Karen, “Enjoy every moment because it really, truly does go by in the blink of an eye.” Tip #2
I think a great deal about Karen’s Tip #2. I vividly remember this advice, likely the most common piece of advice I’ve ever received, and the most ignored. Everyone seemed to say it. I hated it!
Today, I’m a little wiser, and much more skilled at enjoying moments. In my early years, I do wish I had taken that caution more seriously. It has gone by in a “blink.”
Whenever I heard, “Enjoy it. It flies by.” I thought to myself, not fast enough! I felt the words were condescending, and complete bullshit! Regrettably, I wished time away.
I thought, I can’t wait until he talks, walks, wipes his own butt, sleeps in, goes to school, finds a job, drives, and graduates. I wanted freedom! It felt as if each stage was going to be a lifetime. I was dramatic, immature, and so so short-sighted!
Maybe my distorted perception had something to do with my age, my development, my fears. I thought the diapers would never end and the soccer games would last forever. Whether it was one factor or a combination of many, my egocentric attitude prevented me from seeing things clearly.
I did cherish some moments, just in case there was any truth to the phrase. I recall pulling myself into special times, when I suspected might be fleeting. I slowed down during birthday parties, Christmas mornings, school concerts, evening snuggles, and oddly parades, when I had the mind to do so. I don’t know what my hurry was, I had nowhere to be. I certainly had nothing more important to do!
In a flash, my son was 25. I have nothing more important to do. I have no toys to clean up, no little socks to match, no bums to wipe, no concerts to complain about, and no soccer games to rush to.
I no longer need juice boxes, milk money, or student fees. I never could have known I’d miss reading time, parent-teacher meetings, and even the relentless obligation of meal time.
In what now seems to be a blink of an eye, all the expectations of Motherhood have vanished! Nobody is looking for me, needing me, or asking me to sign anything. It’s quiet!
Back then, things seemed in slow motion. In reflection, it feels as though days, not years, have passed. How I wish I believed the wisdom in the sage advice. I didn’t know the depth of the truth. I was quick to disregard many cautions.
I’m glad Karen is giving this message. I’m hoping others can better heed the warning. There is much to be gained by slowing down. In the moment the chaos, and seeming inconveniences of parenting, might just be the noise your heart aches for when the quiet settles in.
Karen is someone who absolutely enjoys the journey. I would even bet she stops to smell all the smells. She’s not just a roses-only-kinda-gal.
Thanks Karen!
Now everyone can have a village! 