A couple of weeks ago, I woke up a half hour later than I usually do. Have you ever noticed how this can set the tone for your entire day? I work from home, so between that and juggling school schedules and events, my days rely very much on a schedule. But this particular day? That schedule was off. So, I rushed.
I rushed through our morning routine- I rushed through my morning cup of coffee. I rushed my kids through breakfast.
I rushed my son onto the bus. I rushed my daughter to preschool drop off.
I rushed through my emails and more coffee. I spent the day spinning my wheels, so to speak, trying to get things done.
I rushed to get my daughter from school on time. I rushed home and through lunch and part of the afternoon. I rushed out the door to grab my son from the bus stop.
The bus was late. On a day where I had been nothing but behind, of course the bus was late. When my son finally arrived, he came bounding off of the bus in excitement. He had gotten a prize at school and he was so excited. He chattered away with my daughter excitedly chiming in to her big brother. She grabbed his hand and they walked down the sidewalk in front of me. As I followed behind, listening to their excited conversation, I had a memory of him holding her as a newborn- now, here they were, two siblings lost in conversation.
The time goes quickly and my how things change. But that moment stunned me into realizing just how much time I spend rushing.
I walked home a little slower. I put some things away. I gathered my kids in my arms and smothered them with kisses (much to my son’s chagrin). I put laundry aside, work on hold, and everything else in the background. That afternoon, I did nothing but enjoy being with my kids. And I’m so glad I did.
Life is busy. There are things to get done, deadlines to meet, places to be, and activities to attend. But you only get to live once and every so often, you have to remember to pause life. Because it won’t pause for you.
I hate feeling rushed. But you probably needed that extra bit of sleep that day!
What a great post! I definitely spend way too much time rushing through things. I’m trying more and more to try and appreciate the small moments. Thanks for the reminder.
It is definitely important to enjoy the moments. Take it from an empty nester…They pass all too quickly!
=)
I really needed this today. I’m constantly trying to remind myself how quick they grow. How the laundry will not go away, do it later. Thanks Ash.
I too got to meet the lovely Ashley (and the lovely you) at the Bloggy Bootcamp in Atlanta.
So true, how waking late can make me feel that I am playing catch-up the whole day. Good to stop and enjoy the moments.
It seems we are always rushing through life unless we make a committed effort to stop and smell the roses (or kiss the kids).
Oh yes, I think a lot of us can relate… and sometimes it’s hard to stop, take a deep breath and just enjoy!!! Thanks for the reminder!
I can relate to this too well! And I’ve noticed I am quite unsweet when I’m rushing! I’d like to have a redo on a few recent days, but I keep working to slow down and appreciate my days ahead. 🙂
Great post Ashley!
There really is nothing else in life more important than our children. Nothing.
Over the past year I have made a huge effort to stop saying to my children “We have to hurry. We are going to be late”. It used to be my mantra.
Being on time is important, but living everyday feeling rushed and exhausted is not fun.
Good for you for taking the time.
What an absolutely lovely (important) moment, sweet Ashley!
Love this post! I’ve been trying so hard lately to put life on hold in order to really enjoy the kids and live in the moment. It definitely makes the days a little brighter.
I have loved and adored Ashley since she moved me from blogger to wordpress & started teaching me what she knows about coding & websites. She is every bit of amazing you spoke about and now I know she is even more amazing for realizing that moment & pausing everything to do THE most important thing. Great post!
-Kristi
@ Creative Kristi
Yes, totally agree – must pause because life won’t pause for you!