“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” Robert Brault

I have always prided myself on my ability to practice gratitude.

Ever since I was a child, I’ve thanked the Lord for my blessings on the majority of my days.

Still, even as someone who continuously reminds themselves of their blessings, I admit, I take so much for granted.

Due to the state of our world, I’ve been reflecting on which moments in my life have impacted my gratitude the most.

Ironically, I found the key moments in my life…

Mom of two, freelance writer, peanut butter lover.

“Accept what people offer. Drink their milkshakes. Take their love.”

Wally Lamb

Hey there! I’m Amanda — mom of two, freelance writer, and peanut butter lover, but let’s start from the VERY beginning.

I was born (and raised) in a teeny Southern Vermont town where my parents owned the only grocery store. I began “working” there when I was 7 — bagging bagels counts! I eventually ran a register, baked, stocked shelves, and rocked customer service.

While in Vermont, I got into sports and was a tri-varsity athlete in basketball, soccer, and…

“If the wind brushes against you, do not complain; it brushes against everyone.”
― Matshona Dhliwayo

“Can I feel the wind on my face for a minute, mommy?” My sweet, 5-year old asks every morning — on our half-hour commute.

“Yes, honey, of course, you can,” I always say as I roll down the window, glance at the rearview mirror, and watch my boy close his eyes and smile. His rusty brown hair flows in all directions.

This is one of my favorite daily occurrences.

These days, when venturing in public resembles a dystopian novel, political flags appear everywhere, and…

I’ve been a people pleaser since I can remember, and for most of my life when it came to controversial conversations, I’d shy away or stay silent. Some close friends never even knew my political affiliation.

Controversy has never been my thing.

Then I became an official writer, and life spilled on the page.

For someone known for shying away from conflict — exposing my innermost opinions and thoughts to the world was terrifying.

But I did it, and in the last three years, I’ve tackled sensitive subjects on parenting, gender inequality, education, and more.

I’ve come a long way and learned that I can’t please…

Wandered outside
to my backyard
with a cool blueberry beer
and old-school IPOD blasting Josh Ritter.

Settled down
with crossed legs,
beside a white birch log
I used to rest my elbow.

Gazed up at the stars
for an hour.
They were everywhere —
one of the most brilliant nights.

I saw countless shooting stars,
shooting stars that left imprints of light
behind them as well as in my mind.

The first was glorious,

‘A shooting star,’ I thought,
‘how incredibly perfect.’
Then came a second, a third.

I stopped counting at 9

because 9 has always been my lucky…

“Our job is to look at her and say, you know what you’re imperfect, and you’re wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.” Brene Brown

My oldest son is a beautiful spitfire of energy.

And when he was 4, I admit, I had a difficult time keeping up.

He was up at 5 in the morning and breezing around like the roadrunner until 8 at night.

You're sitting back nodding your head and thinking, Boys will be boys, yep, sounds about right, but it was intense, and when he was in a group with other children…

I’ve been reading Rachel Hollis’s Girl Wash Your Face, and honestly, I have mixed feelings about it.

For starters, I completely respect this woman as a writer. In fact, I admire any writer who has the nerve to show up. As a freelancer myself, I know how difficult it can be to put yourself out there and be vulnerable.

I also think a lot of what she says is magnificent. Take this quote below:

“I don’t believe in one best way to parent. In fact, I think it could be pretty damaging to our children if we try to impost…

You woke up and made breakfast (Cheerios and strawberries count)
You are enough.

You set out colorful vitamins and meds.
You are enough.

You snuck in 5 minutes on the rowing machine (and walked 6,000 steps today).
You are enough.

You brushed your teeth and hair then reminded others to do the same.
You are enough.

You packed snacks, lunches, water bottles, and extra clothes.
You are enough.

While walking out the door, you remembered to find something that began with the letter “e" for show and tell.
You are enough.

You drove your son to school and talked about…