Life happens to everyone and sometimes I can’t tell whether I’m coming or going. I get overwhelmed. I get cranky. And I think to myself (more than once, I’m afraid) that I just can’t handle it anymore.
Then I stop and take a look around…
And I realize that despite all of the bad days, there are some things in life that make the bad days worth it:
The 15-20 minutes that I get to spend in silence rocking my baby boy to bed at night. He’s recently decided that he wanted to be rocked again, and I’m living it up. Listening to his breathing, rubbing his back and holding him in my arms for a just a few more minutes seems to make everything negative fade into the background.
Hazelnut Coffee and French Vanilla Creamer early in the morning…
Little notes and trinkets from my mom tucked away in a box of goodies sent to Little Man…notes that remind me that I’m never alone and that the distance is just temporary.
Knowing that despite all of my flaws and bad days, I’m a genuinely good person and would never do anything to intentionally hurt someone or cause them problems.
Sitting at the computer and pouring my heart out to my readers. Blogging is an outlet for me like I’ve never had before. I’ve always kept a journal, but the feedback and the “you aren’t alone’s” keep me going on the really bad days. I can’t express how much I appreciate the comments.
Family tattoos that make my baby boy laugh and giggle like there is no tomorrow.
Making real progress and headway on my first novel. 6,000 words in (which is the most I’ve ever done when I claimed I was writing a novel)
Hearing my parents read to Little Man every night at bedtime. They bought one of those really awesome recordable storybooks and sent to him. He’s listened to it at least four dozen times and always says sweetly, “G’night Paw Paw. G’night Gran Gran. Ove you.” Melt. my. heart.
DVR. Knowing that I can work through my shows (Hello, Revenge?!) and still watch them later during the week when I get a few minutes to spare.
Being able to stand in the shower for long periods of time and knowing that my kiddo is playing safely in his room. While there are days that I miss the itty bitty baby phase, I do love that I can take a shower without having to leave the curtain cracked to watch an infant. He plays right there in his room down the hall without hesitation. And I get to stand there and soak up the warm water.
Seeing the leaves actually change colors and the temperatures drop. It’s a REAL change of season. We are finally getting to experience Fall.
Sneaking one of those long, really good kisses from my husband now and again. Just a quick gesture that reminds me (and him) that there is no one else I’d rather be with.
Snuggling up with my husband at night…curling up beside him in our warm and cozy bed, and drifting off to sleep; knowing that when I wake the next day, he will still be right there.
Being married to a man that doesn’t complain (too often) about taking out the trash or picking up dog poo. Seemingly mundane jobs, but I’d really hate it if I had to do them.
Letting Little Man help in the kitchen and enjoying the silliness that comes with having him help mix brownies or dip the flour. It may be a mess, but watching that kid smile and laugh is one of the true joys in life.
Tucking my big boy in at night and hearing him say, “Mommy. I love you disssssss much!” as he stretches his tiny arms out as wide as they will go.
No one ever promised that every day would be perfect.
No one said that life wouldn’t get in the way, throw us curveballs or leave us dealing with uncertainty, frustration and downright anger.
But on those days, I have to stop to remind myself that there is no where I’d rather be and no one I’d rather spend my life with than my husband and my son.
That makes the bad days worth it.
And makes this whole life worth living.
What things have you found that make the bad days just a little bit easier to tolerate?
Coming back to catch up and I’m so glad I did. This list is great – there are so many lovely things in it, and it’s so easy to overlook how much they help. I’m glad you don’t!
I’m lacking in the “perfect day” department lately. Definitely helps when you stop and think of all the little things that can add up and make everything seem pretty perfect.
What a beautiful post. These are the little things in life that make our days worth living. They are right there in front of our eyes. We just have to keep looking!
I too have to take a seat, breathe, and think about all the positive things going on in my life when I have moments of frustration or start thinking about “how unfair life is”. Also, all it takes is to hear a terrible story in the news and I think how blessed I am to be alive, to have the a husband and son to share this life with, to have a loving family, to have a roof over our heads, bills paid, needs and some wants, and all the other blessings in my life that at times I simply take for granted. I am also such a worry-wart, so it helps to have a husband that keeps me grounded and calms me down with words of encouragement and assurance when I am going into a worry spin. Thanks for sharing…I think all of those have those days that are harder then others, but the good news is we have HOPE and we definitely have things to be thankful for!
I agree. Whenever I read or hear a story on the news about someone losing their husband/wife/child, I hold onto my boys a little tighter and thank God that they are with me and we are all healthy. We live in such a “materialistic” society and it always helps to realize that even if every WANT isn’t met, we have all that we NEED.
Courtney Kirkland is a Southeast Alabama Writer & Designer. Since 2011,, Courtney has passionately provided beautiful, intentional design to small businesses & bloggers and encouraged thousands to walk in a rich faith in any situation.
Coming back to catch up and I’m so glad I did. This list is great – there are so many lovely things in it, and it’s so easy to overlook how much they help. I’m glad you don’t!
And I’m always happy to have you come catch up. LOL I’m just now catching up, too (as you can tell by this ridiculously late comment).
I’m lacking in the “perfect day” department lately. Definitely helps when you stop and think of all the little things that can add up and make everything seem pretty perfect.
Yeah I’ve totally given up on “perfect day.” What are those?
6,000 words is awesome. Good job. Keep writing.
Thanks girl! It’s coming along!
What a beautiful post. These are the little things in life that make our days worth living. They are right there in front of our eyes. We just have to keep looking!
I couldn’t agree more, Barbie!
I too have to take a seat, breathe, and think about all the positive things going on in my life when I have moments of frustration or start thinking about “how unfair life is”. Also, all it takes is to hear a terrible story in the news and I think how blessed I am to be alive, to have the a husband and son to share this life with, to have a loving family, to have a roof over our heads, bills paid, needs and some wants, and all the other blessings in my life that at times I simply take for granted. I am also such a worry-wart, so it helps to have a husband that keeps me grounded and calms me down with words of encouragement and assurance when I am going into a worry spin. Thanks for sharing…I think all of those have those days that are harder then others, but the good news is we have HOPE and we definitely have things to be thankful for!
I agree. Whenever I read or hear a story on the news about someone losing their husband/wife/child, I hold onto my boys a little tighter and thank God that they are with me and we are all healthy. We live in such a “materialistic” society and it always helps to realize that even if every WANT isn’t met, we have all that we NEED.