My Dad used to do this with me too. He told lovely stories of little Annie (my middle name) and told me all about her day, my day. I always felt seen and accomplished and important. What a great way to fall asleep.
I do this with my wife sometimes when we've had particularly overstimulating or social days. Its great for middle aged bitties too! We are all just big little kids.
"I always felt seen and accomplished and important." I love hearing this, Liz! That's such beautiful encouragement to keep up this ritual with our girls -- thanks so much for sharing that, and for reading and being here 🤍
So beautiful, Candace! I love how you tie in your bedtime ritual, the rituals of your life, with your connection to the rest of the world. ~ a reminder that the smallest things are connected...and connect us with each other.
"The smallest things are connected...and connect us with each other." Karen, I can't thank you enough for your beautiful words -- in one line, you really captured the essence of what I believe and what matters to me in life. I'm so moved to hear this story resonated with you, and I'm so glad you're here 🤍✨
Thank you, Candace! I'm so glad I found you here. Your work is very inspiring. I've begun to feel my interconnectedness with both nature and fellow humans more and more than ever before. :0) <3
Omg - brought tears to my eyes. Yes, I am reading so many stories being told in the darkness and they are the most powerful and the most profound examples of humans going above and beyond by doing the smallest things. There is a deep sadness in the darkness, and possibly depression, but it is the darkness that makes small lights shine infinitely brighter.
One of our bedtime rituals is to say our favorite part of the day. It's a gratitude reminder for me and it helps me reframe the best moments for my son which usually isn't in grand experiences, but the mundane moments of simply being together.
"It is the darkness that makes small lights shine infinitely brighter." I just love how you put that, Amanda -- thank you so much. And I'm also delighted to say that sharing our favorite moment from the day is a big part of our bedtime rituals as well. Even Eva is starting to understand and join in, which brings me so much joy 🥰 I'm so glad it's such a beautiful and grounding moment in the day for you and your son, too.
PS -- and yes! Jose got the lantern for us from Zara Home right after we moved to Belgium. I'm pretty sure it was close to €50, which felt entirely exorbitant at the time, but we have got *so much* use out of it, that I can now say it was more than worth it :)
True. I call my daughter every weekend to see if we can visit.
On another note: I meant to mention how fun it was to hear that your mother saw me knitting and felt inspired to pick up her needles again. I hope she has. Knitters UNITE! Right? Love to all.
Ahh that is so lovely to hear, Jen, and it's such beautiful encouragement to keep up these bedtime rituals with the girls. Thank you so much for sharing that 🤍🤍
Thank you for sharing us little stories from your life. Your daughters are gonna grow up to bring light and love to the world with all the beautiful lessons you've taught them :)
"There are some rituals in life we should never abandon." That is such a beautiful and powerful thought, Switter. Thank you so much for sharing it, and thank you always for being here 🙏
Love this idea of recapping the day! And the photos of you all are wonderful. Nice to know in these dark times, your girls are wrapped in love and care and comfort and safety—something we wish for more children the world over.
Thank you so much, Gayle -- and please know I couldn't agree more with you. I can't tell you how many times I've had the same thought at bedtime, wishing every child in the world had such a safe and quiet space to fall asleep in 🤍🤍
I want a little lantern for my bed, too. I want to recap my day and fall asleep, unafraid of the darkness and full of hope. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your beautiful comment here, Kathryn -- I'm sending gratitude and lantern-glowing light your way this weekend 🤍✨
My Dad used to do this with me too. He told lovely stories of little Annie (my middle name) and told me all about her day, my day. I always felt seen and accomplished and important. What a great way to fall asleep.
I do this with my wife sometimes when we've had particularly overstimulating or social days. Its great for middle aged bitties too! We are all just big little kids.
"I always felt seen and accomplished and important." I love hearing this, Liz! That's such beautiful encouragement to keep up this ritual with our girls -- thanks so much for sharing that, and for reading and being here 🤍
So beautiful, Candace! I love how you tie in your bedtime ritual, the rituals of your life, with your connection to the rest of the world. ~ a reminder that the smallest things are connected...and connect us with each other.
"The smallest things are connected...and connect us with each other." Karen, I can't thank you enough for your beautiful words -- in one line, you really captured the essence of what I believe and what matters to me in life. I'm so moved to hear this story resonated with you, and I'm so glad you're here 🤍✨
Thank you, Candace! I'm so glad I found you here. Your work is very inspiring. I've begun to feel my interconnectedness with both nature and fellow humans more and more than ever before. :0) <3
That's so wonderful to hear, Karen! 🫶🫶
Thank you so much for sharing your stories. I also love to tell stories in the dark. May God bless you and your family.
Psalm 23:4 "Aunque ande en valle de sombra de muerte, No temeré mal alguno, porque tú estarás conmigo; Tu vara y tu cayado me infundirán aliento."
Neglest, muchísimas gracias por tus palabras amables acá y por compartir el salmo -- siempre fue uno de mis favoritos. Bendiciones para ti también! 🤍✨
Candace, this is so beautiful. Thank you ❤️️
I'm so glad to hear this resonated with you, Sandra 🤍
Omg - brought tears to my eyes. Yes, I am reading so many stories being told in the darkness and they are the most powerful and the most profound examples of humans going above and beyond by doing the smallest things. There is a deep sadness in the darkness, and possibly depression, but it is the darkness that makes small lights shine infinitely brighter.
One of our bedtime rituals is to say our favorite part of the day. It's a gratitude reminder for me and it helps me reframe the best moments for my son which usually isn't in grand experiences, but the mundane moments of simply being together.
Also, I love that lantern! Where did you get it?
"It is the darkness that makes small lights shine infinitely brighter." I just love how you put that, Amanda -- thank you so much. And I'm also delighted to say that sharing our favorite moment from the day is a big part of our bedtime rituals as well. Even Eva is starting to understand and join in, which brings me so much joy 🥰 I'm so glad it's such a beautiful and grounding moment in the day for you and your son, too.
PS -- and yes! Jose got the lantern for us from Zara Home right after we moved to Belgium. I'm pretty sure it was close to €50, which felt entirely exorbitant at the time, but we have got *so much* use out of it, that I can now say it was more than worth it :)
Children ARE the lanterns in the darkness. I've come to realize that I need my Robby/Maddie fix at least once a week.
Yes! My mom feels the same way, we can't go too long between calls 🥰
True. I call my daughter every weekend to see if we can visit.
On another note: I meant to mention how fun it was to hear that your mother saw me knitting and felt inspired to pick up her needles again. I hope she has. Knitters UNITE! Right? Love to all.
Who can make darkness so comfortable? You can. I still remember falling asleep with my mother and I am 75!
Ahh that is so lovely to hear, Jen, and it's such beautiful encouragement to keep up these bedtime rituals with the girls. Thank you so much for sharing that 🤍🤍
So life affirming and giving. Needed as much for adults as wee ones. My gratitude. Such a beautiful heart and family you have. Xo💜💫
Thank you so much for your beautiful words, Joanie -- I'm so moved to hear this story resonated with you 🤍✨
A sweet, comforting ritual plus a wish for the world. Beautiful! xxoo
Thank you so much for reading and being here, Dianne -- I'm so glad this story resonated with you 🤍✨
Just beautiful. ✨
Thank you, Gabrielle! 🤍
Thank you for sharing us little stories from your life. Your daughters are gonna grow up to bring light and love to the world with all the beautiful lessons you've taught them :)
Thank you so much for your beautiful words, Frances -- it's so encouraging to read that you connect with the stories I share here 🤍✨
There are some rituals in life we should never abandon.
Thank you, Candace.
"There are some rituals in life we should never abandon." That is such a beautiful and powerful thought, Switter. Thank you so much for sharing it, and thank you always for being here 🙏
Divina historia ♥️♥️
Muchas gracias, Lala! 🤍🤍🤍
Precious!
Thank you so much, Mama Quinley! 🤍🤍
Love this idea of recapping the day! And the photos of you all are wonderful. Nice to know in these dark times, your girls are wrapped in love and care and comfort and safety—something we wish for more children the world over.
Thank you so much, Gayle -- and please know I couldn't agree more with you. I can't tell you how many times I've had the same thought at bedtime, wishing every child in the world had such a safe and quiet space to fall asleep in 🤍🤍