Fun with Donita

#4-30in30 Marymoor Park was beautiful!! Windmills and so many apple trees #july4weekend #donitamamabear #30in30 ##4 (at Marymoor) https://www.instagram.com/p/CCSM4jBAnMx/?igshid=x2zp9w8dvu2z

Ok friends…more on discipline…it’s how to keep on the learning curve. As an educator, it’s how I roll. I aim to stay true to the learning mindset every day but it does take discipline and practice. It means not only learning new things and patterns and routines, but it means stepping away from negative ones. It means tossing out the bad habits you’ve collected that don’t serve you. Instead, step into a new pattern. One that will keep you growing 😊 #donitamamabear #motivation #discipline (at Bellevue, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBxLTIYAjhP/?igshid=1bkj8v3h10mmg

My loves my cubs and Papa Bear-hope you all had a wonderful Father’s Day #donitamamabear #papabearlove (at Snoqualmie Falls) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBuSUhxAT2o/?igshid=fhi42gcc084l

Still working on surrendering myself. It’s a practice-seems like all “good” things for you are just that-a practice. As long as we are listening and learning and accepting, we are doing ourselves good. Not everyone will consider that surrendering but I do. I find it vital to listen, learn, and continue my education by surrendering to the flow. #surrendertotheflow #donitamamabear (at Bellevue, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBWLkldAYoW/?igshid=ou2idds2ah58

Sometimes we just blindly follow signs, literal and figurative, now is the time to add your own narrative, no matter how wobbly. Always follow your gut-heart-inner voice-intuition, it will guide you where you need to be. #iamresponsibleforme #donitamamabear (at Bellevue, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBOOzOoA27Y/?igshid=lp4y5rhlvdz5

It’s not easy to loosen our grip on the things that we can’t control or that wind us up. Our default is to hold on tighter. In my survivorship – and in this current lock-down, I’m learning to not try so dang hard to please and do. And what do you know? I’m relaxing more and learning to trust in myself and in the guiding forces that exist all around us. I am becoming aware of all the things that ‘just connect’ and the opportunities that ‘fall into my lap’ and taking action in these Ah-hah moments! It’s amazing how relaxed I feel as it unfolds. It’s counterintuitive to what most of us are taught – to push ourselves and grind it out. But the thing is, letting go and surrendering has turned out to be wonderfully more productive. #surrender #letgo #donitamamabear https://www.instagram.com/p/CBL2OBbgt7p/?igshid=5gg8a9y0ico

#blackouttuesday https://www.instagram.com/p/CA8L3cKgGIU/?igshid=18ramkordoxlq

#blacklivesmatter #amplifymelanatedvoices (at Bellevue, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/CA66URuAeeY/?igshid=1eokvq7ock9a

#blacklivesmatter #amplifymelanatedvoices (at Bellevue, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/CA65r7Wg1QJ/?igshid=73lghdarcnl

‘Knowing my brother, is to love my brother.’ Philonise Floyd, George Floyd’s brother. Let’s honor George Floyd and remember him as his family wished. ‘A good guy and a good father’ ‘A gentle giant’ “A coachable kid with a big heart’ ‘Always tried to be and do better’ ‘Always stood up for people’ He is not invisible, he has a history and a family and he was loved. His story is not new. Rodney King, Trayvon Martin. Ahmaud Arbery. Tamir Rice. The list goes on. I choose moving forward to not be silent. I choose to do something. This is EVERYONE’S problem. My problem. Your problem. That’s what needs to sink in. I want to figure out what changes I will make because that’s where it starts. What changes will you make? (at Bellevue, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/CA6E-KhgLOX/?igshid=1dvjdz4dxf414

As today is the last day for nurses week, I really want to say how much I appreciate everyone that’s on the front line, but especially the nurses! This picture was taken when the C-17 62nd Airlift Wing flew over Bellevue from the Overlake hospital-so fascinating to watch and as they flew they “waved”. Thank you nurses!! #donitamamabear #mamabearshare https://www.instagram.com/p/CAHNJfNAKcJ/?igshid=1bykx6si3ypab

A shout out to my Mom!! Not only to have a great Mother’s Day but also because Mom’s are huge roll models for how to handle anxiety and stress-my Mom did a great job shaping me how to manage daily anxiety. I hope there is someone in your life as a “Mom” roll model-send them a virtual hug this Sunday. I also want to mention how much support she has given me as a Mom and is a fantastic Grandma too! Happy Mother’s Day weekend to all Mothers!! #donitamamabear #💗🐻🧸 #happymothersday (at Bellevue, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_793--gM6j/?igshid=gq8lwivvhslk

One way I’m staying sane is doing very small projects. Since we moved here, the back porch looked like college days. I finally took the time to spray paint some old lawn furniture put some new covers on the chairs and get some potted plants I think it turned out pretty well! #handlinganxiety #donitamamabear #covidprojects (at Bellevue, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_i2xDCAF0r/?igshid=1hxe93fffdy33

Things aren’t always easy for me, there are times that I am almost paralyzed by anxiety and fear. But I put what I’ve learned through all of my experiences is to use that experience for reflection and education. I also try to share my experiences so you don’t feel alone with yours. One of my ways of distracting myself with decorating, you’ll see I decided to be quite festive for Cinco de Mayo as that was the next reasonable holiday coming up. How did you distract yourself this week? #distractingmyself #cincodemayo #donitamamabear (at Bellevue, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_LVO29Ak3N/?igshid=10f7ojmt1cswi

A little Easter joy-who doesn’t love bubbles. Many Easter blessings to new beginnings for all of us when this 🦠 goes away!! #donitamamabear #hoppyeaster🐰 (at Bellevue, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/B-5ExePg3LN/?igshid=zwxs9ejy2zws

Chuckle chuckle...... hope you smiled....love Mama Bear!! 🧸💗🐻💕💙 (at Bellevue, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/B-tMeYcACL7/?igshid=v2je8rpdcr6f

Using some knowledge to my advantage. Having been isolated from a disease a few times-my norm is to have antioxidants around and delicious tea. Also having a quinoa salad with roasted vegetables. I also know you have to sprinkle something to focus on other than the information being thrown at you! Time to fire up those “funny” Christmas gifts that we never actually use. So we are having the chia pet science project under way, stay tuned!! #donitamamabear #igotyou #wecandothis (at Bellevue, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9zp4TqAX60/?igshid=15tdbd6flo09g