The other day, Eric and I were putting Olivia to bed and, as a part of our nighttime routine, we lay on the floor to look up at a projector she has in her room. As the three of us held hands and watched stars and moons go around and around on the ceiling, I looked over at my baby’s face and her eyes were glued to the images in awe and wonder. And of course, becoming a mom has left me with little control over my emotions (tell me I’m not the only one), so my eyes filled to the brim with tears. Tears full of joy and happiness and just overwhelming love for my baby. I couldn’t help but think that THIS, this moment in time, was sheer perfection.
I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that most of us do not have perfect lives. GASP! There may be struggles to get your kids ready for school, finding time to put dinner on the table, managing work and home and trying to find balance. It’s hard to deal with meltdowns and picky eaters and not so good sleepers. There are financial challenges, family issues, sickness, an abyss of laundry, a never ending to-do list, and just not enough time (or coffee, or wine) for it all.
We are all dealing with some variation of those issues. And sometimes it’s hard to see the good in a blur of sippy cups, toys, goldfish crackers, Sesame Street reruns, and crayons. Sometimes it feels like we’re just trying to get all the things done. There are days that leave us feeling frazzled, worn out, exhausted and calling our mothers in tears. Or is that just me?
But then it occurred to me that while I do not have a perfect life, I often have perfect moments. Moments that are just so pure and special and unique to my own little family. Moments that have left an imprint on my heart and that I know I’ll remember forever. And those are the moments I celebrate.
And I’m sure you have those moments too. Maybe it’s the special way your son or daughter hugs you before leaving for school, the way they fall asleep on your shoulder at night, or their laughter. Whenever I have a perfect moment, I savor it, remember it and hold it close to my heart. Because my life is never going to be perfect, but I will have perfect moments.
What are some of your favorite perfect moments? How do you celebrate your imperfect life?
XO,
L
Love this!
Excellent insight – perfection in the moments. One of those perfect pleasures has always been the three-guy vibe that comes about when my sons and I are off on our own somewhere – doesn’t matter where. We try to take a few days away each year and rent a cabin and hike or go off to Vegas (as we did a few weeks ago) – and it always brings me back to those Saturdays when they were kids and we three would go off to lunch and a movie and let their mother have some time off. Now, with them in their forties, that vibe and pleasure is still there and shining.
I love this!!! I love holding my son at night while he falls asleep. He’s a ball of pudgy baby that I just can’t get enough of. I completely understand those special moments though because I often find myself a blubbering mess just watching my babies do something. Their amazement is so wonderful to see.
Love this post!
Yes! Life is so stressful, it is so important to remember to appreciate the little perfect moments.
Yes, yes, yes! I posted a similar story today. And you are right, if you expect even an entire “perfect” day, it is likely that you won’t get it…
I couldn’t agree more! No one’s life is perfect but they can definitely be filled with perfect moments. One of my perfect moments is how my daughter comes up to be and hugs me. Or how my husband gives me a kiss on my cheek every morning to say good morning. It’s important to focus on these perfect moments and to cherish them.
This was absolutely adorable, warmed my heart!
Thank you for sharing!
Luuh you!
Sumeila
I love this! So, so true. Each day has at least one of those perfect moments if we look for it. Great reminder, mama. xo