This weekend was really low key. We had plans to go out and celebrate David’s birthday (which is tomorrow), but he had a pretty rotten cold, so we cancelled. Instead we hit up the playground with Hailey, rented a movie, ate pizza and watched way too many youtube videos on sailing.
That’s our dream. To sail. To take our family on a whirlwind adventure. The exploration, the together time, the memories that we’d no doubt look back on in old age and relive them with a smile. What an experience!
It’s easy to get caught up in what the future may hold. Our dreams are big and maybe even possible, but we can’t live for those dreams. I don’t want to wish today away to get to tomorrow. I’ve had to work on that because I’ve always been ready for the next step. Senior year of high school was fun, but I was so ready for college. Senior year in college? I couldn’t wait to be in the real world. (Silly girl!). After dating for a while I was so ready to be engaged that couldn’t focus on the fun we were having just dating!
This is all to say that it took me a while to learn to savor the current moment.
But I’m learning. I’m learning that to get the best out of life, you have to live the adventure you’re in.
And, finally, I am.
My adventure I’m in today may not include far off destinations, exotic foods and language barriers, but it is still an adventure. It includes unstoppable belly laughs over something as simple as a book light. It includes snuggling by the fire. It includes exploring our current home, North Carolina.
I love that I’ve gotten better at living in the moment; at appreciating what is around me. I’ve learned to take joy in playing.
I’ve learned to laugh at myself when I fail.
I feel lucky to have found someone to go through life with, who has an adventurous and playful spirit, too. Or maybe we’re both just plain silly.
At least we get each other. 
So though no books may be written about my current adventure, I’m enjoying every minute. Maybe one day we’ll take the road less traveled, but for today, seeing Hailey demand to hike and then actually keep up is all the surprise that I need.
And who knows. Maybe one day we’ll look back and realize that these wonderful, low key weekends while raising Hailey were the greatest adventure of all.
Have you ever been so excited for the next step of life that you forget to enjoy where you are?
Kaye says
I often feel the same way you initially spoke of…looking forward to how much better things will be in the future…but you are so right…I don’t want to wish away today…you never know when there will be no more tomorrows and I would want to truly enjoy all of my todays. Thanks for the reminder!
Elle says
This is a great post! I frequently have to do this. This past year I finished my internship, moved to Las Vegas, have my own classroom and have a classroom of my own. I love the pictures of Hailey and hope David feels better!
Jessie says
Brittany, this was such a beautiful post to read!! You have such a wonderful family, and I can’t help but smile when I see your photos.
Happy Birthday to David!
Lisa says
Such a fantastic post Brittany! I think we can get caught up in the busyness of life and it’s great to appreciate those all around us who make our lives better and just slow down. I sometimes forget to live in the present, always focusing on what’s to come, what will happen, what if…but it’s a good reminder to take time in the present and simply be. Happy early birthday to David!
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
Such a sweet post. Happy Birthday to David!
I’m always looking forward to what the future will bring, but I’m usually pretty good at also enjoying what I have right now. Life is good.
Ali says
So true. We must live in the now. Enjoy the moments. Live today. Nice post.
Parita @ myinnershakti says
This post resonated with me a lot! I often find myself wishing away today for an unknown tomorrow…for the tomorrow where we have kids, more money, more time to travel, etc. But you’re absolutely right, the present is the real adventure and a great one at that. Thank you for this post…I needed it!
Chantal says
Beautiful post. It speaks to me. I have to check myself because I am always thinking about the next step, when I should be enjoying where I am.
Susan @ Real Life Travels says
This is actually one of my goals this year, to live in the moment. We are constantly planning trips and things to do especially having another baby on the way. It’s hard but I think it’s do-able as long as you keep reminding yourself what’s important!
Maria says
Absolutely. I can relate to this so well and it’s an easy trap to fall in. Suddenly, you are in that next stage and wondering how in the world you got there so fast. I am for one trying to soak up all these pre-baby trips, lazy mornings, and the simple life before things get more complicated (but ultimately really really good). There’s something to be said for having a goal or new adventure to look forward to, but then again, I think the happiest of people live with what they have, right where they are. Thank you for the reminder.
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
Oh goodness! I was JUST e-mailing a friend this morning saying, “Isn’t it so hard to focus on the work you are doing now, when you know you are simultaneously preparing yourself to take a turn down a different road?”
I am always looking forward. Always. But I definitely need to think about being present. In the moment. Recognizing the good that is here and now. It is hard when you want to make changes, and you don’t feel like you are content, though.
You are an inspiration. 🙂