Hey there, Jen here, and this is a happy bit. I have been thinking about what it means to teach

our kids the vibrant and happy way. And I've narrowed it down to one thing that becomes the

core of living a vibrant and happy life, and that is to teach your kids a mindfulness,

self-reflective practice.

Now, so many adults are busy, busy, busy with phones rushing, running, doing, so overwhelmed.

But imagine what it's like to be a child in this world of digital distraction and constant activity.

How will we teach our kids to be mindful and self-reflective? Well, I've been thinking for myself, and this is what I plan to try

doing, starting tomorrow. I'm going to turn on some meditation music and ring a meditation bell that I have and call them

for a family meditation session. I know, fun, right? Kind of earthy, kind of cool. And my vision is that I will

have them come and give them a hug or a nice back rub or a scratch and some kind words because who doesn't

need that and if I build it into the morning hey it's going to be amazing and then we'll start with each person

sharing a gratitude each person sharing a wish for their day and then we'll head right into an app on the phone

that does a guided meditation, such as the

breathe app or calm or headspace. And I'm planning to just go for three minutes to start.

And then we'll end with a prayer, which is important for our family. And a delicious breakfast,

or at least a breakfast. So that's the plan. I cannot wait to tell you how it goes.

I will be back in a few months to report on the long-term progress of this. But why do I want to do this?

It's critical that we teach our kids to know what they're thinking and feeling inside. And in the

process, teaching them the act of finding something to be grateful

for and being mindful of what they want to accomplish that day. And you'll notice I built all of these

into this little morning ritual I want to create. Starting with the physical touch and the words

of affirmation I'm going to give them when they arrive. I'm so glad you're here. I love you.

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