Busy but Balanced : Practical and Inspirational Ways to Create a Calmer, Closer Family

by Mimi Doe

• ISBN13: 9780312272210
• ISBN10: 0312272219
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2001-11-10
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Summary

The ideas in Busy but Balanced are for the people who need them the most-those of us out in the world putting our longings, goals, and ideas into action and balancing that with creating a nourishing home and deeply connecting with our children.It's not about giving up desire but, instead, creating a right relationship with all aspects of ourselves and our world.Rather than breathlessly grasping at the shards of our lives, we can boldly and calmly expand to embrace all aspects of it-alert and relaxed.A mother of two young children expressed what many of us feel:"I want a simple life; I want a busy life.I don't want it cluttered with junk, but I want it vibrant.My relationship is with my family, and I want that at the core of my life; but I also want meaningful work. My family is forever so I want that to thrive, but I want the day in and day out at work to be good too."Fear of change locks many of us into rote living-treadmill days.Busy but Balanced, a practical and inspirational guide, will help you take action month by month, manage change, even invite it in, to create a full life lived with no regrets.Making choices allows you to live sanely with more joy, energy, and success-without sacrifice. ---From the IntroductionAUTHORBIO: Mimi Doe is the author of the award-winning Ten Principles for Spiritual Parenting and Drawing Angels Near, and she inspires thousands of parents across the country each year with her personalized workshops and a popular on-line newsletter. Seen on Oprah and heralded as "a parenting guru" by Ladies Home Journal, Doe holds a Master's degree in education from Harvard University.

Author Biography

Mimi Doe is the author of the award-winning Ten Principles for Spiritual Parenting and Drawing Angels Near, and she inspires thousands of parents across the country each year with her personalized workshops and a popular on-line newsletter. Seen on Oprah and heralded as "a parenting guru" by Ladies Home Journal, Doe holds a Master's degree in education from Harvard University.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Seize the Day---Calmly	1	(10)
PART ONE: WINTER
January	11	(20)
Ways to Begin Again---as a Family
Mindful Parenting
Gotta Ditch That Guilt
The Money Dance
Parenting Prescriptions
Letting Go of Fear and Doubt
Pitching In
February	31	(17)
Family Love---Valentine's Day and Beyond
Collections, Treasures, and Creations
The Loving Power of Pets
Schedule a Check-up
That Empty Feeling
Spirit on Wheels
What You Say Is What You Get
March	48	(27)
Seven Core Concepts for Connected Families
Dirty Snow
Morning Shower
Parent Chants
What's for Dinner?
Journey of the Teen
Give Me Just a Little More Time
Celebrate Spring's Arrival
Resources
PART TWO: SPRING
April	75	(18)
Nurture Family Creativity
Grab the Moment
Change Your Thoughts
Moving On
Soulful Homes
Support Children's Intuition
Spiritual Latitude
May	93	(22)
Family Unity
Ya Gotta Have Friends
Creative Flow
Kindness Counts
Safety First
Mothering in the Light
Parental Envy
The No that Can Save Your Soul
June	115	(26)
Soulful Fathering
Transitions and Traditions
Lasting Photos
Language of the Soul
Helping Kids Manage Fear
Tell the Truth---the Whole Truth
Strengthening Sibling Ties
Resources
PART THREE: SUMMER
July	141	(13)
What's Working Now?
Freedom
Summer Rhythm
Watch Me, Mom
Tough Times
Intuitive Travel
August	154	(12)
Encourage Family Respect
Soulful Reading
Overcoming Obstacles
Little Touches Create Large Ripples
Questioning Spirit
Just Another Family Morning
September	166	(27)
Back to School
Ten Ways to Create a Nourishing Classroom
Ten Ways for Parents to Help Teachers Do Their Jobs
Accepting Gifts
Focus
Raising Children in an E-mail World
Set Aside Sacred Time
Bedrooms Where Dreams Are Spun
Your Connection to Spirit
Resources
PART FOUR: FALL
October	193	(16)
Access Overload
Managing Your Child's Schedule
The Gift of Gratitude
A Pain in the Neck
Hang on to Your Dreams
When Our Kids Hurt
Energy Vampires
November	209	(14)
True Thanksgivings
Soulful Gifts
You've Been Thanked
Compassionate Kids
Cozy Connectedness
Planning Holidays Now
Reflections of the Light
December	223	(18)
Create a Simpler, More Meaningful Holiday
Creative Risks
Winding Down
Angels
Kid Speak
A Party with Spirit
It's Your Choice
New Year's Eve
Resources	241	(3)
Acknowledgments	244	(1)
About the Author	245