Here's to all the Daylight Savings strugglers ⏰

Some upsides to a disorienting new schedule ❤️

Is anybody else totally thrown off by the time change so far? 😳 We lose an hour of sleep and it’s increasingly more challenging to put kids to bed at a reasonable hour. I already felt behind, so this yearly change is as unwelcome as ever.

We often tend to be bothered most by the things we can’t control…such as an arbitrary shifting in our clocks. But let’s do some reframing this morning.

In January, my friend Sarah reflected on how we can be like bats in wintertime by snuggling in, building up fat reserves, trusting our instincts, etc.,

But now the season is changing and maybe we can look forward to some things about this new schedule and more sunlight.

Here are some encouraging things to look forward to about the next several months ❤️

Now is a time to lose track of the hours while laughing and playing. Now is the time to linger in golden hour and the sunset.

Now is a time to play in the dirt, and wash off, because you have enough daylight and warmth to do both.

Now is a time to go to farmer’s markets and local events and remember that you’re not the only person who shares your values and interests.

Now is a time to eat outside and do fewer dishes. Now is a time to spend less time tidying indoors and more time letting nature (and public parks) be your kids’ toys.

Now is a time to move your body, maybe in ways you’ve never tried or felt able to do before.

Now is a time to chase rainbows because it’s amazing that we live in a world where beauty sometimes fills the sky after a storm, and…who knows? Maybe you’ll find the end. (I actually have found the end of a rainbow…once.)

a double rainbow we chased in Durango, CO

Now is a time to reevaluate your margins and consider saying “Yes” a bit more often.

Now is a time for you to sometimes say “sure, I’d love that” when your kids ask if they can stay up fifteen minutes later just to spend time with you.

Now is also a time to help your kids learn self-regulation. To say things like “I realize it’s still light outside, but you need to stay in your room because Daddy and I have an at-home date” or “Because I need time to work on some things alone.” Now is a time to prioritize your kids’ sleep and routines—and to respect your own self-care needs—even if they don’t feel like it. It’s a time to invite your kids to trust you.

And yes, maybe now is a time for you to get your kids blackout curtains or a cute sleeping mask 😉

There are many privileges and opportunities unique to this “spring forward” of Daylight Savings Time. The one in November might be preferable, and maybe all DST’s will be done away with soon, but it’s here, and we’ll adapt. We have superpowers like that.

And maybe some of you are in a season where you have to hunker down and stay home more than you were hoping this spring and summer. You have adaptation superpowers too ❤️

Through whatever changes you’re going through this season, I hope you feel seen and encouraged. You’re more loved than you could dream.

Warmly,

Hope from Family Scripts

Lookout Mountain Flight Park, GA

Feel free to send this to someone who could use a bit of encouragement!