I think a lot about the seasons. Autumn, right around the corner now, is my favorite. But this post got me thinking about the other seasons we go through, the broader seasons of life. I'm sure Gwen being halfway through 2, and my birthday, have something to do with how much it hit me, but I got caught in a spiral of passing years. Amazed that its only a year until my girl starts preschool, which made me think of primary school, which makes me think that before I even know it, she'll be driving off to visit a boyfriend, and leaving us for college. I know that's all a little melodramatic, but it really is amazing how brief some seasons are. Her newborn phase felt so short (though the nights were sometimes so long). The infant staged seems long, while we were in it, but now I look back with some awe at at how quickly it flew. A little girl is blossoming before my eyes, and I wonder how fast this stage will seem once we are through it.
There are so many things I'm looking forward to. No more diapers, better communication, discussions over dinner (that last two of which we have now to a degree, but I look forward to them growing). But I know there is much I will miss. This season of nursing, of running ahead then coming
back to be held, of giggles and unencumbered silliness. An
unselfconscious time.
Whimsical or not, this line of thinking makes me even more focused on being the best I can be about living in the now, holding my patience, and giving Gwen the building blocks for those next seasons which are on the horizons (this post and this post both touch on that nicely).
What season are you in?
I have often struggled with mindfulness and just being and living in the moment. My son is only two but it really is going by so fast. When I'm frustrated by a tantrum, I try to keep the perspective to enjoy all the moments that I can.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder. I like the mantra Be Present. Be IN the present.
ReplyDeleteI can only confirm that this beautiful time will fly by so quickly, it will make your head spin! The thing I can offer that you might not "know" yet is that each new season becomes more and more rewarding. Each new experience you share deepens your emotional experience. I am very sentimental right now about our last 30 years together...and looking forward to the next 30!
ReplyDelete<3 xoxo
DeleteI have 6 so I am in several seasons at once. That first born baby of mine starts his first college class tomorrow as a homeschool senior and that will be a new season for us!
ReplyDeleteGood luck, that is a big change of season!
DeleteWhat a great way to look at all of the moments you've gotten to spend with your little one. It is sad to look forward because they are so sweet small. My daughter is only 5 1/2 months old and it has more than flown by! As far as my current season...Summer. I don't feel like a spring chicken anymore (I've grown past that). It is not yet Fall (which is my most favorite season). And no where near Winter (because I am not ready for an end). Summer would mean that I am in the midst of a time full of only the best of times!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all these great comments guys!
ReplyDeleteI would have to say I am in my fall season. In my mid 40's and 3 of my 4 kids grown and moved away, only my 14yo "baby" still at home. Grandkids to love and another on the way. And it seems like yesterday I was holding my now 23yo son thinking to myself that there was no way I was going to be able to do this whole new mom thing and survive. But, survive I did and I have enjoyed every "season" I have been through and looking forward to what's left!!
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