My daughter is almost 2 and in her short lifetime has already taught me so much and continues to do so. Sometimes, when I get stressed out from training, house chores, or simply life, she does something that reminds me that I need to take a step and relax.

Here are a few things I’m learning from her:

1. Be Fearless: Lauren is an adventurer. The lengths she goes through to accomplish something she wants is truly admirable. Currently she’s really into electricity and seeing how things turn on and off. Of course, she sees us turn light switches on and off and wants to be able to do it too. My husband and I like to think we’ve done a pretty good job of child-proofing but our Lauren is a smart one. Here’s a pic of how she managed to get to a light switch.

I have always viewed the marathon as scary and something unattainable. For some reason, it wasn’t until after having both of my kids did I start think it was something I could do. Becoming a mother makes you think/feel like you’re superwoman lol!

I want to show my daughter that mommy set aside her fear and did something pretty awesome. I’m going to tell her that her fearlessness was contagious.

2. Say No: Lauren’s favorite word besides “food” is “no”. She says it so emphatically and with zero doubt. I love it. But, in my own life, I find it difficult to say no. I often take on more than I can handle thinking that I like having a lot to do. In reality, I end up stressing myself out trying to find a way to accomplish everything on my to-do list.

Every time Lauren gives me her assertive “no”, I’m reminded that sometimes you just gotta say it and mean it and without hesitation.

3. Don’t Give Up: Lauren loves figuring how things work. Often, she gets frustrated when she doesn’t get it right on the first try. But instead of heaving it across the room in anger, she’ll let out a grunt and keep at it until she gets it. I love seeing her in action. There are so many range of emotions with her trying something new: Curiosity, Puzzlement, Intense Thinking, Frustration, Persistence, Discovery, Elation. Lauren will not give up until she does it and does it right.

There have been many a days where I just wanted to stay home and rest. Sometimes I have. But most of the time, I think of how far I’ve come in my training and how disappointed I’d be if I just threw in the towel. During RnR Arizona, around mile 10, boy did I want to stop and walk. But I didn’t and I’m so glad. I accomplished something that was difficult by not giving up.

4. It’s Okay To Show Emotion: Going along with number 3 and Lauren’s range of emotions, I’ve loved seeing her express herself. Even if it’s anger she’s showing.

I often try and be strong and not show how I truly feel about things, one of them being staying at home. It’s been a difficult adjustment and I sometimes feel guilty about not liking it so I try and hide it. I finally confessed my emotions to my husband one day and he told me that it’s perfectly okay to feel that way and there’s nothing wrong with wanting to work and be a working mom. It feels so good talking about how I feel and sometimes having a good cry session to release some built up emotions. And I love that my husband makes me feel comfortable enough to do it in front of him.

5. Have An Opinion: Maybe it’s a toddler thing but my Lauren sure is opinionated. She’ll definitely tell me how she feels about things. Sometimes I just stare at her in wonder. I think, “This is my daughter. This is really my daughter.” From deciding what to wear to where her toys should be put away, she’s got her own opinion about it. In fact, I love making everything a question so I can see how she answers.

I like to think she gets this from me as I’m pretty opinionated and always seem to have something to say about everything. I’ve learned throughout the years to keep some things to myself or know the right time/place to say things. Lauren reminds me when she blurts things out that sometimes you’ve gotta think about those things.

—What are some unique ways you’ve learned something?

—How are you still learning?

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