Raelynn Maloney - Waking Up: A Parents Guide to Mindful Awareness and Connection

The process of writing this book has impacted my life in more ways than I can describe. What began as an idea for a parenting book blossomed into a much more important endeavor. Waking Up is a first step toward sharing an important message with the world about the influence we as parents have on the kind of people our children become. A message to help all parents become mindful of the momentary opportunities in front of them to bring value into their childrens lives, and connection into parent-child relationships.

Writing this book has been a long process, and now that it is finally complete I honestly feel grateful for the interruptions and delays that slowed me down. The slowing down allowed me the opportunity to add content, exercises, and stories that were important to include in this book.

From the very beginning, many wonderful people extended their love, support, and encouragement to me. I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of those who have helped me along the way.

To my friends, families, and clients, who have inspired and taught me so much of what transpires in parent-child relationships: I continue to learn from you and appreciate your openness and vulnerability in my presence.

To my many friends, family, and colleagues who were willing to read the manuscript and offer helpful feedback about the content, flow, and layout of the book: I appreciate the time and energy you spent making sure this book really resonates with the struggles we all experience as parents. A special thanks to you for the many conversations that helped deepen and clarify somany of the concepts in this book, especially the game-of-catch metaphor. Thank you for all you have taught me about being in relationship.

I am grateful also to, Anne Ranard, for her creative talent and help sketching a visual image of the MindfulWay path. And to my dear friend and artist, Lorianne Siomades, who helped create . I am so fortunate to have you both in my circle of friends. Thank you for lending your talent and creativity to me without hesitation. You have helped create a marka visual symbol that will be a reminder to parents everywhere to practice waking up and being mindful in the presence of their children.

To my longtime friend and fellow author Alan Wolfelt. I appreciate your unwavering encouragement of me as a writer, a mother, and a person who is actively working to grow and deepen. You made the usually complicated publishing process easy when I really needed easy. I will always be grateful for your wisdom, caring, and unconditional support.

To my daughters, Olivia and Tessa. Girls, mommy is finally done with the book. I appreciate your patience and your wisdom that you bring me every day through our interactions. You are both amazing people. I commit to you that I will continue to work on being the very best parent I can be, and in the process help you both become your best selves!

Thanks to each and every one of you!