karin dancy

Our second grader has a habit that melts my mama-heart.

When he’s afraid, frustrated, overwhelmed, or simply unsure of himself, he comes looking for reassurance from one of us. Sometimes he needs help solving a problem. Other times, he sits quietly nearby without saying much at all. More often, he just needs a hug. 

I’ve learned that, in those moments, he is looking for his home base.

Home base is the place where our little guy feels safe enough to regroup. It’s where he catches his breath, gathers a little more courage, and remembers that he is loved before he heads back out to face whatever awaits him.

Lately, I’ve been wondering how many of us adults need a home base, too.

June is a month often filled with transitions, big and small . . . graduations, weddings, summer plans, new beginnings, and long-awaited celebrations. These are all beautiful moments.

Yet, even lovely changes can be exhausting. Add in the pressures we often place on ourselves, the concerns we carry for people we love, and the world’s challenges we witness around us. No wonder so many people are feeling weary.

So, perhaps this month is also an invitation to be gentler with ourselves.

Let’s try to remember that not every problem must be solved today. Not every expectation must be met perfectly. Not every burden belongs on our shoulders.

Maybe your home base is your faith. Maybe it’s a trusted friend, a quiet walk, a favorite chair, or simply a few moments of stillness with just you and God.

Whatever it looks like for you, I hope you will return to it often.

Because when life feels uncertain or just a lot-lot, the last thing we need to do is push harder to prove our strength. Sometimes the wisest thing we can do instead is what my second grader does so naturally: find our way back to home base, rest for a moment, and remember who we are.

Be especially kind to yourself this month.

You are carrying more than most people know.

xoxo

I’d Love to Hear From You:
In one word, what feels like home base for you in this season of life?

* Photo Credit: Joice Kelly on Unsplash