I tend to be a ‘grass is greener’ kind of a person.
By that, I mean that back when I was a single professional, I would go out and wistfully watch the families with their kids running around, and wish that I had someone too. That I wasn’t alone.
Ten years later, I sometimes think that having a few minutes without kids running around would be kind of nice. Not that I regret having my family – but I do wish I’d enjoyed single life a bit more back then while I could.
As a full-time working mom, I would enviously watch the other moms at preschool drop-off and pick-up who weren’t always rushing from one commitment to another. I so wanted to be able to spend more quality time with my kids, and dreamed of all the things that we could do together if I didn’t have to work so much.
Now that I am unemployed, I find myself worrying over how to make ends meet, and trying to keep the unending clutter that is my house under control.
I realize that I never seem to be able to let myself ‘just be happy’ with what I have. And I wonder why that is. I suppose it’s so easy to get caught up in the ‘what if’ and to not think about the ‘what is’ instead.
Six months after being laid off from my job, I realize that while I’ve done a few things that I’d wanted to, there are so many opportunities out there that we’re not taking advantage of. And this chance likely won’t last more than a few months longer at most.
So this time, I am choosing to let myself be happy. With what I have, who I am, where my life has taken me…
And with whatever is yet to come.
This post was written as a submission for the January/February Group Writing Project at MamaBlogga, on the topic of ‘Choosing Happiness’.
Sphere: Related Content
February 1st, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Great post! True words to live by as I am also trying to struggle with my transition. I’m looking back over the same side of the fence I once was on and just need to learn to be with what is.
Jean M.s last blog post..Story Time
February 2nd, 2009 at 9:29 am
This is a great post, Deb. So true!
Thea @ I’m a Drama Mamas last blog post..We have Winners!
February 2nd, 2009 at 10:39 am
I agree 100%. I think everyone does the same thing. I know I do. I just try to take it one day at a time and I admit I try to escape in the evening or on Saturday as much as possible so I can enjoy having my kids around the rest of the time.
Here’s to a happy day!
February 2nd, 2009 at 5:43 pm
great post! I always choose happiness. I meant to write something for this project…but alas…a sick sugar bear kept me busy.
have a great week!
Coreys last blog post..I Heart Faces ~ The EYES Have It~
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:58 am
That’s exactly how I feel—I was just telling one of my single friends the same thing!
And Corey–there’s still time, if you get a post in today. I might extend the deadline, too.
Jordan (MamaBlogga)s last blog post..January Group Writing Project
February 17th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
Great post! I’ve also always wanted “the next thing.” Yet I am so blessed with what i have right now.
Mozi Esme’s Mommys last blog post..OLZ Thanks!