Rushed home from work. Missed the school bus by three mins. Picked up Jasi from neighbour's (and best friend) - luckily husband Jeff was home. Quickly (and graciously) said thank you. Said goodbye and Jasi and I were off to pick up Aislinn at school.
Jasmine looked at me and said, "Mom, why did you say 'Love You!' to Jeff?"
"I did?"
"Yes! You said "Goodbye! Love You!" She was clearly confused.
Well that was awkward; for two reasons... First– I don't love Jeff! I mean he's a great guy and I admire him, but he's my best friend's husband! I guess I do love him, but not in that way. Second reason– if I am unconscious enough to say that without realizing it, what else have I been saying?
Luckily that conversation ended with both of us laughing at how ridiculous it was for me to be in that much of a rush that I was throwing the "L-word" around. But in my mind, I'm thinking has saying 'I love you' become an automated script? Where's the meaning in that?
45 minutes later, the kids and I are at home, chasing each other around in the backyard and enjoying the weather. We come inside to start homework. I walk to the back door and glance once more at the backyard.
"OH MY GOSH!!" I yell to the kids.
"WHAT???" they yell back.
"THE DAFFODILS HAVE BLOOMED!!!" I'm really excited about this. Aislinn joins me and says–
"I know."
"They were like that when we were out there playing a few minutes ago?" I ask.
"Yeah."
I shake my head. We were actually in the garden lifting rocks and looking for bugs and I didn't even notice the beautiful daffodils??? What else have I been missing?
It's clearly time to slow down enough to be present again. It doesn't matter how I got to this point. What matters is what I do next. Life doesn't have to be this way...
About Me
- Chantelle Diachina
- Canada
- With a B.Ed., M.Ed., and over 10 years of classroom teaching experience, Chantelle has been privileged to observe the fruits of many living philosophies. By continually striving to live the best life possible, Chantelle has been able to overcome many personal challenges in life and enjoys helping others do the same. In 2001, Chantelle stepped into her first yoga class and has been amazed at the ways it has transformed her life. In 2007 she studied under Shri Yogi Hari of the Sivananda lineage and became a certified yoga teacher. She has since earned the E-RYT designation from Yoga Alliance and continues to study under various Indian Master Yogis. In October 2013 launched Prana Yoga & Wellness, offering private/corporate yoga and stress management workshops based on Eastern wisdom. Chantelle frequently appears as a guest speaker and is involved with various community projects and local non-profit organizations. Dedicated to walking her talk, Chantelle is not afraid to do the necessary work to remain happily married and be a healthy role model for her two young daughters.
Thanks for this important reminder Chantelle. These have been busy times indeed and I - like you - feel like life is rushing by me but you've reminded me of the importance of slowing down, of taking a 'time-out' from time to time and above all else doing our best to live in the moment. Thanks for sharing this post.
ReplyDeleteJodi :-)
Thanks for the feedback Jodi.
ReplyDeleteYes... before we know it this thing called life will be over, but what good will it be if we can't remember it? I hope to hear of the ways in which you choose to hit the pause button and all the good that comes from it.
At moments like these I love how our children show us exactly what we're missing...in their own innocent way. I've always said they're my greatest teacher. Thank you for sharing Chantelle,it reminds me of the human being in me too! Don't forget to smell them too!
ReplyDeleteI wonder Chantelle, if perhaps you really did mean to say I love you. A moment of pure, socially unrestrained thankfulness. I love you for providing a safe place for my daughter, for being a trustworthy neighbour to our family, for your kindness. Sometimes our words can come from a deep place within us and spill forth free and purely spoken. Beautiful really. :)
ReplyDeleteNimbleOne - I agree that our children are our greatest teachers. We are privileged :)
ReplyDeletecwituik - I think you and I could talk for hours :)
ReplyDelete