This year after the busy holiday season passed, winter never seemed to really take root here in the Great Northeast. By now we usually are blanketed under a vast amount of snow and the frigid weather has set in and made us hunker down for the remainder of the winter season (which normally could last till May here). But this year is so different! The temperatures haven’t dipped below the freezing mark, much less the single digits we are so accustom to. And SNOW WHAT SNOW? We have not had one storm!!! (Better watch what I’m saying there’s still time.) It seems that as our girls have gotten older, and we are on the run so much more.
Always on the go, not only do I have my schedule to manage but theirs also. There’s always school and activities, but now they have a social calendar also. And we can’t forget shopping!!! Teenage girls have a list of monthly products they need (hair products, makeup, assorted school supplies and other necessities) seasonal clothing and upcoming events (dances, prom, confirmation, birthdays… to name a few). With Giovanna attending driving school two nights a week till June, we just have no down time. As winter break came near I was concerned with planning something to do… But the girls just wouldn’t commit.
I started to think… when summer comes, we just slow down, especially toward the end. When you want to savor the moments of carefree days, no schedules, late mornings and longer nights.
I watch our girls in the summer, riding their horses a much as they can. Doing cartwheels in the sand and staying up late, laughing and enjoying the outdoors. I watched them engaging with nature, riding bareback in shorts and with no shoes, walking on a trail near a stream watching their fascination with the cool water as it ran over their feet, and their ability to completely live in the moment with no thoughts of the past or worries about the future.
I finally got it…that’s what they wanted, no schedules ….. These are the times that we live in the moment. When we embrace the seasons, the days, and the minutes wholeheartedly with no concern for anything other than the pursuit of adventure and play. There are lessons to be learned there.
Finding a form of play and the time to relax is really the key to achieving balance and finding renewed inspiration in life, not only for the children but for my husband and I. This week the girls are off for winter break, we didn’t plan much, they wanted to spend time at the barn, with their friends and stay up late watching movies with us. As for me I’m spending less time concerned with daily chores and work in order that I may spend more time with my family, thanks to that reminder from my children to live in the moment.
Seasons change quickly, too quickly sometimes. Spring break is coming and we are planning a trip, but this the only thing we’re planning is to relax and savor things that are important like our family, (Mother Theresa included) and simply enjoying the fire in our fireplace, marshmallows and being together……
XOXO
M
Adventures In Styleland! 