Creating Meaning

June has been watching Dora The Explorer lately (we try to "shield" her as much as possible from an over abundance of television, but it's one show we don't mind). I was thinking about the show and realized that everyday life can also be an adventure.

We put this concept to the test. When June woke up this past Saturday, we simply said, "today we are going on an adventure." You could tell her eyes lit up with wonder and excitement about what the day would bring. Even though our activities were nothing out of the ordinary, we created a new lens for her to view the world. This new perspective paved the way for our family to feel like we were on an adventure and to enjoy each moment it had to offer.

Being married to a #7 (if you've never taken the Enneagram, I'd highly recommend it... I'm a #1) has challenged me to look at life in a different way. Life is unmanageable (as much as it pains me to say this being a #1). I can't control life. I can't control getting hurt, the chaos of society or the fact that my daughter will watch shows that I don't approve of.

So what can I do? I have the choice to create meaning. I can create adventures out of everyday activities. I can help widen my daughter's eyes to new possibilities. I can hold my hands open and be thankful for things I do have and let go of the things I can't control. I can surrender myself to a higher power.