Can I tell y’all how much I’ve enjoyed reading all the comments on this week’s posts? On the family post and on yesterday’s irrational fears post, you guys have given me a lot to think about and I really appreciate your thoughts and contribution. The blog is WAY more fun when it’s a conversation.
It’s Friday (wahoo!) and I’m not going to attempt to get all deep, despite the title of this post, but I have a little story to share. I’m down at mom and dad’s house in Georgia right now and since I was bringing the girls with me solo, I was running around yesterday morning like a crazy lady trying to get everyone packed, dressed and fed. I had a goal of being on the road by 9:00 to coincide with Kaitlyn’s first nap and by 9:10, we were off!
I was mentally high-fiving myself when I realized I didn’t check the traffic and the highway was a complete parking lot. I started to get so frustrated as I waited to exit, then proceeded to weave my way south via side roads. This was totally going to mess up my plan. Now what time would we arrive? Argh!
Then, Hailey asked sweetly from the back seat if I had seen that funny orange truck (??). She was pretty excited about it and I realized I was the only one in a tizzy over our timing. We had no real timeline, yet here I was rushing and getting frustrated because I wasn’t going fast enough. How often do I let that happen? Probably too often.
So I forced myself to take a giant chill pill and decided to enjoy the journey. I stopped looking at the clock and instead of worrying about what time I needed to nurse and other little things, I committed to going with the flow.
When Hailey started getting restless, I decided we all needed a car break, so we stopped in Columbia SC at a zoo. I fed Kaitlyn, then the girls and I wandered around for an hour and a half checking out the animals and culminating with a carousel ride. It was just the fresh air and break we needed. Then we all piled back in the car for the remaining leg of the trip.
Sure, a trip that used to take 3.5 hour took us 7, but we all arrived happier and more relaxed by just stopping when we needed to and taking it easy. And at the end of the day, we ended up where we were supposed to be.
And that’s how I learned to chill out and enjoy the journey. Another life lesson from my 3 year old.
I hope you all enjoy your weekend! Whatever it may bring.
John J. Stathas says
A worthy reminder – take the “chill pill”. Might you be selling them for those of us who may need one occasionally!? Glad you’re here!!
Brynn says
Such a great lesson- love this post. And what a wonderful moment you had with your girls at the zoo. Sometimes amazing, sweet moments are all around- we just need to be open enough to see them. Happy Friday!
Monica says
That zoo looks so fun! Isn’t it amazing what our little ones are able to teach US? 🙂
Jodi says
Great post! One of my favorites bc some of my favorite moments are when I say screw it and divert! I probably don’t do it enough, but man is it nice when I do. And perfect stop at the zoo!! Perfect weather, awesome zoo and just what you all needed!! Have a fun weekend w your family!! ( btw, I experienced that dreaded i77 traffic too on my way to work… I blamed hitting it on the fact that at 7 am I decided I needed to make another batch of apple pumpkin muffins, when I try to be out the door by 730… Sometimes I do have temporary insanity, but the muffins and tea were great companions while sitting in traffic!!)
Parita @ myinnershakti says
This is definitely something I’m working on as well – being present instead of living five minutes, 1 day, or even 1 month in the future!
Enjoy your weekend with your parents! Hope the spoil you and the girls silly 🙂
Tanya says
I am trying to pep talk myself to drive the 10 (ahem…15 hours with E) drive to Missouri this week. I’m not sure if this is encouraging or discouraging, but I’ll keep you posted 🙂
Carrie (This Fit Chick) says
SUCH a good lesson. this is something I am constantly working on– its hard to break bad habits and this one is hard to crack.
Danica @ It's Progression says
I love this post 🙂 I think it’s fair to say we can all use the reminder to slow down, go with the flow, and enjoy life.
Have a great weekend, Brittany!
Alex says
What a great reminder to try and live in the present and enjoy making memories rather than getting frustrated by things out of our control. Just in time to slow down and soak up these weekend moments rather than worrying about the next day. Have a fantastic weekend with your family. And a safe trip home.
Laura @FitMamaLove says
I love this post! Going with the flow is the best thing you can do with kids. I know the importance of getting out before first nap, though! I so remember those days as they weren’t that far away. That’s great that you were able to relax and make such a fun stop.
Irina S. says
Great post! Oftentimes, there’s the schedule we *want,* and then there’s the schedule (or lack thereof) we *need.*
Marnie @ Supersmartmama says
I get the same way about checking traffic! I think traffic is the biggest waste of time, so if I can avoid traffic by checking a traffic app or the radio before leaving the house, I’m so much happier. I do agree that having kids to remind us to take a chill pill once in awhile is a blessing!!
Ashley D says
Great post! I needed this reminder today. I am working on enjoying the moments with my 2 year old because I know he won’t be this age forever.