In this crazy world of technology and information overload, sometimes I forget to just relax. I get so wrapped up in my busy day and fitting everything in that I forget to leave time for the unpredictable and the spontaneous. It is often my kids who remind me of the value of the unplanned.
Case in point, this weekend. I was rushing to get us all out the door to go up north and was obsessing about some work I had left unfinished and the laundry I had left half done. As I wallowed in my self-induced neurosis on our drive out of the city I was jolted to reality with a scream from the backseat. It was my son. He had spotted a rainbow. His excitement was palatable and contagious. We opened our windows and pointed. We talked about how rainbows are made and whether there is really a pot of gold at the end. We laughed and I forgot all about my worries. Even once the rainbow had faded my worries seemed less important.
I commented to my husband that there must be a million opportunities like this every day that we miss out on. Opportunities to simply stop and relish the moment. Once I started looking for them they were everywhere, especially when watching my kids.
It is amazing how fun jumping on the bed can be or creeping around under a blanket pretending to be a monster. I also found a few opportunties of my own. The view from my parents' place in the Beaver Valley (see pic below), roasting marshmallows over an open fire (see pic above), a glass of wine and good conversation.
The funny thing is, we can also create these moments for each other. The tone of our voice, a simple thank-you, recognition of a job well done.
I watched the sun set over the Beaver Valley this weekend and swore not to get rapped up in the chaos again...that lasted about 12 hours (and 7 of them I was asleep). Oh well, I always have my kids around to remind me!
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