Embrace the season you are in

The beautiful colors of fall in Northern Virginia

Since giving birth to Beautiful Baby A (BBA) this summer, I have found myself frequently saying "I can't wait until she [INSERT EXCITING DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONE]..." or "I look forward to [INSERT FRUSTRATING ASPECT OF BEING THE MAMA OF AN INFANT] to be over" - focusing on the promise of the future rather than appreciating the beauty of the moment. When I catch myself thinking these thoughts, I consciously stop myself in my tracks, remembering what I have been told by many friends and family members and have read in all of the baby books - "enjoy every moment because they grow up too fast." Looking backwards on life, it is easy to recognize the nuggets of joy in even the most trying moments, and I do not want to regret wishing away all of life's little blessings, even if they are hidden behind a mask of displeasure.

I have always disliked fall. Not because of the characteristics of the season itself, which actually are quite lovely, but because the cooler days of fall always remind me that winter is just around the corner. Cold weather, snow and ice, dark and chilly mornings and equally dark and chilly late afternoons. All of the things my warmth- and sun-loving self despises.

Halloween is definitely one of the highlights of fall

Life has its seasons, just like the weather. And each season has its ugly, challenging, and trying moments, and each season has within it a magnificent beauty if you choose to focus on the moment at hand and take a closer look. This morning, as I walked BBA on this gorgeous fall day - her 5-month "birthday" - I embraced one of those moments, which inspired me to write this post despite the fact I had almost finished a completely different blog for the week. The air today was unseasonably warm, the trees were seasonably colorful, and I was happy and grateful for having this moment with my amazing child. I was not thinking about my to-do list. I was not thinking about my future. I was not thinking about the season that is to follow. Because we really don't know what the next season of life will have in store for us. All we can be sure of is what we have right now, and the right now is perfectly amazing if you open your eyes to its wonder.

BBA seizing the moment when she awakens on the morning of her 5-month "birthday"

As Thanksgiving approaches, I challenge you to take time each day to focus on the wonder of your life right now at this very moment - and on the nuggets of joy and happiness for which you are grateful. And in the depths of winter, when the winds are whipping and the air is frigid, remember that without the dormancy of winter, trees would never know the grandeur of sprouting in spring. 

Until next time, be happy, by healthy - and be grateful,
​Kathleen