I didn’t sleep well last night. Nothing new there, my perimenopausal brain seems to think night is the perfect time to overanalyze the state of the world. Sleep used to come easily, but now it feels like I’ve got a nightly appointment with my thoughts, and last night’s topic? The new reality we’re all living in.
Our government sent out another reminder this week: bulk up on water, canned food, radios, and a gas heater. A couple of years ago, that kind of message would have sent people into a panic. Now? I don’t panic. It’s just reality. Things have changed, and all we can do is accept it. The world feels more fragile, but it doesn’t mean life has to stop.
Instead of dwelling on all the “what ifs,” I keep finding joy in little things. After what felt like endless weeks of fog, the sun finally came out today. It was cold, but I didn’t care. The sky was clear, the air crisp, and for a moment, everything felt lighter. I took a walk, breathed in the fresh air, and realized that sometimes that’s all you need to reset your mind, a little sun on your face and the reminder that the world keeps turning.
And really, what do I have to complain about? My kids are doing well, which is the biggest gift of all. They’re healthy, happy, and figuring out their own paths. This weekend, we’ll be picking up my son at the airport after his holiday in the States. He had a great time, but I know he’ll be heartbroken when he comes home, missing his girlfriend is going to hit him hard. And that’s life, isn’t it? Joy and heartache, always hand in hand.
But life goes on, and I’m choosing to see the good in it. Little things lift me up, like asking my 82-year-old neighbor if she needs anything when I bring her mail. Our small conversations might seem insignificant, but they’re not. Those moments of connection remind me that the world is still full of kindness. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by everything happening, but if you focus on the little things, those conversations, the sun breaking through the clouds, a warm cup of coffee—the world feels a lot less scary.
This new reality? It’s not easy. But there’s still joy to be found, even in the smallest of moments.
So, I’ll keep finding those moments. I’ll keep asking if my neighbor needs anything. I’ll keep watching my kids grow, cheering them on through their joys and heartaches. And I’ll keep taking those walks in the sun, even if it’s cold.
Because it really is a great world, if you choose to see it that way.
Stay warm and hopeful,
A Mom Embracing the Little Joys