Zenspiration: "The Days Are Long, But The Years Are Short"

 I just finished reading the Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin and I don't know why this one quote made such an impact on me.  "The Days Are Long, But The Years Are Short."  There were many points in the book that inspired me, but this one in particular made me cry.   I've heard it before.  People telling you to cherish the moments with your kids because soon they will be all grown up, but this time it was different. 

Reading those words was like putting a mirror on my life and someone was telling me, "How dare you wish away the day!"  For the past few weeks I have been very focused on work.  Not just when I'm working, but even on days when I'm at home.  I've been feeling overwhelmed with everything I want to do for my kids, for the house, for my career, for myself.  There just doesn't seem to be enough time to fit it all in, so I multi-task.   Sure I can watch the kids, fold laundry and check my e-mail at the same time!   I've just been trying to get through the day, so I can check off my to do lists.  I try to do it all, when in reality I'm cheating myself of being in the moment.

Reading this quote, made me feel guilty and sad that I have been trying to rush through the day. Hurry up and get dressed so we can have breakfast, hurry up and eat so we can get out of the house, hurry up and take one kid to preschool so I can focus on the other one, hurry up and put them down for a nap so I can have a break to work, hurry up and go to bed so I can take care of other things.

 It also reminded me of what I was missing.

Tonight after dinner I didn't wash the dishes right away.  I sat with my two kids as they played joyfully.   When I put my 19 month old daughter to bed I held her in my arms and danced around the room first.  She smiled at me lovingly and giggled.  Then I went downstairs where my 3 year old son was watching Barney.  Usually I use this precious TV time to check my e-mail before I give him a bath, but tonight I sat next to him and cuddled as we sang the "I love you song" together.

Not every night ends this peaceful and zen.  There are "those" days that you are just trying to get through.

"The Days Are Long, But The Years Are Short"  reminded me hit the "pause" button and appreciate the moment before it passes.  Here's a video that captures the thought.  Grab a tissue.