Gratitude
As I start this post, I’m sitting on our front porch. Henry is making mud in our in-progress garden. What a simple formula: water + dirt + bare feet = pure joy. He dug up a grub and moved it over to the grass. Then he stopped by the porch to tell me there was “something with teeth” in the grass. Apparently it’s either “a grasshopper” or a “Japanese spider crab.”
This morning was the groundbreaking ceremony for the school. What an amazing feeling to simultaneously be a staff member and a parent.
It took a lot of years to get to this place. There were times when I had to take jobs that weren’t exactly what I wanted to be doing but were very aligned with helping me build the skills I needed to pursue my dream of opening a school. There were financial sacrifices (for example, I worked full-time for nearly two years before starting on the payroll). There was a lot of delayed gratification and waiting.
There are times when life feels so full that you can’t help but worry about it tipping over and spilling out. I don’t want to lose anything.
But instead of going to a place of fear or worry, I simply hug my boys a little tighter and enjoy the breeze on the front porch. And then when Henry asks, “Will you come make mud castles with me?” I respond with yes.
7 Comments
Lea Shell
Congratulations!!! Big day!
Allison El Koubi
That is so exciting Sara! Congratulations on the ground-breaking for your new school. I know how much energy, time, and love you have poured into this BHAG and it's going to impact so many kids and families, not only in Austin but all around the country.
I wish we lived in Austin or you were opening up a school in Lafayette…
Anonymous
amazing!
Meghan
Wow, Sara! Congratulations!!
Shawn
It's been amazing and inspiring to watch your journey. Hope you get to soak it all up and I can't wait to see where things go from here!
Kristy
Oh Sara, congratulations! You all must feel such a tremendous sense of accomplishment. It's amazing how all the hard work, and at times sacrifice, have paid off. I really needed to read this post today.
This in particular really resonates with me right now:
"There are times when life feels so full that you can't help but worry about it tipping over and spilling out. I don't want to lose anything."
I've been on a similar path trying to establish myself in a career I'm really passionate about and balance that with a growing family. Trade offs are hard but seeing your children happy, healthy, and thriving – making mud pies in the garden – means you're not dropping the ball.
Kelsey
This is such wonderful news, my heart is so full for you! I understand nearly not believing your good fortune but you've worked so hard, you deserve to bask in your achievement,. I remember from Mondo Beyondo that it's an important ritual! Great job Sarah, can't wait to hear more and see pictures!