Five Things I’ve learned

Baby Torture: Trying to get Hero to take a Selfie with us

1. Sometimes, I just don’t like myself very much. This used to send me into all sorts of self doubt and analysis and worry, but I have learned that it really usually means one of three things: I have done, said, or written something I shouldn’t have and I need to apologize ASAP and help whoever know I am sorry and I love them; I am about to get my period—hormones throw all sorts of crazy on the table and looking at the calendar helps alleviate a lot of that; or lastly, I am tired or hungry or haven’t had a second to myself—once I sleep, eat or just take a minute to think and let myself process, I feel sooo much better. It’s amazing how quickly I like myself again when I figure out which one it is.

2. I can actually ski some hard runs. I have lived in fear of skiing, but thanks to kids making me go down trails I don’t know—and sometimes HAVE to manage—I have learned I am capable. That however does not mean I am by any means good at it. Oh, no, I watch people ski down slopes making all sorts of silly sounds and with their arms flapping around and think, yep, that’s how I ski. But I am not ashamed or worried about that—some people are naturals and love to fly down the slopes, that is NOT me. I am a meandered and a take my time and enjoy the run person. In that, I find such comfort and peace and have discovered I love skiing.

3. I can be happy staying at home. I did not know this until this past year of having to stay home all the time. I was always looking outside my state and sometimes country to find the amazing and beautiful. But there are beautiful hikes, delicious restaurants, and super interesting people to meet right here in my very own town. I feel like I’ve discovered treasure.

4. I miss being a mother of a brood of children. It is lonely without them. But my goodness, there is so much time left over for me to begin to finally create again. And my heavens, darned if I haven’t written almost two books because of it.

5. Living small and more simply really is a secret for happiness. I think happiness comes thanks in part to limited supply—you only have what you love the most. When you go into your closet, you only have clothes that you’ve chosen to keep and look damn fine on you. There is no searching and trying on lots of clothes that don’t work or make you feel to fat, to wide, to short, to . . .not you. Instead, it’s a win win each time. Who isn’t happy when they feel good in their clothes? And same goes with make-up, jewelry, shoes, and everything in my kitchen. I cook happy because I’m not searching through things I don’t need to find the thing I do. Funny how less actually makes you feel like you have more.

Pretty much sums up my 45th year of life. Happy almost March . . .

Comments

Forced Frugality

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