In a world that seems more and more heartbreaking everyday, it’s hard not to be overwhelmed and somewhat consumed by the negativity that fills our social media feeds and nightly news. With a divide that seems to only become deeper in our nation with each passing moment and a sensitive judgmental mindset amongst so many, we are scared to voice our opinions with fear of backlash. Trolling has become fulfilling to some, while others are seeking acceptance by the “number of likes” they receive, which in turn, allows their self-esteem to be shattered in an instant by a hurtful comment. What has happened to the nation’s moral compass?
When I had Zelda I made a pledge to myself that being on the journey of motherhood I would do my best to take everything in stride and relish the “pure” existence of her and experience love in a way I never had before. The journey has been exciting, eye-opening, exhilarating, insightful, and of course overwhelming at times. What I have learned first hand is that a child is truly the product of their environment, if you are happy they are happy, if you are sad they feel sad. I am not perfect, we all have our moments and for me it was a couple of weeks ago. I came home from work after a difficult day and was beyond overwhelmed, I just wanted to eat a row of Oreos and go to sleep, but that wasn’t an option. I had a bright-eyed little ray of sunshine waiting for me to be her hero when I walked through the door. #ThankGod.

A mother and daughter wearing matching grey best friend varsity jackets in a Chicago street style snap.A mother and daughter wearing matching grey best friend varsity jackets in a Chicago street style snap.A mother and daughter wearing matching grey best friend varsity jackets in a Chicago street style snap.A mother and daughter wearing matching grey best friend varsity jackets in a Chicago street style snap.

Later that evening while we were snuggled up on the couch watching “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse”, unaware and overwhelmed I had tears running down my face while I zoned out to Mickey’s voice. My sweet happy girl noticed the tears before I did and grabbed both of my cheeks looked me in the eyes and said, “Oh Mom, it’s ok,” and gently wiped away my tears with her delicate baby hands. BABY HANDS — why was my child wiping my tears with her baby hands?
It was the first time I saw true sadness in her eyes and I caused it! I am someone who is typically very aware and doesn’t expose my child to adult issues and feelings. She is only 2.5 years old and has a lifetime ahead of her to experience bullshit, why would I expose her to it now? We all have our moments and I won’t beat myself up over it but I will learn from it. They are watching everything we do, waiting for direction and they FEEL us! We are heroes to our children, and this role can never be taken lightly.

A mother and daughter wearing matching grey best friend varsity jackets in a Chicago street style snap.

A mother and daughter wearing matching grey best friend varsity jackets in a Chicago street style snap.

As parents and as a nation we have a responsibility to DO BETTER!

I Pledge To:

Teach my daughter what it means to love and have meaningful relationships.

Keep her safe and teach her compassion.

Be patient and always listen with an open mind.

Teach her that perfection is an illusion and not real, satisfaction comes from improvement.

Teach her peace is the greatest currency you can have.

“If you want to change the world go home and love your family.”  -Mother Teresa

What do you pledge to teach your babe(s)?

A mother and daughter wearing matching grey best friend varsity jackets in a Chicago street style snap.A mother and daughter wearing matching grey best friend varsity jackets in a Chicago street style snap.

Lots of love to  Chris Uphues who continues to spread kindness and love with his art! Zelda and I are supered flattered that he named the picture above as one of his favorites of 2016. #TheHappyGarage

A mother and daughter wearing matching grey best friend varsity jackets in a Chicago street style snap.A mother and daughter wearing matching grey best friend varsity jackets in a Chicago street style snap.

Photo Credit: Hallie Duesenberg

WHAT WE ARE WEARING

Corri

Jacket: Gardner and the Gang // Top: Rag & Bone

Denim: Topshop // Boots: ASOS // Hair: Blohaute

Zelda

Jacket: Gardner and the Gang // Top: Monica & Andy

 Denim: Osh Kosh // Slip Ons: Seed Heritage