Exciting News: Finding Mañana Podcast Coming Soon!

Hello Mañana Friends!

I am thrilled to announce that Finding Mañana, the vibrant community dedicated to enriching lives with wellness and balance, is launching a podcast! Hosted by me, this podcast will feature inspiring interviews with individuals who have moved abroad, including what promoted their move, hardest adjustments, how their lives and values have shifted since the move, cultural differences and so on.

Listeners can expect heartfelt stories and valuable insights from guests as they share their experiences of living in new cultures, overcoming challenges, and finding their own new mañana.

Stay tuned for engaging conversations that will motivate and empower you to embrace change and pursue a balanced, fulfilling life. Sign up to my mailing list to stay updated on new episodes and more exciting content.

Thank you for being here! Here’s to our Mañana journey!

~Leanna

Cultivating Daily Gratitude into our Family Lifestyle

Hello Mañana Friends!

As we shift out of Thanksgiving and into December, let's carry the spirit of gratitude forward, not just as a one-day celebration but as an integral part of our daily lives. Cultivating gratitude within the family is a transformative practice that fosters positivity and strengthens bonds. This month we’re exploring practical tools and ideas to incorporate gratitude into the daily rituals of parents and children of all ages.

Research shows us that engaging in a daily gratitude practice is linked to cognitive and psychological benefits. It can improve your mood, increase your feelings of social connection, and enhance your overall life satisfaction. By regularly acknowledging and appreciating positive experiences, you can start to develop a habit of noticing and valuing the good in your life, contributing to a more positive outlook over time.  And who doesn’t want that?

By exemplifying this practice for our children, we foster positive emotions, enhance their social skills, help them develop empathy, a sense of interconnectedness, and an appreciation for the positive aspects of their lives. This foundation can contribute to emotional resilience and a more optimistic outlook as they grow. It’s most beneficial to create a consistent practice of this, ingraining this into your lifestyle.

Here are some practical ways for you to incorporate gratitude into your family.

1. Gratitude Journals for Parents and children:

Parents often lead by example, and keeping a gratitude journal can be a powerful way to model the practice. Dedicate a few minutes each day to reflect on things you are thankful for. This can range from small joys to significant achievements. The act of writing reinforces the positive impact of gratitude.

*There are endless options available in bookstores, online and on Amazon if you’re looking for a journal. Also, my Finding Mañana Gratitude journal will be available on Amazon soon!

2. Family Gratitude Circle:

Establish a daily or weekly routine where family members gather to share what you are grateful for. This creates an open space for communication and helps your children understand that gratitude is a shared experience. Tailor discussions to age-appropriate topics, ensuring that everyone feels included.

3. Gratitude Jar for Young Children (Ages 3-7):

Create a colorful "Gratitude Jar" and encourage your young children to draw or write something they are thankful for each day. This visual representation not only engages their creativity but also serves as a tangible reminder of the positive aspects in their lives. It’s amazing the impact seeing a colorful, full jar has on children when a problem or disappointment arises. It’s a tangible comparison of how many positives we still have as we face this new challenge.

4. Gratitude Collage for Preteens (Ages 8-12):

You can guide your tween/preteen in creating a gratitude collage. Provide magazines, scissors, and glue, allowing them to cut out images or words that represent what they are grateful for. This hands-on activity helps them express their gratitude in a fun and artistic manner. It’s also a great bonding activity for you to do with them, creating your own gratitude collage. Displaying them somewhere where you’ll see them daily is a great reminder: bathroom mirror, refrigerator, kitchen wall…

5. Daily Gratitude Reflections for Teens (Ages 13-18):

Introduce teens to a daily reflection practice where they jot down three things they are thankful for and why. This encourages introspection and mindfulness. Additionally, although tech balance is a major focus for me, if your teen uses tech, you have the option of incorporating a gratitude app that provide prompts and reminders. I still prefer a good journal, but that’s me.

6. Gratitude Challenges for the Whole Family:

Make gratitude a shared adventure by creating challenges or games. For instance, challenge your family members to find something positive in even the most challenging situations. This fosters a mindset of resilience and optimism, reinforcing the idea that there is always something to be grateful for. Sometimes if we’re feeling down, we challenge each other with 1 negative, 2 positives. We can blurt out all the negatives we want, but we must find 2 positives to every negative. They often end up becoming silly which breaks the tension and lightens the mood.

7. Showing Gratitude to Others:

Personal gratitude is wonderful, but there is a second component of gratitude less discussed…showing gratitude to others. The art of writing letters is fading, but I encourage you to help bring it back. My mentor recently posted a picture of a stack of beautifully, hand-crafted thank you cards he purchased on Etsy (plug for supporting small business!) as this is his current way of moving his gratitude outwards. I don’t know the last time you received an actual card or letter in the mail, but if you have, you know it feels so much better than a text message. If your children are little, a hand-drawn or colored note means the world to the person receiving it. Let’s not keep our gratitude to ourselves. Let’s recognize and share with others how they are positively impacting us and our families and exemplify the importance of this with our children.

There are so many more ways to incorporate gratitude into your daily lives, but this is just a blog, not a novel, so I’ll save some for later! Together, let’s embrace gratitude not as a fleeting sentiment but as a daily ritual woven into the fabric of our family lives. By tailoring these practices and more to the specific needs and interests of children in an age-appropriate way, meeting them where they’re at, but leading by example, we can instill a lasting appreciation for the positive aspects of our lives, fostering a culture of gratitude that transcends seasons.

Thank you for being here! Here’s to our Mañana journey!

~Leanna

Self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.

Finding Mañana means many different things. But for this week, the focus is self-care. In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, finding a moment of peace and time to take care of yourself can be the key to unlocking a healthier, happier you. In a world that constantly demands our attention, it's crucial to carve out time for ourselves, nurturing not only our bodies but also our souls. Let's embark on a journey of self-discovery and well-being, exploring the magic of Mañana.

**The Art of Self-Care:**

Self-care is not a luxury; it's a necessity. Taking the time to prioritize your well-being is an investment in your overall health. Start by creating a self-care routine that resonates with you. Whether it's a morning meditation, an evening walk, or a few pages of your favorite book, find activities that nourish your mind and body.

**Nourishing Your Soul:**

Finding Mañana is about feeding your soul. Enjoy the simple pleasures. Eat the croissant! Engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Whether it's pursuing a hobby, spending time with loved ones, or simply basking in the beauty of nature, these moments add a profound richness to our lives.

**Mindful Mañana:**

Mindfulness is a powerful tool in the quest for Mañana. Take a break from the constant noise of the outside world and tune in to your thoughts and feelings. I find a guided meditation helps me stay focused. Embrace the present moment without judgment. This practice not only reduces stress but also fosters a deeper connection with yourself.

**Prioritizing Health:**

Your health is your wealth, and finding Mañana is closely tied to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Incorporate nourishing foods, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep into your routine. These simple yet effective habits contribute to your overall well-being, providing the foundation for a vibrant life.

**Embracing Self-Love:**

Mañana is a reminder to show yourself the love and care you deserve. Practice self-compassion and celebrate your achievements, big or small. Remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish; it allows you to show up as your best self for others and builds your self-confidence.

**The Journey Begins:**

Embarking on the journey to finding Mañana is a personal and rewarding adventure. It's about creating a life that aligns with your values and brings you a sense of fulfillment. Start small, be patient with yourself, and savor the joy that self-care can bring to your everyday life.

Finding Mañana is a commitment to yourself—a promise to prioritize your well-being and embrace the beauty of each moment. As you navigate this journey, may you discover a profound sense of balance, joy, and fulfillment. After all, in the tapestry of life, your well-being is the masterpiece waiting to be woven.

For me, my go-to’s to take care of myself are to de-clutter my spaces, hot baths with epsom salt and lavender oil or lavender candles, hot tea with honey (my current favorite is Rooibos Navidad- a Christmas Rooibos) in my Hallmark Christmas mug, watching a Hallmark Christmas movie (any time of year,) breakfast with my girlfriends, a massage, and riding my bike with my feel-good Spotify playlist along the paseo (boardwalk in front of the Mediterranean Sea.)

What will you do for yourself this upcoming weekend and week? The little things matter!

Welcome to Finding Mañana

Dear Readers,

Welcome to Finding Mañana, a journey of exploration, learning, and transformation in pursuit of a life filled with well-being and happiness for healthy families. I’m excited to embark on this incredible adventure with you, sharing valuable insights and lessons from abroad that can help shape a fulfilling lifestyle.

In a fast-paced world where daily routines can often overshadow the pursuit of well-being, Finding Mañana is a movement that strives to remind us of the importance of balance, happiness, and the joy of life itself. In Spain, you often hear, “mañana” (aka we’ll get to it tomorrow.) As an American, you can imagine the struggle I had with inefficiency. However, in settling into Spain, I have learned that in the rush of today, we often forget to take a step back and find the simple pleasures in life that make a real difference in our well-being. Can we shift our focus, readjust our priorities to take care of ourselves, our families, and our well-being?

The concept of Finding Mañana is built upon the idea that there is much to be learned from cultures around the world, each with its unique approach to living a fulfilling life. Through my journey, I'll be sharing stories, experiences, and wisdom gathered from various corners of the globe. Whether it's the work-life balance of Scandinavia, the vibrant family traditions of Asia, or the Mediterranean philosophy of savoring each moment, I aim to distill these lessons into actionable insights for you and your family.

Finding Mañana is not just about discovering the secrets to happiness and well-being, but also about applying them in your daily life. I’m committed to providing you with practical advice, tips, and strategies to create a lifestyle that promotes the health and happiness of your entire family. Including you, Moms. You deserve to take care of your needs as well!

This blog will cover a wide range of topics, from fostering stronger family bonds to embracing mindful living, from exploring international cuisines to discovering unique travel experiences. And of course, the mishaps and learnings of our adventure as ex-pats. I want to help you design a life that is not just about existing, but thriving.

I am thrilled to have you as part of our community, and I encourage you to engage with us. Share your thoughts, experiences, and questions, as I believe that learning is a two-way street. Together, we can create a vibrant, supportive space where everyone can find their own Mañana – a better tomorrow filled with well-being and joy.

Thank you for joining me on this incredible journey. Stay tuned for regular updates, inspiring stories, and practical guidance on building a life of well-being for you and your family.

Let's find Mañana together!

Best wishes,

Leanna Woodley

Founder of Finding Mañana