Routines

When my first baby was growing in my belly, I used to daydream about what life would look like as she grew.

They weren't elaborate daydreams of a fancy house or big holidays; they were dreams about the mundane, the day to day.

I dreamt about our afternoons playing together, creating, laughing.

I dreamt of the little routines.

The soft glow of the lamp in the evening. Building lego before bath time. Snuggles and books before bed.

When the kids were younger, those moments seemed unattainable.

The afternoons with the kids would come, and I would feel like I was treading water; trying to get everything done. Time felt like it slipped through my fingers.

Afternoon tea, pack lunches for the next day, bath, clean the kitchen, homework, dinner, maybe ten minutes of play and bed.

These days, it's a lot different.

Those routines exist, and I am giving my kids a beautiful childhood.

One of connection and play, conversations and calm bodies, laughter and silliness, somatic movement and space for big emotions.

Time still moves quickly, the difference lies in being able to remain present and in the home workload being shared.

I have created the space now, in my life and self, to slow down and be.