Outside of going to church, we did nothing spectacular for Easter last year. My son was eight months and was not playing with toys nor eating solids well enough for me to spend money on a basket. Some may disagree, but if you know me you know I am not for spending money unless there is a purpose and for me, it just was not worth it. This year, however, was completely different. My son is into specific toys (like mommy's non stick pots and pans and glass lids) and loves to eat. After Easter basket shopping, I came to the realization that none of the toys included were toys he would play with and I did not want to load my kid up on all that sugar. Not to bring it back to money, but I wasn't paying for that! So I did what any mother would do...Pinterest! I got some great ideas for do it yourself baskets! I went on Michael's.com and signed up for coupons and went and got all my stuffings for the basket that included Graham Cracker stuffed eggs, Carrot bags stuffed with Gerber Graduates Lil' Crunchies, and Babies R' Us for a bubble popper. I also got some Christian books from Sam's club that included the story of Easter. Unfortunately, in my effort to save money, I spent MORE money. I ended up spending about $32 on his basket, but it was well worth it to have it made with love and have specifically things he loves in it. Moving forward, I plan to make this a tradition as he grows!
So many times in life, I have modified myself. I modify myself to present myself to get a job when I pretend I want what the company wants. I have modified myself for relationships to get and or keep the man. I have even modified myself in friendships and in my family to fit in. And it has never been worth it.
Keep reading to see how I learned the importance of being unapologetically me.