Remember When You Wanted What You Currently Have?

Hello!

Around this time a year ago, my partner and I found out we were expecting our son Nico. As he approaches the four-month mark (!!!), I am reminded of how much we wanted him as part of our family. The timing of this reminder couldn’t be more perfect given the circumstances and the feelings of isolation so many of us are experiencing.

There is a saying I’ve seen many times on social media that I absolutely love. It consistently brings me back to the present moment and gives me perspective on my life as an individual, my role in relationships, and what I’m bringing to my community.

Photo from @blindsaay on Instagram

Remember when you wanted what you currently have?

For me, this phrase goes beyond gratitude, and it’s not cheesy or superficial. I encourage you to take a moment and consider this: how is your life right now? How is your heart? What is present in your life that wasn’t present before that you deeply wanted? What did you wish for, focus on, or set goals to accomplish? And are you appreciating that you have it now? What does that look like?

It’s easy to forget the joy and contentment when we are overwhelmed and feel alone. The times where Nico is so fussy in the evenings and I can’t put him down at all and my back hurts and I can’t see straight from exhaustion, I lose the gratitude. It doesn’t have to be there all the time; this is real life and real life means that we have real feelings. I get to feel frustrated that I’m parenting my first child in the midst of a pandemic and I’m more tired than I ever thought possible. But when things quiet down and I get a moment to breathe, my life is better when I consider how fortunate I am. It also gives me hope—for something new that’s a little familiar but different than what it used to be because that is what’s needed moving forward: a new normal.

That’s gratitude in practice for me.

That’s all I have for you this week. I would love to hear how you’re doing and what you’re appreciating right now. I would also like for you to know that I’m thinking of you and I am hoping you are doing okay as you continue to navigate this wild time. I’m so happy to be connected to you.

Hugs,

Elizabeth