Since I became a mom roughly three and a half years ago, I've found I'm becoming more interested in, and much better at, celebrating. Which seems ironic, right? But I'm realizing my interests in celebrating, mindfulness, and minimalism -seemingly separate things- all dovetail beautifully into, simply, joie de vivre. Because those three things, I think, are ways children naturally are inclined to experience life until they become jaded; sometimes much too soon.
I think in large part my attention to being "plugged in" with my surroundings (in my "Depleted" post, I write that this is possibly the biggest factor in my celebrating style) is due to seeing things through my daughter's eyes. A ride on the subway isn't a mere ride on the subway. It is full of sounds, smells, heat (oh, the heat!), and so so so many people to meet. Lissie has the talent of melting just about everyone's chilly disposition when she inevitably asks "What's your name?" and, without waiting for a reply, "My name's Lissie." Derrick and I were remarking today about how our daughter seems to bring out the best in everyone we've met here so far. Especially that elderly black woman Lissie insisted on holding hands with up the subway steps. They'd met about, oh, two minutes before, and the woman gently and happily obliged.
Lissie has brought out the best in me, too. Though I was formerly resigned to jadedness, she's been training me in the art of creating and appreciating new experiences. She's taught me to savor them too. Because by plugging into wherever I am, I am creating something beautiful and rich; I am creating the person she will become, by virtue of the things she is experiencing and will continue to experience, wherever we may be.
I think in large part my attention to being "plugged in" with my surroundings (in my "Depleted" post, I write that this is possibly the biggest factor in my celebrating style) is due to seeing things through my daughter's eyes. A ride on the subway isn't a mere ride on the subway. It is full of sounds, smells, heat (oh, the heat!), and so so so many people to meet. Lissie has the talent of melting just about everyone's chilly disposition when she inevitably asks "What's your name?" and, without waiting for a reply, "My name's Lissie." Derrick and I were remarking today about how our daughter seems to bring out the best in everyone we've met here so far. Especially that elderly black woman Lissie insisted on holding hands with up the subway steps. They'd met about, oh, two minutes before, and the woman gently and happily obliged.
Lissie has brought out the best in me, too. Though I was formerly resigned to jadedness, she's been training me in the art of creating and appreciating new experiences. She's taught me to savor them too. Because by plugging into wherever I am, I am creating something beautiful and rich; I am creating the person she will become, by virtue of the things she is experiencing and will continue to experience, wherever we may be.
(Eating Chinese food in China Town, Lissie style)
(Watching the squirrels in Central Park)
1 comment:
I can see that this is going to be a long few years for me while you live in New York -- I will miss the East Coast with every post. And secretly (or not secretly now) be planning visits. I agree about the effect that kids have on us; they are so in the moment. It's a joy to watch and experience...but then I struggle with not wanting to let those lovely moments go. But it sounds like NYC is agreeing with you.
Post a Comment