Hey y’all!
Yes, I’m just as shocked as you are that I’m finding time to write twice in one week! This past week my mother-in-law was visiting and it was SO much fun. We went hiking, we had ice cream cake, and we had LOTS of coffee. It was hard to see her go but it makes our time together that much sweeter! Plus, with a little guilt trip from the kids, I’m sure she’ll be back pretty soon! ;)
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about our “dream” for our family and what kind of life I’d like my kids to have growing up. I know I’ve posted before about living intentionally and making decisions that will guide you to the life you want and sometimes it’s easier said than done. The economy right now is a giant WTF. The housing market is freaking ridiculous and the interest rates are higher than a pothead on 4/20. The statistics I’ve heard about how little people can afford the houses on the market is just astounding. A huge crash is coming and I’m impatiently waiting to see how long they can keep this up. How discouraging for the working people in the U.S. to barely be able to afford a home. We’re talking about shelter here. Having a home should not be considered a luxury. It should be something that everyone can expect to have and comfortably afford as an adult. This really is such a strange time period to be living through. I hope in 10 years (less than 10 would actually be nice) we can look back on these last few years and ask, “what the hell was everyone thinking?”.
Moving to Colorado was a big step for us in following the dream. We wanted to get the kids outdoors more, have more seasons, and really just learn from the land. I know we’ve only been here for ~3 months but our lease is up in March and I don’t think it’s too early to start planning. I actually never think it’s too early for a plan. I love a good plan. I’m ready to set roots down somewhere and to start building onto whatever that property has to offer. Ideally, I’m looking for a cozy cabin style house on a big plot of land. I want my children to have the opportunity to build their homes on our property if they’d like. There is nothing more comforting to me than having my family together and I can’t imagine that changing as they grow into adults and have families of their own. I also would like our land to be able to be explored. I’d like to walk out in the mornings and be able to wander around the property while being immersed in the wilderness. I’ve pictured myself sitting out on the deck, looking out into the forest while bundled up and sipping coffee. I want my children to have to work for things that may be convenient for other people. I want them to learn how to hunt. I want them to learn how to make a fire. I want them to learn survival skills. I also would like to learn how to hunt. I used to go to archery as a kid and actually LOVED it. I’d love to get back into it. I know people often have this picturesque version of their life that they long for, and while I do have a dream that looks different from this current stage of life, I know that this is a stepping stone to the bigger picture and should still be enjoyed. Every second.
What I’ve realized in Colorado rather quickly is the power of nature. Although we’re currently in a residential area, we can see the mountains and it makes the neighborhood feel gigantic. Being able to see the mountains everyday is a constant positive reminder that we’re on our way. The first step was coming out here and exploring the areas to find a permanent spot. We’ve been doing so much outdoors and getting ourselves used to taking 3 small kids hiking. We have to explain the dangers of being out on the mountain in such a way that they’ll understand and take seriously. It’s been challenging at times – carrying the baby, the backpack and then on some occasions carrying our 4 year old. But it’s been more rewarding than challenging. Playing with the kids in the creek, seeing our oldest follow and identify tracks, going from more civilized parts of the trails to quiet meadows filled with wildflowers. Just a year ago, I was sitting in Florida thinking about this life, and now it’s here. Although we haven't reached the end goal yet, we are still enjoying every step of the way to get there. Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in thinking about what else you want out of life. But if you really get down to it, happiness is always right with you. Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing. You have to choose happiness. Life will certainly bring challenges and hurdles but you’re always able to overcome them.
Speaking of “the now”, this morning I was taking a poop diaper out to the trashcan on the street and I had to open the garage door to go out. I let our Baby M press the button to close the garage door. She honestly smiled the entire time. She was so so happy just to press the button and close the garage door. I mean, what?? Closing the garage door?? But guess what, in her finding happiness in such a mundane thing, brought me happiness to share that happy and rather strange moment with her. Happy kids = happy mama. And truthfully, I’m not picky about what makes them smile. If it’s closing the garage door, then so be it – that’s easy!
There is always going to be something else or new that you want. I do think you should always be working and growing to better yourself but it’s such a taboo to just be happy with what you already have. And let’s face it, we’ve got a lot. It doesn’t matter what your situation is, you have a lot to be grateful for if you give yourself the time to sit and think about it. Impatience and convenience I think are the two main reasons people aren’t happy. I’ll admit, I am one heck of an impatient person. Convenience I can do without in some aspects but man, patience? I got none, negative, goose egg. I’ve been trying to live by “what’s meant to be, will be”. And I do believe that. It’s sometimes just hard to remember when you really want something.
We’re all a work in progress and it’s never too late to start putting loving effort into yourself and your thoughts. Start thinking of all the things you can be grateful for in the steps you’re taking to living the life you want and deserve. At the end of the day, all you have is you. And that in itself is something to be grateful for.
Keep showing gratitude
-A