Inspiring parents in our community: Janelle Lundin
Today we are talking to one of the brightest lights in our valley: Janelle Lundin! Let’s let her remind us how to bring the joy to parenting:
First off, welcome! We’re excited to chat. For those of us who don’t know you, how would you introduce yourself?
Janelle: I would call myself: Mama, Mom, Director of Happy, Chaos Coordinator, Realtor, Business Owner, Lover, Friend, Sunshine Spreader, Seeker of MAGIC!
Haha, those who know you would definitely say you are a sunshine spreader. How do you find that ability, or energy, to put so much out into the world for others?
Janelle: I don’t know any better! Giving and loving has always been what gives me joy. I don’t know what to do with myself if I am not actively trying to do something for others. I had an hour for myself this morning and I was going crazy! I always want to try and get into meditation and I just can’t sit still.
Meditation is always one of those self-care practices that we know is meant to be great but in reality we don’t get to! Do you feel that that energy of giving translates to when you are with your kids?
Janelle: Being a mom has taught me that I am that selfless! Most of what I do {in the community} is for these little monkeys and I love it! I am a total kid at heart so I LOVE that having kiddos allows me to be a kid again. For example, I grew up in Florida, a place without seasons so we try to celebrate all seasons and holidays. One of our favorites is “Scare- crowing” someone’s yard at the start of fall. Today, we are putting together BOO Bags filled with all kinds of Halloween FUN to put on friends’ doorsteps.
You are so impressive in how you are consistently able to put yourself out there at home and in the community – that is a hard balance for most of us.
Janelle: It is a balance, and it is hard to work to keep things together. I can be so regimented. I want things clean; I want to be prepared. But kids don’t care if the house is clean! That would rather you are just down on the floor playing with them!
Is that the part of parenting that has challenged you?
My husband and I are constantly learning and listening with SPIRITS bigger & brighter than ourselves. Twin life {Janelle has twins} is the best life, no doubt. We have 2 boys that are like night and day different. It is so.much.fun but can be challenging. We have to slowwwww downnnnn to teach, listen and discipline differently because of their unique differences. Remember that our kids aren’t us! That can be hard to remember.
How do you give yourself that downtime when life has challenged you?
I am really working on this! I DO get a massage once a month! I try to move in some way daily. Daily affirmations. But truly I would rather be with family and giving is what completes me and brings me joy daily.
Janelle you are SUCH an inspiration as to how to be present with our children and bring excitement and joy to each other. Hopefully we can all bottle this up a tiny bit for the holiday season!
