So often I expect perfection from myself in motherhood, at least somewhere in the back of my mind I do.
I’m on a hamster wheel to nowhere when I do that. I’m pulling the wheel under and over me and back around again with thoughts of perfect meals and a perfect education and perfect faith and a perfect home.
Those thoughts are slowing these days, I’m sooooo grateful for that.
Last night Miles rode his small blue bike while I jog/walked next to him and he said it would be a really good day if we could spend it that way, all day. He was riding along and thinking he was having the best time of his life and he wanted it to go on and on like a hamster wheel.
That’s all he wanted, just a little adventure on a little bike, with me.
He’s right, ya know. Keeping it simple is the key to so many things.
Especially happiness.
{ 28 comments }
So true. I often forget that and then lie in bed at night wishing I could've done a better job as a mother, when really all my babes need is me…THERE [in body AND mind].
Bri
I'm a new follower of your blog and so I'm just now seeing your boys as I catch up on my google reader the last few days. They are adorable! I'm looking forward to the day when I can bike ride with my kids. You must have some great adventures on those country roads. :)
One of the greatest things about kids is how they drag us, screaming and protesting into the PRESENT. Sometimes it is the simple things, performed a thousand times, that make a difference.
I like to keep my life as simple as possible. Although, sometimes even THAT gets complicated.
i need this reminder. every. single. day.
They can be so wise can't they. I try to remind myself to really listen, because when I do, I learn so much from them.
And I'm with you, finally slowing down the noise in my head that says "Do it all, do it well, accept no less." I say enough to being our own worst critics!
Amen to that. I'm learning, slowly. Funny how long it takes us to figure out how to be happy.
Good reminder my friend.
I try to tell myself often, "keep it simple" is a good Summer motto, don't you think? :)
This is so, so true…
Amen. It's that kind of stuff that will stick.
And seriously, Asher in those glasses…it is the cutest thing ever. I just can't get over how stinkin' cute he is.
I realized this today too. I put a sheet over some chairs, got underneath it with the kids and we had a great time. No noisy toys. No TV. Just us. It was perfect, until the thing fell down and broke the candle sticks but oh well, it was worth it. :)
the popped collar is too much…too.much! Such cuteness in that little man!
And Miles smile is heartwarming!
Oh, yes. The art of simplicity is hard to attain, but it brings such happiness.
I spent Monday shopping with my kiddos and we imagined the whole time that we were on a quest and were walking through marketplaces looking for treasure. They were enthralled, and the fighting and whining was at a minimum. Amazing what entering their world will do!
Your boys are too cute. :)
I'm all for simplicity right now!
That's so, so true. Why do we always think that more is better? Simple is better, easier, the best way to live.
That's so, so true. Why do we always think that more is better? Simple is better, easier, the best way to live.
That's so, so true. Why do we always think that more is better? Simple is better, easier, the best way to live.
That Miles is a wise one, isn't he? Some of the best philosophers I know are under four feet tall. Sending both of you big hugs.
I love this post, and need to remind myself of this every single day. In the summer we come home from work/camp and go straight in the pool until dinnertime. And then we eat dinner in our bathing suits out on the patio. It is pure heaven and so simple. We talk and laugh and enjoy the moments so much we all just love it. I need to remind myself to follow through with this theory, not only when it's 95 degrees outside, but all through the year. :) All they want is our "in the moment" attention.
Thanks for this post. :)
I am left thinking every day that all that is really worth learning or rather relearning in life can be learnt from our children. How to enjoy with abandon, live in the here and now, accept what we have, not knowing what perfection is…the list is endless.
Keeping it simple, uncomplicated by the tangled webs we as adults weave for ourselves, now there is another wonderful lesson to learn.
Great post.
Keepin it simple and keepin VERY real are what I do best at this moment in time. My kiddos are being allowed to be kiddos this summer. No extra activities (t-ball, soccer, art, etc) except a 1/2 hour of piano lessons one day a week.
Isn't it funny how kids can dictate the best things in life. The simple things in life. I spent an entire hour swinging with the kids today.
Swinging in the sunshine= awesome!
Simple. Happiness. Awesome. You!
Amen! Smart kid!
Love this post. Those are the moments, the simple ones, that are worth it all.
perfect. just perfect.
You and Miles are right! I love those perfect, simple moments.
I am like you too. I used to have dreams of being the perfect mom (whatever that is) and having the perfect house, etc. I have definitely laxed in those expectations. Thank goodness!
Seems the more stuff we collect and the more committments we undertake and well, the more adult we get, the less happy we become. There's a lot to that, I'm realizing. There's a lot to really internalizing and taking in the little things that so effortlessly and earnestly come from our little ones' mouths.
I love how Charlotte said it. Dragging us into the present. Yep. Here's to hopping on and off your hamster wheel.
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