There is a rabbinical saying: "Don't limit a child to your own learning, for he was born in another time." Give you child the freedom to explore the world for themselves. If you fear for their safety in territories unknown to you, walk beside them and explore those places together. Let your children be your guides in rediscovering the world."


Although parents wish to protect their children from danger, an important task of parenting involves allowing children to explore their own depths and the mystery of fate - which draws them into the potentially dangerous but transformative experiences of life.

Both of these passages are from "1,001 Meditations" by Mike George.


I am raising my kids as little individuals who feel strong and empowered in their decisions. I want them each to be independent and eager to learn about what interests them. I want them to ask questions and challenge themselves and others. I want to make things available and accessible to them. We're so fortunate to be living a life that can allow us most opportunities if it is important enough.

I love that high schools are now offering "internships for credit" type of situations. Expecting a fresh high school graduate at 18 to know what they want to do for the rest of their lives is just not so realistic. What a great way to try a few occupations out? And what about travelling? Learning about other cultures first hand and in person can enrich anyone! I wish travel was more affordable. I guess it's a matter of priorities. If I lived more simply now I could afford to travel more. Travelling with a family of 5 is a bit more limiting--but doable. If I really want it and think it's important enough.

I feel like I pretty much did what I wanted as a teenager. I was working so I had some money. I didn't ask for permission for much--or maybe I didn't much listen to the answer. I don't remember asking for much guidance. I had to learn for myself--and I did. I'm thankful I had parents who, although I don't think they knew what to do with my free spirit, let me be. They could have put heavy restrictions on me or sent me to some school for curious and independent girls that would have stifled my explorations.

This isn't exactly what I want for my kids though. I feel like I have some experiences they can learn from. Or at least my stories might sway them to make one choice over another on their own. But when it comes down to it, they are their own people. What intrigued me will not be the same for them. What gets their blood pumping will be different than what it was for me. And it's true, growing up in the 2020's and 2030's is going to be far different than it was for me in the 1980's and 1990's, or what their father experienced in the 1970's and 1980's. Their world as young people is so different.

So I guess all I can do is talk with them, listen to them, and allow them to be free. Free to explore, free to ask questions and challenge, free to be themselves...as they search to discover who it is they really are. That work, after all, has very little to do with me. As I've said before, I'm a guide. I want to be the best damn guide I can be. One with a cold glass of water and a foot rub at the end of each quest. I won't have all the answers, but maybe I can offer them clues. And I'm really confident that I'm going to feel so proud to know them. I already do.

I'm just realizing that I'm going to have to be alone with myself for a week while I'm in Italy.

Maybe I should be doing as much, if not more, preparation for THAT as I am all the cooking classes and tours.

There is a full moon coming tomorrow. My brief online research tells me the full moon is a time of abundance, strongly related to the maternal. I can affirm that I am full to the brim with maternal energy right now. Kids go back to school in a few days, the baby starts kindergarten, and the emotions are running high as far as being protective, and the struggle between holding on tight and beginning to let go. I hope to connect to Mother Earth tomorrow night, soak in her energy, and pray for guidance in supporting my children on their journey. It is their journey, after all, and I can't do it for them.

The next new moon occurs while I'm in Tuscany. The same brief online research taught me that this is a time of new beginnings, positive change, evolution and expansion. How ideal! Again, I will plan to take off my shoes (will they be the practical-yet-stylish hoofing around Italy shoes or the new leather boots I acquire on my travels?) and plant my feet on Mother Earth. I will set my intentions for the next phase of my life.

As if I didn't have enough research to do! I will remain open to receive the messages intended for me and it will all work out as it should. Take a breath, give thanks, and slow down. Embrace the work I have to do in the next week as Mama, then prepare for the equally important work I have to do as Cristin.

What is success? To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty; To find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived; That is to have succeeded.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson