The Hard Is What Makes It Great

I'm sure some of you recognize this quote from the movie, "A League of Their Own." Tom Hanks portrays Jimmy Dugan, the manager of a World War II-era women's baseball team. He's trying to talk his star player, Dottie (played by Geena Davis), out of giving up the game mid-season to go start a family. When Dottie says things just got too hard, Jimmy replies:

"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard...is what makes it great."

I've thought back to this quote a number of times over the years, especially when I've doubted myself or my ability to get through something. I've reminded myself that nothing worth doing is ever that easy, and that sometimes the best things aren't supposed to be easy.

The hard is what makes it great.

Hanks & Davis, "A League of Their Own" (photo from classic--movies.blogspot.com)

Bedtime Blues?

I know we're not the only ones who find bedtime to be well, a bit of a struggle sometimes. Or most of the time.

Aside from the fact that Anna has difficulty falling asleep without me, our biggest issue is that it takes her a long time to wind down at the end of the night.  Recently, we've tried to implement some changes that will provide more structure, get Anna in her own bed again, and give us some grown-up time to relax and maybe watch non-cartoon TV.... with mixed results.

I just came across this article on tackling bedtime issues, which I think contains some good ideas. Some of it is new and some isn't....but the more I come across ideas I've already read about before, the more it helps reinforce for me that these are methods that do work.

Please let us know what you think and what works or doesn't work for you. And sleep well tonight!

My Achilles Heel

Most of my parenting commentary revolves around the happy side effects of parenting - the unparalleled joy it brings, the funny moments, the thrilling life changes.

But there is one thing about parenthood that isn't always happy. In fact, that one thing is more difficult than just about anything in the world.

And that is knowing that your heart is gone, that it is walking freely in this world in the form of a beautiful little person, that you have no control over it anymore.  This can be the source of your greatest joy and also of your greatest sorrow.

My little girl is my Achilles heel.

Sleeping beauty, Nov. 2011