Contentment

It’s a wonderful thing when you pick your head up, look around, and feel in your soul that yes, life is good.

I’ve had a very happy few weeks. For no particular reason really. Just experiences that reinforce gratitude for the people in my life. Who I love. Who love me. And who I can count on to bring a smile to my face and contentment in my heart.

The experiences have a few similarities – time with people I love, moments that break up the routine of regular life, and often involving time with nature. There really is nothing like a beautiful sunset or view to bring contentment.

My first moment was a date night with my husband. We went to the Salish Lodge last minute and enjoyed a short hike (a few times) to the Snoqualmie Falls waterfall. Is there anything more majestic than a waterfall? I think not. It was a beautiful afternoon in the middle of the week (playing hooky from work is so exciting!!). The sun was out. The walk through the woods was beautiful. When we reached the bottom of the hike and looked up at the waterfall, I laid down on a large rock, put my face up to the sun, and reminded myself how very lucky I am. Content.

Last week-end I drove my son to Portland for a basketball tournament. I love 1:1 time with my kids. As they are getting older, it feels increasingly special. Not a lot of nature in this trip – the 180 mile trip took 6.5 hours (ugh!). It largely rained the entire week-end. I even ran indoors on the hotel treadmill (typically avoided at all costs). But we had a great week-end. I love seeing him do something he loves with great buddies who happen to have super fun parents. Luckily we enjoy each other and can have mini-parties in the hotel lobby at night while the boys run havoc in the hotel. Or, in this case, hole up in a room to play Fortnite. I’m really hoping I got cool mom points for life as our room became the Fortnite room. My son brought our Xbox (which is also kind of cool because it is a special edition “I Made This” console I received for being on the Xbox team when it launched) and 10 stinky boys set up shop in our room. Including on my bed. Ew. But I love him. And seeing him happy makes my heart sing. Content. 

The day after we got back from Portland we were back on the road for a few nights for a special mom/son end-of-school year celebration. Same dynamics – great friends, beautiful location in eastern Washington, and joy at seeing my son in his element. It’s rare I get so much 1:1 time with my son. Amazing. And yes, Content.

My take-away? In life, sometimes it doesn’t take much to remind you that content is an easy end-state. All it takes is being grateful for what you have.

Often the end of school year feels hectic, crazed, and stressful. This year – I can honestly say, not so much. I now have 2 of 3 my kids out of school (including my now sophomore!) and I’m relaxed. Content. And ready for much more summer fun. Bring it summer…I’m ready for you!