What season of life do you find yourself in?
The days are long, and the years are short. This could not ring more true in this season as I quickly approach forty-five. With another birthday staring at me, I sit in a space of wonder, looking in bewilderment at how fast the years have flown by. I mean, it feels like I just turned thirty!
In the weeks to come, I will also be celebrating my 21st wedding anniversary, starting my 24th year in teaching, sending our firstborn off to college (M-I-Z for Tigers out there), and becoming a parent to a high school sophomore! Wowzers! Y’all, I remember when days with toddlers felt long, but here we are!
This season marks a pivotal transition in my life, and it is accompanied by a multitude of feelings and thoughts. On one hand, I’m excited about the new things to come while also lamenting what no longer will be. A season coming to an end for our family as we knew it and adjusting to new rhythms that will distinctively change our family. Reminded that our lives follow a cyclical pattern, with many starts and ends; through it all, navigating the emotions and trying to transition and adjust gracefully. This momma is learning how to let go, how to trust the process, and remain hopeful.
I also feel a deep sense of gratitude for the good over the years, recalling memories of joyful family milestones, trips, countless first times, and happy celebrations. Also, a deep gratitude for the things endured and overcome. Remnant memories of times that stretched me and felt suffocating: choosing schools, moving states, transitioning into new jobs, mental health, parenting and marital challenges, loss and grief, to name a few. Nevertheless, standing here a little stronger and wiser, pausing for a moment to look back so I can look forward with assurance that there will be strength and wisdom for what will come.
Momma, I don’t know what stage of life you’re in, but you’ve got this! Keep taking one step at a time. You are strong! As you walk this journey, remember these things:
Be patient with yourself.
Maybe you are not where you want to be, but celebrate how far you’ve come. Realize that we are on a continuum, always learning and growing. Along the way, we will get some things wrong, but that’s okay. Adjust, reset, and try again. Settle into who you are and give yourself grace, knowing that you are becoming stronger and wiser each day. Perfection is not what we strive for.
Don’t forget to take care of yourself.
Caregivers need care. This may feel impossible at times, forgetting to eat a meal and struggling to find time to take an unrushed shower. Commit to identifying ways to make margin in your day and week for self-care. Perhaps, it’s a bubble bath, a walk around the block, a quiet drive, a manicure, or getting up a bit earlier to have quiet time before the hustle and bustle of the day. Let others take care of you, too. You may have to ask for help, and that is allowed.
Find joy in the ordinary.
The daily grind can steal your joy and quickly dampen your mood and leave you feeling empty. It is easy to fall captive to the monotony of busy life rhythms and find yourself in a joyless space. Find a mindful moment, catch your breath, slow down to look at the flowers, notice the clouds, delight in your babies as they frolic, be silly, and don’t stop laughing. Be present to enjoy what you can easily miss and not have back.
Be encouraged, friend.
Keep moving, and know that
you are not alone in this journey.
WOW! Angie, you nailed it! So wise, so vulnerable and so true. Thank you for sharing and always caring for others. Your experiences will enrich and encourage others on the same life path. Much love and abundant blessings to you.
Thank you, auntie! 💗You have been instrumental and influential in my formation. Love you so much.
Very nice piece… this is an awesome group you ladies have formed… I am Kelly Watsons mother n love 😀
Thank you, Mrs. Washington.
You are very kind!
Also, I love the term coined: Mother-n-love!
Blessings,
Angie
Thanks for sharing your experiences and insight. May God continue to bless you and your family.
Thank you, friend! Iron sharpens iron. 💗
🥰xoxo
You have a lyrical way with words, my friend. Wisdom from a life lived with eyes open to the beauty all around. I’m proud to call you my friend! 💗
Thank you, friend! I receive your words humbly. I appreciate you! So fortunate and blessed to call you friend. 🥰
This is so awesome! I can feel your beautiful spirit and hear your voice as I read your words. Thank you for always being a good friend and a beacon of encouragement and support. Keep living His word. Love you Tia!
So encouraged by your words Angie. You are a beautiful woman, inside and out. Hope I will be reading more articles written by you.
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