Puppy. Firsts. Shiny penny. Souvenirs. What do these all have in common?

They all represent something new. At a recent garage sale, I bought a $.50 purse — a cheap find, but a gem to me. A few months ago, I got my braces off. That new luxury of smooth (and straight) teeth was exhilarating. I couldn’t stop smiling!!

Have you ever had an “Ahhaa” moment? You know, the moments when a new concept or idea just suddenly comes together in your mind and everything makes sense. It’s so profound to you that the moment lingers a while as you discover its deep meaning or affect on your life. New things don’t have to come with price tags and they aren’t always enjoyable, but one thing is for certain … something new does something to a person.

Puppy: Our beloved miniature poodle, Oscar, died unexpectedly last month days after discovering a blood disorder. He has been greatly missed, but our home without a pet is like a refrigerator without power — it just doesn’t work. So, after research, we found our new labradoodle puppy. She is now just a mere six weeks old. We’re quite excited for this new addition to our home soon, but this new change will mean major puppy proofing of our home over the next few weeks and breaking a few bad (messy) habits.

Firsts: We just returned from vacation and had the wonderful opportunity to experience for the first time an area we had never been to — New England and New York City. Going to a new area never explored is full of firsts. Historical sites — the place where it all began. Whale watch — can’t do that in Colorado. Times Square — a city’s nightlife incomparable. Firsts are exhilarating new explorations.

Shiny Penny. Everywhere we went on our trip, Hannah spent $.51 — two quarters and the shiniest penny we had. The result — a flattened penny embossed with the attraction’s symbol. It’s a token memory of the little enjoyments she saw.

Souvenirs. No vacation is complete without a few new souvenirs. After wandering all over NYC and finally finding the best deal, we got 20 postcards for $1.00 on our last day. What a find!! After we made our purchase, much to my surprise, the next shop boasted 30 postcards for $1.00. Go figure. I know when I drink from my new coffee cup or hang our Christmas ornament on the tree this year, the memories of our trip will be renewed.

Yes, new things do something to a person. What new things will you experience this summer? Will you try something new with your kids? Will you see something you’ve not seen before? Will you read a new genre of book? Or learn a new creative outlet?

Make a point to cut loose from your status quo and discover something new. Sure, it will stretch you. It may not be comfortable and it may even take some extra time and effort. But the benefits will be worth it!

I love vacations. A vacation is an opportunity to take a trip as a family knowing there will be uninterrupted time together. Once at the destination, it’s all rest, relaxation, and fun. But I also get a kick out of the journey before the trip. We start planning our next vacation after returning from the last, “Where do we want to go next year?” “What would we like to do and see?” “What could we discover there?”

Once we decide where we’re going, I get to work. The condo is booked, free tourism guides and pamphlets are ordered, the area is researched for hidden hot spots and must-see adventures, and a complete notebook is compiled. It’s a year-long journey sharing ideas and exploring options before the trip even happens.

Then the long-awaited time comes and we board the plane with the notebook securely stored in my carry-on. Yet even with all the planning, the trip takes a life all its own.

One such time was in Cancun. In an attempt to reach a local hot spot I discovered online, we wandered the heart of Cancun. Removed from the tourist areas, we searched for the land markings to discover our adventure. But after exhausting all options, we determined the locals hid it well and we headed back.

That day we didn’t reach our intended destination, but the journey we were on will be etched in my memory forever … the three of us dripping with sweat, running across busy intersections, giving piggy back rides, dodging buses, and laughing at our adventurous attempt — all just to find the unknown. That’s an adventure!

So often our focus is just on the end result or destination … deadlines, end of school year, get through the summer, graduation, complete the to-do list, make more money, complete a project, settle into a career …

But life is a series of journeys. Each includes their own treasure. At times, we may not reach our intended goals and other times it may take a while to get there, but we can still strive to seek the value in the unexpected along the way.

What does today hold? Is our objective just to get through the day barring major obstacles and untimely interruptions? What unexpected ventures will we discover along the way? Each moment in today’s journey has a purpose. Do we see the hidden importance?

Constant disruptions or breaks from the mundane?

Full-time chauffeur duties or extra time with our children?

Inconveniences or opportunities?

Time just waiting for answers or points in time to grow our faith?

What we make of today’s journey will influence how we see tomorrow’s trip.

 “Don’t miss the beautiful colors of the rainbow while you’re looking for the pot of gold at the end of it.” — Barbara Johnson

There are a couple times during the school year that are overloaded with stress — Christmas and the end of the school calendar. CSAP and NWEA testing. Make-up work. Final projects. Final grades. Concerts. Award Ceremonies. Graduation. My head spins thinking about it all.

Then of course after all those festivities, come more — parties and potlucks to celebrate the accomplishments. It’s all great stuff, but a few coping skills may be in order to get you through this hectic time. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Breathe. Some have been known to stop breathing under extreme stress. Ceasing this activity would only ensure further issues such as heart attacks or strokes, so don’t cause your family undue stress at this time of the year … just remember to breathe!

2. Relax. Throughout the day, escape to Jamaica! Okay, not really as that could put quite the strain on your pocket book and then you’d be further stressed out. Pretend. Close your eyes … the sun sets as you sway in the serenity of your hammock on a secluded white sandy beach. Waves rhythmically push themselves to the shoreline whisking all worries into the ocean. Better? There is nothing like an ocean to soothe stress.

3. Laugh. Woody Allen said, “I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose.” I hate when that happens. If you can’t find anything to laugh at, read the comics, tell each other stupid jokes, dance in the kitchen while making dinner — that will probably make everyone laugh and you won’t be able to help but join in. Ever realize that when you are exhausted, the most ridiculous things seem hysterical? Laugh!

4. Check Up. Are your teeth clenched? Are your shoulders hiked up to your ears? Is your leg nervously swinging rapidly in the air? Are your neck and shoulders screaming for release? Have you forgotten what you did 5 minutes ago? If you answered yes to any of these … see #2 above.

5. Repeat: “This too shall pass.” “This too shall pass.”

Feel better? Have a stress-free day!

Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths. ~Etty Hillesum