“Enjoy the little things in life because one day you'll look back and realize they were the big things.” - Robert Breault
One of my favorite pieces of advice I learned from Dr. Marti and Erin Erickson, mom/daughter co-hosts of Mom Enough, who joined us for our Striking a Balance: The Work/Life Equation webinar. Their words of wisdom? To help keep yourself afloat as you're managing both work & home life, look for the small moments of joy that can be found in the everyday.
What would one of those moments be for you? I asked The Family Room bloggers to share the small parts of their days that make them truly happy.
What Small Moment in Your Day Brings You Joy?
Amy M:- Coming home from work and seeing my son’s face light up when he realizes it’s me!
- Getting into bed after the electric blanket has warmed it.
- Watching as my son drifts off to sleep every night.
- The loud “whoa” that my son yells when dumping out his toy bin all over the floor.
- Talking to my best friend during our respective commutes home (we live quite a distance from each other, so being able to chat, even for a few minutes, is something we try to do daily).
- Taking a long, hot shower every morning, even if I have to get up at 4:30 am to make it happen.
- Drop-off at childcare (on a good day) gets my day started on the right foot. My daughter runs into her center and is so eager to see her friends and teachers (okay, for her morning snack, too). This helps to assure me that my daughter is having fun all day allowing me to focus on my work.
- And even on bad days, seeing my daughter run for her mama with open arms is my mini moment of joy when I can switch gears to family time putting my workday behind me until the next day.
- When my son actually eats his dinner.
- The mischievous smile that spreads across my son’s face when he is up to no good.
- Giving my son the last kiss of the night – no matter what kind of day we’ve had, we go into his room long after he’s fallen asleep before we turn in for the night to whisper one last I love you and kiss his forehead.
- I haven’t set my alarm since 2007 when I became a mom; I have early risers. But, there is no better way to wake up than a warm, sleepy, little body seeking mom snuggles first thing in the morning. I start every single day that way.
- When my girls are playing and laughing together completely on their own.
- Every once in a great while, I’m completely alone at home. It’s glorious to have a few moments of silence and relaxation without anyone looking to mom for something.
How about you? What would be on your happiness list?
RELATED RESOURCES:
- Bright Horizons Family Matters Webinar: Life as a New Working Parent
- Family Room blog: Melissa shares how she learned to slow down and savor the moment.
- Read more about stress management including Jessie's post on enjoying what truly matters and Morgan's post about how to enjoy the “now.”
