It was a rainy Monday night, and my daughter hopped in the car after a grueling practice. In the process, she stepped on my brand new book. With. Her. Wet. Shoes.
All it took was a glance at my face for her to know I was not pleased. All it took for me, was a look at her face for me to see that I was about to crush her spirit. I knew then: I had an opportunity.
I exhaled and said, “You are worth more to me than the book.”
In an instant, her face softened. I knew then I had been set free.
So many times we tell our kids to get their priorities straight. And then we stand before others and tell them about our focus: Faith. Family. Then Everything Else. The reality is that it is easier said than done.
The pursuit of happiness won’t bring you what you really seek — joy. That deep-down feeling that all is right with your world. But how do you find joy, when women of today are told we can have it all — only to be reminded of this futile pursuit of perfection when we browse Pinterest boards in search of projects to pin that we’ll never complete?
I want to be viewed as a woman who loves big, laughs loud, and creates beauty. I am choosing to create the life I have always wanted to lead.
Strangely, in the past two months, I didn’t just create more minutes in my day — I created more moments. Instead of lamenting that I don’t have time to do this or that, I decided to be more productive by doing the things I value. I’ve had more time to read, write, create, meditate, pray, visit, laugh, love, and share. (I’ve even slept better, too!)
I gave myself permission to focus on the things I find important, by saying no to things that weren’t — instead of feeling obligated to comply.
Six days after that fateful rainy night, my family’s day was jam-packed with activities for kids. I called an audible and announced we’d take a side trip — to a museum and a yummy lunch spot. Instead of complaining about the long wait, we took it in and enjoyed the time together. That’s when my daughter asked me to take a photo of her.
I am convinced that this is the image I was supposed to see: Arms outstretched, head rocked back, and feet off the ground. That is joy!
We cannot help others or express gratitude with our arms folded. We cannot see the beauty in life with our heads down. We cannot experience joy by dragging our feet.
This much, I know: If I want to experience joy, I must have my priorities right: Faith. Family. And Then Everything Else.
Lesley and I met a few years ago through our school PR connections, and this awesome little thing called #k12PRchat. As our friendship has grown over communications strategies and best practices, so has our connection around living our best lives, without excuse. When we started texting about the new book that got stomped on, I knew there was a guest blog waiting to happen.
Lesley took her daughter’s photo at MELT, an Alabama restaurant where restaurant goers can pose with the angel wings mural. Follow Lesley on Twitter here.
I love this blog. I love the picture. Thank you for sharing, Lesley.