by Amy L. Hatch
Credit: smemon87, Flickr
We pulled into our driveway last night at 10 p.m.
It had been a very, very long drive. The miles between there and here were the same as they always were, but each one seemed multiplied by the power of 10.
Why does the road home always feel longer?
When we finally pulled up to the garage, we had one last task to complete: We had to pull our second car out to pull the van in. When we stopped to switch seats, Henry started to cry.
“I wanna go in and go to bed! Let me in!”
We were so close and still so far.
Alas, the car didn’t start. It was a less than auspicious start to 2011.
Normally, my glass half-full goggles would have me fuming at the injustice of having to call a tow truck and book an expensive car repair after only three days of the new year. Instead, I did my best to take it in stride.
I’m not one for resolutions; usually, I get about 24 hours into my fresh start and abandon them. So this year, instead, I’m trying something new.
In 2011, I’m going to live consciously.
I’m going to remember what counts. Not that car repair or the long drive. What counts is that we spent quality time with the people who love us. What counts is that we had a warm and safe house to arrive home to.
Being fully aware of what my life actually looks like at its core is what counts. Not the details. Not the noise of daily living.
These days with my children are flying by. I know, because just yesterday my niece was being born, and, this Christmas, she showed me her new new dangly earrings and copped a 9-year-old’s attitude.
My babies won’t be little forever. The phrase “it won’t always be like this” is a double-edged sword.
No, it won’t always be like this. There won’t always be diapers and training wheels and struggles over napping.
There won’t always be warm cuddles and smooth cheeks and murmurs of “Mama, I love you.”
It won’t always be like this.
I don’t want to get caught not looking. I don’t want to see my life laid out behind me and regret that moment spent at the laptop or fretting about potty training. I want to live in the present, not wish for the future and then long for the past.
So this year, I’m starting 2011 off right. I’m going to make this my year to be fully present, no matter what happens.
I have a feeling it’s going to be a very good year, indeed.
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Way to keep a positive perspective!
Well said. Just want I needed to read today. My daughter turns one year old on Saturday. **cry** 2010 was a difficult one. “It won’t always be like this” rang in my head all the time. Now that phrase takes on new meaning.
It won’t always be like this. Where did my newborn go?
I agree also that 2011 will be a great year.
I never make resolutions but this year I am trying to take (and blog) one photo a day, specifically to enjoy each moment. It’s only day 5 an I’ve already had a few eye openers.
Cheers to THAT!
Beautiful, as always. Can’t wait to see how it turns out!