“It’s only possible to live happily-ever-after on a day-to-day basis.” –Margaret Bonnano
Continuing with my desire to live, laugh and love and to engage in action more than analysis I have been trying to live more in the moments of each day.
I’m noticing moments when it is important for me to stop what I’m doing and engage with my family, whether it is to really listen to what they are saying, play that game they want to play with me or read the book that we have been enjoying together.
Sometimes I get so caught up in the responsibilities of caring for my family that I forget to be part of the family.
I am trying to remember that in just another few years I probably won’t be able to carry my daughters, who are 9 and 7, to bed or give them jockey backs (or piggy backs J). So now when they are extra tired or feeling a little unwell, and ask me to carry them, I do.
In just a few more years my sons won’t make the same level of deep, adoring, and prolonged eye contact with me as they do now. I missed when that change occurred in my girls and want to savor it now while I can.
When I find myself thinking about something that I want from my relationship with my husband that I might not be getting, I am trying to determine what he may want or need that I’m not giving. This is a great strategy for me to get out of my head and act.
With so many days of snow last week our whole family was home together. Although James had to work from home, we did seize opportunities throughout our days to enjoy being together whether outside in the snow or all six of us singing and dancing as we cleaned up after dinner.
It feels so good to notice all the moments when our family is interacting well. It is so easy to focus on squabbles and forget that they are not the majority of our experience even if they are some of the loudest!!!
I guess what it comes down to is that I am savoring the joy more.
Are you living happily-ever-after today? I know I am.
VERY good post! Very good! Cheeryshirley
Thanks Cheeryshirley. It certainly feels very good 🙂
“Sometimes I get so caught up in the responsibilities of caring for my family that I forget to be part of the family.”
I know exactly what you mean – sometimes I feel like a spectator! That’s when I hear a little voice in my head say – get up and get involved rather than thinking about whether they’ve been to the loo, or whether their jammies are tucked away ready for bedtime.
Yes, I’m starting to realise that whenever I feel like a spectator it is a good time to pause and decide if I need/want to participate in what I’m observing. Sometimes it is nice to just watch what’s going and absorb the joy (or the mental relief of watching the kids solving a problem by themselves!).