Creating A Life

Having kids makes me nicer.

I was so selfish before. Never thought beyond my amazing dinner plans or my next fashion must-have... how could I have come so far?

The clincher for me was staring into my new baby's eyes and knowing I was responsible. For everything. This little person looked to me for their every need and it was up to me to create a life for someone. Not just the living and breathing part, but I had a hand in creating the memories of another being. Like a science experiment, I was imprinting messages into a person. Whoa. What could that world look like?

Once I opened my heart for them, it was available for everyone and I started to think of our collective future and all the possibilities. From that time it has been a journey of conservation and community. Chicago Green Families started it for me. First with simple play dates last year and then the adoption of 2 beaches this year. It feels so good when people come together for a shared goal.

This weekend I helped co-chair a Clean & Green Event hosted by our local school and the Alderman and sponsored by Eli's Cheesecake, Method and Surf Sweets. Despite the rainy weather, local families and homeowners took time out of their weekend routines to show their support. And it made a difference. Our community looked better and, after spending this time together, I believe it became stronger too.

I am so grateful to have found a community that embraces diversity, conservation and parenting. It seems like I've been searching my whole life to get to where I am at right now. Healthy, happy, connected. All of the life lessons I so desperately needed were found in two little human beings.

Thanks kids, you've made me a better person.