. But, I did it anyway. 

It's a long journey, and that's gong to take ENDURANCE, my friend. So you need to get the fuel and energy to sustain you.

Here's how I start and end each day to help my endurance. (Okay, there are some days I don't do them, but every day is my goal).
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1. Start your day with GRATITUDE.

I have a journal that I keep by my bed. Before I begin the crazy busyness of the day, I jot down 3 things that I'm grateful for. Some are big, some are little. It might be a good night's sleep, it might be my comfy sweatshirt. Some days it's the sunshine. 

Research shows gratitude can have a great impact on our mindset. And that is a powerful, positive way to begin each day.

2. End your day with FINDING THE GOOD.

At the end of the day, before you fall asleep, look back on your day and find the good in the day.

There are days, the good comes easily and quickly. And there are days when it can be challenging to find the good. It might be the littlest thing, but there is good.

Maybe it was your morning coffee. Maybe it was you made it til bedtime.

Focus on that good. Let that be your thought as you drift on to sleep. It can help you sleep better, and can help you start tomorrow in a better spot.

They say it takes 21 days to create a new habit. So I challenge you to begin the next 21 days with gratitude and end each of them with finding the good.

Here's to the next 21 days!!