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Leaving a coaching session where the child's parent had entered the play, I was smiling with the insights acquired. From around the corner, a painted taxi careened and came to an abrupt halt in my path.
Forced away from my thoughts on the fascinating parent-child session, I read the sign on the taxi's opening door: "You're never too old to play."

Parenting is a life-long practice. As children grow and become independent, there are continual decisions to be made regarding interaction. Deciding when to offer advice and comfort; and when to stand back and observe their self-reliance is a tricky one. It's helpful for me to know that while trying out one strategy, I can always change my mind, mid-stream, when I feel an inner push.

    Waking one recent morning with an unfamiliar voice speaking to me from inside my own head, "And what about gratitude," I paid attention.
     I'd fallen asleep worrying and asking for help. In the past I've had amazing dreams that have helped me uncover my own inner wisdom. But, this was different, it wasn't a dream. It was a disembodied voice asking me, "And what about gratitude?" 
     I woke up, walked into the park and all along the way gave thanks for everything in my path. 
     Simple reminders can have beneficial effects on our attitudes and our lives.