Fuzzy blanket, cozy socks, snow falling from the sky.
In the early morning, I was awoken by the sound of the howling wind outside my window. In that moment, wrapped in my warm blanket, I couldn’t help but feel grateful— not only for a warm place to sleep, but for one where I didn’t have to question my security. I knew the heat would remain, and my chances of falling back asleep were good.
After my children had breakfast and got dressed for the day, we had no planned schedule ahead. Both kids are on winter break, and I took time away from work to be with them.
If you don’t know this yet, I secretly love days with no agenda. Why? Because I am a self-diagnosed control freak and will literally write an agenda for myself and anyone near me. I love planning, but I also love a day that is completely wide open. On days like these, our “activities” are based solely on the present moment: how we’re feeling, what the weather looks like, and what is at our disposal.
As little snowflakes blew in the wind, our fireplace invited us for a moment of rest. We looked through books and played games. Christmas music still hummed in the background, and our tree remained lit. Time seemed to freeze, and we were simply together.
As the hours slipped by unnoticed, my daughter’s sweet voice announced to both my son and me that she was hungry. Realizing it was nearly noon, Kenton proposed we visit one of his favorite lunch spots— the mall food court— for, wait for it… brown noodles. Technically, they’re lo mein noodles, but he’s called them this forever, and I’ve stopped correcting him.
Once at the food court, my kids raced to the counter to place our order. Within minutes, a heaping pile of steaming noodles was set before us. Eyes wide and bellies hungry, the dish was devoured. Both kids searched for the longest noodle while they ate. Laughter was the main ingredient, and it made me so happy.
Window shopping followed, though we did end up stepping into a few stores after some great holiday prices caught our eye. Our final stop was Kako Claw. Tokens were distributed, games were played, and Ruby ended up being the big winner of the day.
My time with my two children made me pause and wonder: Is your seemingly normal day worth noting?
What you’re doing right now may not feel extravagant or impressive. It may not look like much from the outside. But it’s your life. Your reality. And it matters.
Be okay with being okay. Release the pressure of what you think you should be doing or what looks good to others. Simply be. Simply feel. Simply experience. I promise— the people around you will feel more seen and more valued than you could ever imagine.
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