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Little Country Teacher

My little hidden secret…Shhh!

my-little-hidden-secret

Hey there, friends and welcome to another episode of this podcast. Today I have been on a realness kick. This podcast episode is going to follow along the same lines as that. I love this space that I have created here, because I can be real, open, and honest with you and I don’t get to know who listens or cares for that matter. Unless you tell me that you are listening. On this episode, I want to chat about something that has been weighing heavily on my heart these last couple weeks.

I have a little hidden secret, one that I wish I could turn off with the click of a switch. One that I wish would go away or wither away like the plants I forget to water. One that I am not proud of, but sharing it makes me more human and that is irreplaceable. Take a listen to this episode, all about my little hidden secret.

Sometimes I feel like the people I listen to on other podcasts are untouchable, not authentic enough for me, or they are out of my league. But, I still find myself listening to them week after week, episode after episode being starstruck and just wanting to hang on their every word. In case you couldn’t tell, I mainly listen to business/entrepreneur minded podcasts, all done by an individual or a group of people who have made it big time. If that is what you are here for, that is not what I am all about. I want you to know that I have never been nor will ever become someone like that.

I am a small town girl through and through, the most famous I have ever been was in my small town newspaper for a project I did in 3rd grade for a science fair, my high school honor roll and college dean’s list, our engagement announcement, and when I got hired for my full time job. Other than that, I like to keep a low key, fly under the radar, kind of lifestyle. But, yet I get caught up in my evil little hidden secret of comparison. I hate it, it’s not attractive and frankly I find it a giant crutch in my life.

Comparison is the thief of all joy and I can tell you more often than not it has stolen my joy right out from under me. My little hidden secret has sucked the wind right out from my sails on more times than I care to admit. How many times have you thought to yourself while perusing social media, I wish I had hair like hers, or her office is so cute and mine isn’t. That right there is stealing all your joy away. You were content with your office and hair minutes before, but once you see something shinier, brighter, or better you are too quick to cast aside what was your joy for the hopes of obtaining something “better”. You can’t see me but I put the word better in air quotes, because it really isn’t better you just think it is at that point in time.

Now, I am a comparisonholic if I can make up a word. I find myself looking at pictures and thinking ugh I should be doing that with Aria or ugh I should really buy my husband something that he needs because so and so did this or so and so is doing that. What I am really doing to myself is spinning my own wheels and making myself feel less than someone else. But, I find myself doing this more often than not. What about you? Do you look at someone else’s pictures and think we should be doing that too. What if someone gets a new car? Does that make you feel like you need a replacement too? That right there is comparison stealing all your joy. Your car or activity was good enough for you moments before, but now all of a sudden it isn’t. 

I have slowly become to realize that comparison is not a habit that is easy to break. In fact, I am still struggling with it, but am more aware of when I am starting to fall into that rabbit hole. For me, that makes me realize that I need to put the phone or computer down and come back to it later or maybe never. 

I am not here to give you ways to cope with your comparisonistic ways because I don’t have it figured out either. What I am going to do is tell you that it is deep within our innate human ways to compare ourselves to others. I mean think about, ever since we were born someone has been compared to. Either you were compared to your relatives, neighbors, or friends. It may not have been said aloud but at some point in time you were compared to others or you might have compared yourself to others.

Think about that time in elementary school when one of your friends did better than you on a test or maybe you did better than your friends. There was probably some comparison going on. How about when you or maybe one of your friends found that perfect dress to wear to the next dance? You know what I’m talking about, that nice little dress that makes her or your figure look  so dang good. Uh huh we have all been there. Suddenly your dress didn’t quite measure up and you thought about throwing in the towel and not going to the dance at all. Trust me, everyone has been there. Whether they own up it or not, it is a fact. 

There is one thing that I have learned from all my years of comparing, it is this simple truth. You will never be truly happy if all you do is compare everything you have to someone else. Now, like I said before comparing can go two ways. You could compare yourself to someone who has more or to someone who has less. 

I know you probably won’t admit. But we have all been guilty of looking up someone who hasn’t really done a lot. It could be since high school or college or where ever. This is not to just check up on them. However, more of a way to see that you are still setting the world on fire while maybe they aren’t. Just to make yourself feel better about where you are, what you are doing, and what not. This is also just as devastating to your overall health and demeanor.

Did you realize that by wasting your time and energy, looking up that person, that you are falling into a vicious cycle. The cycle goes: look them up, feel good for myself, go about my day, see someone that makes me feel less than, self pity, look that person up again and the circle repeats. Why are you wasting energy on that! You have more important things to be doing than looking up people all dang day. Am I right?!? You were not designed to be a carbon copy of someone else. In fact, what makes you unique helps make you YOU. Why would you waste your precious time on earth comparing. 

It drives me crazy that I am not able to completely get rid of this habit. I still find myself looking at things and wondering if that was me or I should probably think about doing X,Y, and Z. It is a struggle that sometimes, although I hate to admit it, paralyses me from moving forward. It is so easy to do now, that I have started a brand new venture into some new and uncharted territories. I catch myself looking at the successful people I mentioned before and wondering when it’s my turn. Instead of being freaking excited for the progress made so far which has been tremendous. 

If you get anything from this episode today, it’s the fact that even though I don’t have all the answers. I mean who does anyway, but I do have one thing that other people don’t. I will never stand on a pedestal and talk down to you. Nor will I ever make you feel less of a person because your path is different or your path is faster. And this is a big one, I will never make you think that my way is the only way. This episode and others are just a piece of my mind and you can take it or leave it. My little hidden secret is meant to be inspiration for you. So that you can recognize your own little secrets and come face to face with them. 

If you do take my advice, comparing is a hard habit to break. As I’ve said before I haven’t mastered the way to completely stop my little hidden secret. However, one thing I have done is curb how much time I spend on social media. Probably the BEST invention on Facebook is the snooze feature. That way you don’t have to unfriend someone. But, you won’t be able to see their posts and such for however long you choose. 

If you take anything else from this episode, I hope it is this. You are in charge of your own happiness. You don’t need to rely on anyone else to give you your happiness. Start today and create your own happiness. Whether that is going for a walk, planting flowers, pampering yourself, what have you. The important thing is to just go out and do what you feel would bring you the most joy. And please stop comparing yourself to others. You are glorious just the way God made you and you do not have to compare yourself to anyone! Peace, love, and baby steps friends. Here’s to breaking your my little hidden secret and yours, whatever they may be.

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There is nothing more relaxing than waking up and There is nothing more relaxing than waking up and realizing you can enjoy another day with your favorite people.

What are you up to this weekend?
Do you know everything your child needs to know be Do you know everything your child needs to know before entering Kindergarten?

One thing is how to write their name.

First name is a must, last name is a bonus.

But how exactly can you practice this without it becoming a chore?

In true motto form: make it fun.

Today we practiced Aria’s name by using pom poms, stickers, and legos.
Something has been weighing heavy on my heart for Something has been weighing heavy on my heart for the last couple weeks. I have been trying my best to find the words to truly convey what I want to say.

So, here it goes.

As parents, we have a responsibility to make sure our children are kind.

We have a responsibility to grow our children’s hearts the same way we do their minds.

A few weekends ago, Aria and I were in a popular craft store looking for last minute Easter decorations.

We strolled down the aisles and Aria saw a young girl about her age. She was in the cart and we were a safe distance away. She waved at the girl and said hi. The little girl looked at her and went the other way. I thought nothing of it and we continued through the store.

Then, Aria saw a different little girl and waved and said hi again. That girl also didn’t even wave. 

This happened one more time and then Aria turned to me and said, “Why isn’t anyone waving at me?”

It hurt my heart to have to explain this to my little girl and then it set my heart on fire.

I’m not naive to the fact that there is a virus out there.
I’m not naive to the fact that not everyone is raising their children to be kind.

But, it doesn’t cost a thing to have your child wave to my child.
It doesn’t hurt you or your child to be kind in a world that is unkind.

We need to set the example for our kids.
We need to start being the people we want our kids to meet out in the world.
We need to raise them up kind and it has to start at home.
“Mama, who would win? Bebe (our dog) or an eagle “Mama, who would win? Bebe (our dog) or an eagle?”

Before I got a chance to answer, she said, “I think it would be Bebe because she is so strong.”

I thought about it for a minute and realized that would have not been my answer. An eagle would definitely be stronger than Bebe. 

But as I sat there thinking about it, a new thought crossed my mind.

Aria truly had 1000% faith in Bebe that she could take an eagle. And my thought went to we all need to have that much faith.

1000% FAITH that our ideas would work out.
1000% FAITH that we are doing the best for our kids
1000% FAITH that we are stronger than any setback
1000% FAITH that we can do ANYTHING!

Today, I want you to go out and have 1000% FAITH in yourself.
🎆Yo Mamas, Listen 🆙 🎆 I am so tired of h 🎆Yo Mamas, Listen 🆙 🎆

I am so tired of hearing people let others get them down.

Letting others belittle them and their choices for themselves and their family.

Scoffing at what they believe in and how they are raising their children.

When and WHY on earth did we let this become acceptable?!?!
____________________________________

No one knows your children better than you.
No one knows your situation better than you.
No one knows your past, present, or future better than you.
You know you better than ANY person ever will.

So, why in heck would you let someone tell you their “opinion” and then you make it fact.
____________________________________

Why, why, why.

You are the best dang mother for your children out there. The sooner you realize that you need to care about you and your little family and not everyone and their mother is the day when you will feel some freedom.

Let that day be today, sis.

You do not need to worry about anyone else.
You do not need to PLEASE anyone else.

The only one that needs to be happy are you and your little fam.

Kisses! 💋
🛑STOP THE SCROLL!🛑 When I was little my mom 🛑STOP THE SCROLL!🛑

When I was little my mom had this poem/phrase that she used to say to me anytime she saw me sitting like this…

“Counters are for glasses,
Not little girls butts.”
She would say in a sing-songy voice….

Of course that’s not the word that went in the blank but she changed it to make it more kid appropriate.

As I grew older I still loved to sit on the kitchen counters in my parents house. Especially because they had on that made a nice little corner seat to see everything that was going on.

To this day I still find myself the most comfortable sitting on a kitchen counter. I also always hear her phrase echoing in my ears from my childhood as if it were yesterday.

My question of the day is: do you remember any phrases from your childhood? Did your parents say the same one to you?
Easter is the only time it’s okay to put all of Easter is the only time it’s okay to put all of your eggs in 1 basket.

Happy Easter to your family from ours!
A comfort zone is a beautiful place to be but noth A comfort zone is a beautiful place to be but nothing ever grows there.

When COVID hit a year ago, I sat down and wrote a list of things that I wanted to do once it was over. Most of my ideas were crazy, some were family things, and others were things I have put off forever.

Want to know what number 1 was on the list?

Get a tattoo. 😬

So last weekend I did just that. I got my first tattoo. 😮

This was way out of my comfort zone, but something I have wanted to do forever.

What is something that is out of your comfort zone? Let me know below...⤵️
Moo🐄 Moo🐄 Quack🦆 Quack🦆 What do I mea Moo🐄 Moo🐄 Quack🦆 Quack🦆

What do I mean by that?

I’m busy working behind the scenes on the newest edition of the Tiny Tikes Learning Box.

The theme for the summer box will be Fantastic Farms. 

What is your child’s favorite farm animal?
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  • Will you be your kids parent AND teacher this year? You don't have to continuously scroll to find preschool activities at home. Not even Kindergarten activities at home. This box has everything you need, delivered right to your doorstep! Click on the link below to find out more information and an opportunity to buy yours today.
  • Will you be your kids parent AND teacher this year? You don't have to continuously scroll to find preschool activities at home. Not even Kindergarten activities at home. This box has everything you need, delivered right to your doorstep! Click on the link below to find out more information and an opportunity to buy yours today.
  • The Tiny Tikes Learning Box is the complete learning kit that helps 3-6 year olds & parents teach necessary school readiness skills while incorporating play-based learning opportunities.The Tiny Tikes Learning Box provides complete activities and ALL manipulatives needed for every activity. For storage, all materials can be stored right inside of the box which can be stacked and easily put in a drawer or cabinet. #bestlearningboxever #preschoollearning #kindergarteners #parentsanity
  • The Tiny Tikes Learning Box is the complete learning kit that helps 3-6 year olds & parents teach necessary school readiness skills while incorporating play-based learning opportunities.The Tiny Tikes Learning Box provides complete activities and ALL manipulatives needed for every activity. For storage, all materials can be stored right inside of the box which can be stacked and easily put in a drawer or cabinet. #bestlearningboxever #preschoollearning #kindergarteners #parentsanity
  • Does your child know how to write his or her name? If not, then you need these fun and easy name writing practice tips. Start with...
  • Does your child know how to write his or her name? If not, then you need these fun and easy name writing practice tips. Start with...
  • Does your child know how to write his or her name? If not, then you need these fun and easy name writing practice tips. Start with...
  • Why would you use wordless picture books in your house or classroom? What benefit could they possibly have? What if I told you that they can...
  • Why would you use wordless picture books in your house or classroom? What benefit could they possibly have? What if I told you that they can...
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Tiny Tikes Teacher

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Tiny Tikes Teacher
There is nothing more relaxing than waking up and realizing you can enjoy another day with your favorite people.What are you up to this weekend? ... See MoreSee Less

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Tiny Tikes Teacher

1 day ago

Tiny Tikes Teacher
Do you know everything your child needs to know before entering Kindergarten?One thing is how to write their name.First name is a must, last name is a bonus.But how exactly can you practice this without it becoming a chore?In true motto form: make it fun.Today we practiced Aria’s name by using pom poms, stickers, and legos. ... See MoreSee Less

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Tiny Tikes Teacher

2 days ago

Tiny Tikes Teacher
Something has been weighing heavy on my heart for the last couple weeks. I have been trying my best to find the words to truly convey what I want to say.So, here it goes.As parents, we have a responsibility to make sure our children are kind.We have a responsibility to grow our children’s hearts the same way we do their minds.A few weekends ago, Aria and I were in a popular craft store looking for last minute Easter decorations.We strolled down the aisles and Aria saw a young girl about her age. She was in the cart and we were a safe distance away. She waved at the girl and said hi. The little girl looked at her and went the other way. I thought nothing of it and we continued through the store.Then, Aria saw a different little girl and waved and said hi again. That girl also didn’t even wave. This happened one more time and then Aria turned to me and said, “Why isn’t anyone waving at me?”It hurt my heart to have to explain this to my little girl and then it set my heart on fire.I’m not naive to the fact that there is a virus out there.I’m not naive to the fact that not everyone is raising their children to be kind.But, it doesn’t cost a thing to have your child wave to my child.It doesn’t hurt you or your child to be kind in a world that is unkind.We need to set the example for our kids.We need to start being the people we want our kids to meet out in the world.We need to raise them up kind and it has to start at home. ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

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· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Tiny Tikes Teacher

3 days ago

Tiny Tikes Teacher
“Mama, who would win? Bebe (our dog) or an eagle?”Before I got a chance to answer, she said, “I think it would be Bebe because she is so strong.”I thought about it for a minute and realized that would have not been my answer. An eagle would definitely be stronger than Bebe. But as I sat there thinking about it, a new thought crossed my mind.Aria truly had 1000% faith in Bebe that she could take an eagle. And my thought went to we all need to have that much faith.1000% FAITH that our ideas would work out.1000% FAITH that we are doing the best for our kids1000% FAITH that we are stronger than any setback1000% FAITH that we can do ANYTHING!Today, I want you to go out and have 1000% FAITH in yourself. ... See MoreSee Less

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Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Tiny Tikes Teacher

4 days ago

Tiny Tikes Teacher
🎆Yo Mamas, Listen 🆙 🎆I am so tired of hearing people let others get them down.Letting others belittle them and their choices for themselves and their family.Scoffing at what they believe in and how they are raising their children.When and WHY on earth did we let this become acceptable?!?!____________________________________No one knows your children better than you.No one knows your situation better than you.No one knows your past, present, or future better than you.You know you better than ANY person ever will.So, why in heck would you let someone tell you their “opinion” and then you make it fact.____________________________________Why, why, why.You are the best dang mother for your children out there. The sooner you realize that you need to care about you and your little family and not everyone and their mother is the day when you will feel some freedom.Let that day be today, sis.You do not need to worry about anyone else.You do not need to PLEASE anyone else.The only one that needs to be happy are you and your little fam.Kisses! 💋 ... See MoreSee Less

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