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By Janine

Open Boxes To Dig Past The Weak Moments

Filed Under: BLOG, Book Reviews, One Word Challenge, parenting, Sponsored Posts Tagged With: Book Review, One Word Blog Challenge, Open Boxes, Spiritual Books, Sponsored Post

I don’t know about you, but somedays I am just plain tired, weak and most definitely uninspired as a mother and wife, too.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my life, but still the daily grind can sometimes sadly zap so much of my spirit leaving me most definitely drained and weak.

However, then I will turn around to have a moment take my breath away and makes it all worth it.

Take for instance, one night recently after a particularly long day, where all I wanted to do was crawl into bed and collapse.

But my girls had other ideas and kept trying to put off bedtime like most kids will do when bedtime is indeed looming.

I finally got them into their beds in their shared bedroom and thought I was in the clear to lay down to finally get some much needed rest.

Still yet, as I was lying in my bed, I could hear my girls chattering away with each other while they were in their beds.  At one point, I heard my younger daughter sharing with her older sister that she was afraid of the dark (even though there is a night light in their room).  My older daughter proceeded to sing to her little sister to try to calm and soothe her scared sister.

As much as I truly just wanted to collapse that night, I still couldn’t help, but smile and marvel at the sisterly, sibling bond that connects my two daughters after hearing the above incident that was just a small, but yet grand gesture by my older daughter to help her little sister.

Coincidentally I was asked right before this to read and review the book, Open Boxes: the gifts of living a full and connected life, by Christine Organ, which is a celebration of the human spirit.

Open Boxes book cover

See Open Boxes is a collection of stories that doesn’t just tell readers – but shows readers – how to live fully and connect deeply by reveling in the sacred within our everyday lives about everything from spirituality and parenting, self-acceptance and friendship, shopping at Old Navy and bowling with preschoolers.

One of the stories actually found the author pretty much musing over a similar experience with her own two sons and described how this experience impacted her profoundly.

I truly loved how, I could relate to the author’s experience with her own kids and very much agree with her that I, too, hope and pray that my two girls will not just be siblings, but so much more to each other as they are growing up.

And this was just one of many stories that was shared in Open Boxes that I could not only connect to on some level, but enjoyed on a deeper, spiritual level.

Open Boxes To Dig Past The Weak Moments #1word @blogitudes

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And as I continued to read this book and the author’s experiences, I became even more inspired to gently lift the lid off of my compartmentalized life and tie together the torn and tattered pieces that lie inside in order to try to live more fully and even connect more deeply with the people and world around me, because Open Boxes is truly filled with stories of comfort, struggle, heartache, joy, insight, compassion, resilience, and redemption. See like a cup of coffee with a good friend, her stories will soothe and inspire, uplift and motivate, entertain and encourage.

Trust me, this is just a feel good book that will make you look at even the most mundane daily happenings in your life and how it is all a part of a greater force than you could even begin to imagine.

I can’t help, but recommend this book to all, who are looking for an uplifting read.

To get your own copy of this book, it is currently available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. 

This post was written for the One Word Blog Linkup that is hosted by Lisa of The Golden Spoons (who is off this week on vacation), Marcia of Blogitudes and yours truly, too.

The words for this week are: Trust or Scream; Please feel free to linkup and join us this week.

[inlinkz_linkup id=537020 mode=1]

Signature 2015

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About Janine

Janine is a published author of the books, The Mother of All Meltdowns and Only Trollops Shave Above the Knee. She has been featured on The Huffington Post, Mamapedia, Today Parenting Team and SheKnows. She also runs her own graphic design company at J9 Designs.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Leanne@crestingthehill says

    June 24, 2015 at 6:55 am

    What a lovely post Janine – what a kind and thoughtful sister to take the time to make the littler one feel safe. It’s wonderful when you see your children doing kind things for each other. ~ Leanne

    • Janine says

      June 24, 2015 at 7:02 am

      Thank you Leanne and I know truly made my night seeing the sisterly love between my two girls 😉

  2. Robin (Masshole Mommy) says

    June 24, 2015 at 7:52 am

    I actually THINK I am past that bedtime struggle. My oldest definitely doesn’t give me crap anymore, but the little one every now and then will fool around in his room after he’s in bed.

    • Janine says

      June 24, 2015 at 7:55 am

      I know this too shall pass, Robin, but the way they interact such as this night was truly heartwarming. 😉

  3. Seana Turner says

    June 24, 2015 at 7:58 am

    I am one of two girls. My mother is one of two girls. My sister had two girls. I have two girls. Even my father has two sisters. Needless to say, I’m loving the adorable sister story.

    • Janine says

      June 24, 2015 at 8:12 am

      Seana, I love that you can relate on such a deep level with this!! 🙂

  4. Liza Hawkins says

    June 24, 2015 at 12:10 pm

    Sounds like a great read!

    • Confessions of A Mommyaholic says

      June 24, 2015 at 12:18 pm

      It truly is and hope you get to check out, Liza!!! 😉

  5. Chris Carter says

    June 24, 2015 at 8:33 am

    Ah… this is such a beautiful review, Janine!!! I will be reading this book to review just as soon as I am done with the book I am reading NOW to review! LOL

    I actually cannot WAIT to read this one. It sounds like such an inspirational read!

    • Janine says

      June 24, 2015 at 9:09 am

      Chris, I am so glad yo are reading to read to review, too and cannot wait to hear what you think of it now 😉

  6. Bev says

    June 24, 2015 at 9:15 am

    That is such a sweet story about your girls! I remember once comforting my little sister when we spent the night at my grandparents’. Now that we’re older we’re so much more than sisters — we’re best friends.

    • Janine says

      June 24, 2015 at 9:22 am

      Aw, Bev, I love hearing this about you and your sister and gives me such hope for my girls as they continue to grow now 😉

  7. Bill says

    June 24, 2015 at 9:55 am

    Wonderful message today, Janine. So much of the seemingly “mundane” in life is so precious….we need to be receptive to it all and enjoy the hell out of it.

    Enjoy your Wednesday. We’re getting a bit warm here and I’m not happy about it at all. LOL

    • Janine says

      June 24, 2015 at 10:06 am

      Aw, Bill this one was absolutely my pleasure and again loved reading about your friendship reunion today, as well. Happy Wednesday and pretty hot here too right now, but you know I just can’t get enough of it myself!! 😉

  8. Kristen Miller Hewitt says

    June 24, 2015 at 2:13 pm

    I’ve been looking for a book for our trip – thanks for the recommendation!

    • Confessions of A Mommyaholic says

      June 24, 2015 at 2:17 pm

      My pleasure and hope you enjoy it as much as I did!! 😉

  9. christina says

    June 24, 2015 at 9:20 am

    I love imagining how your daughters looked and sounded as they comforted each other. That is so special.
    Thank you for the book suggestion, I am headed to the library this morning!

    • Janine says

      June 24, 2015 at 9:23 am

      So glad I could suggest and hope you enjoy this book as much as I have, too 😉

  10. Diane Roark says

    June 24, 2015 at 11:06 am

    Janine,

    You amaze me at how much you manage to get done. You constantly are writing posts for everyone not including your two blogs plus all the behind the scenes work you do to help other bloggers with their sites. I know how long it takes me to write a post and share posts with everyone and not to mention all the social media. Most of the time I spend 8 to 12 hours a day on my computer. We are on vacation now and I am on the computer. I am exhausted but I cannot seem to find a balance. Normally, the thing that I need to be doing the most which is writing blog posts always comes last. I cannot seem to find the energy to write.
    Thanks for sharing OPEN BOXES. It sounds like a great book.
    Blessings,
    Diane

    • Janine says

      June 24, 2015 at 11:12 am

      Diane, you amaze me. Seriously, you are on vacation and commenting and sharing my blog posts today. Cannot thank you more for that, but hope you can take off a bit to enjoy the rest of your vacation as you totally deserve it so much. Hugs and thank you again!!! 😉

  11. Kristen says

    June 24, 2015 at 10:13 am

    It sounds lovely and something every parent can benefit from! I am looking for a book for our trip…I’ll add this in my library! Thanks!

    • Janine says

      June 24, 2015 at 10:17 am

      Aw, so glad you will add this and hope you enjoy it, too!! 😉

  12. Jen says

    June 24, 2015 at 11:22 am

    Oh my gosh this book sounds amazing! I love hearing how it inspired you and your review . This definitely looks like something I need to add to the reading list. Thanks for sharing 🙂

    • Janine says

      June 24, 2015 at 11:49 am

      Aw, so happy to share and hope you get to read soon, Jen 😉

  13. Marcia @ Blogitudes says

    June 24, 2015 at 10:40 am

    Such a beautiful moment your daughters shared, Janine! To me, that’s what sisters are all about. 🙂 And I’m so glad you mentioned this book. It definitely sounds like one I’d enjoy reading and will be checking it out right now. Thank you!

    • Janine says

      June 24, 2015 at 10:41 am

      Marcia, I agree about what sisters are all about and truly hope you get to read this book soon now, too!! 🙂

  14. Carrie groneman says

    June 24, 2015 at 12:39 pm

    Sounds like a great read, thank you for sharing with us! Carrie, A Mother’s Shadow

    • Janine says

      June 24, 2015 at 12:43 pm

      Aw, so happy I could share here and thanks, Carrie 😉

  15. another jennifer says

    June 24, 2015 at 1:42 pm

    I love it when I catch my kids having a touching sibling moment like your girls did. I have the book Open Boxes as well. The stories are great. I love the perspective she gives.

    • Janine says

      June 24, 2015 at 1:52 pm

      Aw, I know I love when I catch my kids doing stuff like this, too and so glad you also have Open Boxes to read, too Jennifer 😉

  16. Amanda @ Growing Up Madison says

    June 24, 2015 at 1:59 pm

    I love books I can relate to and this seems to be one of them. I also love that story of the girls, they sound like they’ll be the best of friends when they grow up. Sometimes I wish my 2 girls were closer in age but Madison looks up to her big sister and I wouldn’t change a thing. 🙂

    • Janine says

      June 24, 2015 at 2:29 pm

      Aw, love that your girls are so close even with the many years apart and definitely got to love that sisterly bond 😉

  17. Kelly Caflisch-Arnoldussen says

    June 24, 2015 at 6:09 pm

    sounds like a great book!

    • Confessions of A Mommyaholic says

      June 24, 2015 at 6:32 pm

      It truly is and hope you get to read soon, Kelly 😉

  18. Aunt Gloria says

    June 24, 2015 at 2:26 pm

    I love that story about Emma taking care of Lily. That is sisterly love for sure! Hope everyone is feeling good. xxoo

    • Janine says

      June 24, 2015 at 2:29 pm

      Aw, thanks Aunt Gloria and right now seems like we are all on the mend and fingers crossed that it stays this way now xoxo 😉

  19. Stephanie @ Life, Unexpectedly says

    June 24, 2015 at 4:09 pm

    I have a book I read about once a year, to re-focus, to ground me. It’s called “The Art of Happiness” based on the teachings of the Dalai Lama. And yes, it helps. It helps me to see the beauty in the every-day banalities again, to be happy for the small things, to take things more lightly. I’m glad you found a book like that for you 🙂 Yes, life is still not perfect, and I am far from the perfect mom, but each new day has this amazing potential to become the best day in our lives.

    • Janine says

      June 24, 2015 at 5:45 pm

      Stephanie, I agree and truly each and every day does have this potential 😉

  20. April G says

    June 24, 2015 at 5:23 pm

    Yes, I’ve felt weak a lot lately, but I’ve just kept going. I love the inspiration of opening boxes. I can’t wait for my girls to get to that level. They are almost there… but right now they are butting heads, mainly because neither of them speak well.

    • Janine says

      June 24, 2015 at 5:46 pm

      April, I promise it will happen and even still they will have their moments, but think you will see this soon enough though 😉

  21. Liz Mays says

    June 24, 2015 at 7:34 pm

    Honestly I think some of the best bonding time with my little sister was during our bedtime shenanigans! Our room was furthest from our parents so they couldn’t hear us, lol

    • Janine says

      June 24, 2015 at 7:57 pm

      Liz, I can totally see that and thank you for sharing with me!! 🙂

  22. Tamara says

    June 24, 2015 at 9:56 pm

    I want to read this so badly! I keep hearing about it! It’s a Tamara book.
    On a sidenote, the kids are still up (it’s almost 10) and I can hear Des chattering away to Scarlet in their beds. What’s great is that she’s stopped replying so it’s likely she fell asleep first and he keeps going on.

    • Janine says

      June 24, 2015 at 9:57 pm

      So a Tamara book and Des is so like Lily. Seriously our kids would get along perfectly 😉

  23. Claire says

    June 25, 2015 at 3:30 am

    I have not reached the bed time struggle yet… but am dreading it!!! Really enjoyed the read, thanks for sharing, and also may have to check out the Open Boxes book

    • Janine says

      June 25, 2015 at 7:17 am

      Claire, I hope you do get to read and the bedtime struggles have their good moments still as you can see from here though 😉

  24. Julie S. says

    June 25, 2015 at 7:14 am

    I feel drained and weak on most days so I definitely know what you mean. So sweet that your daughters show each other sisterly support so young 🙂

    • Janine says

      June 25, 2015 at 7:17 am

      Julie, drained and weak describes it perfectly, but still I agree that I am so happy that my girls are so supportive of each other even at the youngest of ages 😉

  25. lisacng @ expandng.com says

    June 25, 2015 at 10:48 am

    Sounds like a life-affirming book!
    Yea, when the siblings show love and affection for one another, it makes the craziness of days well worth it.

    • Janine says

      June 25, 2015 at 2:36 pm

      Very much agree Lisa and thank you 😉

  26. Jack says

    June 25, 2015 at 11:47 am

    I see this story as proof that you are doing something right. Children learn by example and clearly you are teaching them to be compassionate and thoughtful. That is very cool.

    • Janine says

      June 25, 2015 at 2:36 pm

      Aw, thanks Jack and truly hope I am and this was a small step to show I may indeed 😉

  27. Leah Davidson says

    June 26, 2015 at 12:35 pm

    Adorable story. I think listening in on sibling night time conversations is so rewarding — a break from hearing the bickering, you get a sense of what they really feel for each other:)

    • Janine says

      June 26, 2015 at 3:27 pm

      I agree and definitely a nice break from the sibling arguments 😉

  28. My Inner Chick says

    June 26, 2015 at 1:17 pm

    lovely!
    thank goodness for those flickers of joy and light in the midst of chaos!! x

    • Janine says

      June 26, 2015 at 3:27 pm

      I totally agree 😉

  29. Rea says

    June 26, 2015 at 2:20 pm

    My husband always says that it is important that Reiko has a younger sibling so that he won’t be lonely. I am not really sure if that ever happens.. I can see how your girls are great sisters despite occasional misunderstandings. I know it can melt a mother’s heart. 🙂

    • Janine says

      June 26, 2015 at 3:28 pm

      It definitely melts my heart and sure if and when Reiko has a sibling he will be an amazing big brother 😉

  30. Kristi Campbell says

    June 27, 2015 at 12:14 am

    awe Janine! this post makes me wish that Tucker had a sister. What a great thing sibling love is!

    • Janine says

      June 27, 2015 at 8:34 am

      Kristi, I know I always wanted a sister for myself, too but don’t get me wrong am blessed to have an awesome brother, but still nothing seems to beat sisters 😉

  31. Corinne Rodrigues says

    June 27, 2015 at 8:25 am

    Sisterly love! How wonderful, Janine.

    • Janine says

      June 27, 2015 at 8:34 am

      Aw, thanks Corinne and I know that sisterly bond cannot be beat 😉

  32. Christine Organ says

    June 27, 2015 at 11:06 pm

    Janine, thank you so much for this beautiful review. I am SO glad that you enjoyed the book. And what a sweet story about your girls. So heartwarming. We moved our boys into the same room a few months ago and though some nights their bedtime chit-chatting and squabbles make me want to scream, most nights hearing them talk to each other before bed is just the sweetest thing. Thank you again!

    • Janine says

      June 28, 2015 at 6:53 am

      Aw, you are so welcome, Christine. It was seriously my pleasure to read and review here. So thank you for writing such a wonderful and inspirational book 😉

  33. Kenya G. Johnson says

    June 28, 2015 at 2:39 pm

    It sounds like a wonderful read and I love how you introduced the review with your related story. That had to be so sweet to overhear.

    Side note: For you it’s time for a vacation from home. 😉

    • Janine says

      June 28, 2015 at 3:00 pm

      Finally Kenya and tomorrow is the first full day off for both girls 😉

  34. Indah Nuria Savitri says

    June 28, 2015 at 3:06 pm

    Looks like a great book and Something I need, too … Something real that will make us embrace life more and more . Thanks for sharing it, Janine

    • Janine says

      June 28, 2015 at 3:24 pm

      My pleasure Indah and hope you get to read very soon, too 😉

  35. Nellie says

    June 28, 2015 at 3:45 pm

    Well this book sounds fantastic! You know I totally trust your book recommendations!

    • Janine says

      June 28, 2015 at 3:52 pm

      Aw, thanks Nellie and so happy to be able to recommend it to you 😉

  36. Eli@CoachDaddy says

    June 28, 2015 at 9:23 pm

    I’ve gotten only a few pages into this incredible book, but wow, right? I can’t wait to delve in more.

    • Janine says

      June 28, 2015 at 9:27 pm

      I know and totally agree. You will totally enjoy the rest, I think too 😉

  37. The Pinterested Parent says

    June 28, 2015 at 9:59 pm

    Your girls are the sweetest. They are so loving with each other. The book sounds great. I will have to check that out.

    • Janine says

      June 28, 2015 at 10:04 pm

      Thank you so much Kim and hope you do soon 😉

  38. Brittany M. says

    June 29, 2015 at 1:15 am

    Awww, there’s nothing more touching than sibling love, having four boys of my own I know how something so small can warm your soul.

    • Janine says

      June 29, 2015 at 6:11 am

      Totally agreed, Brittany 😉

  39. Leslie says

    June 30, 2015 at 8:41 am

    Awww…that story of your girls is just the sweetest! Whenever I get the chance to read, I always love a great feel-good book. Thanks for the recommendation!

    • Janine says

      June 30, 2015 at 8:44 am

      Aw, so happy to give a good book recommendation here and also share the story of my girls, too 😉

  40. Rabia @TheLiebers says

    June 30, 2015 at 10:40 am

    I really enjoyed this book, too, Janine. It came at the perfect time for me as well.

    • Janine says

      June 30, 2015 at 11:03 am

      Glad you did, too Rabia 😉

  41. Lindsay Klein says

    June 30, 2015 at 10:51 pm

    Everyone gets tired…and then one moment can lift us up…..for a bit;) Your daughters consoling eachother is so cute! Tam and I used to sleep together when we were scared;)

    • Janine says

      July 1, 2015 at 3:29 am

      Aw, you made me smile thinking about you and similar as young girls 😉

  42. Echo says

    July 4, 2015 at 10:25 am

    This sounds like an amazing collection of stories and a great way to re-open that connection! Thank you so much for sharing it at the #SmallVictoriesSundayLinkup!

    • Janine says

      July 4, 2015 at 10:45 am

      My pleasure and thanks for always hosting!!! 🙂

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