Things I’ve Been Noticing Lately

I don’t know if this is age, or awakening, or just life doing what life does, but lately I’ve been paying attention in a different way.

Not because I wasn’t aware before.  I think I have always been aware.  Life made sure of that early.  But this season feels softer.  More intentional.  Less rushed.  Like I’m not trying to get through my life anymore.  I’m actually inside of it.

And here are a few things I’ve noticed.

The boys at soccer

Last Thursday was the first soccer practice of the season.  The boys came running toward me like they always do.  Some were taller.  Some had longer hair.  All of them loud and excited.  All of them exactly the same.

It felt like both no time had passed and a lot of time had passed.

They were talking over each other.  Asking questions before I could answer the first one.  Running laps they were not supposed to be running.  Pure chaos.  I loved every second.

And in the midst of all that, one of the mothers stopped me.  Last season, her husband had been detained.  She had asked me to write a letter.  I did and honestly hadn’t thought too much more about it.

She smiled and said, “He’s out.  Thank you.  Your letter.”

And then we just kept moving.

I don’t know why, but that moment stayed with me.  It reminds me that sometimes doing your part is enough.  You don’t have to fix everything.  You just have to show up where you are.

Also, field orientation is this Saturday and we scrimmage our rivals, the Blue Jays.  The best team in the league.  The team we have yet to beat.  My main motivation this season?  That.

We are ready.  The boys are ready.  The parents are ready.  And honestly, I love that we get to see where we stand this early.  One week to adjust, correct, and grow before the games start.

Do you have something in your life right now that’s quietly lighting a fire under you?

Testing for red belt

This past weekend, my kids, my aunt, and I tested for our red belts.  Two steps from black.  Which is wild because none of this was part of the plan.

My cousin started this, now we are all in it.  He’ll test next month.

Standing on that mat, I felt gratitude.  But also something playful.  Something childlike.  Something that said, This is so cool.  Look at you.

And watching my kids?  That was the best part.  Seeing them focused.  Slightly nervous.  Brave.  Trying.  It made me proud in a way that felt quiet and deep.

Also, can we talk about how our bodies will surprise us if we let them?  Because a few years ago, if you told me I’d be here, I would have laughed and gone back to minding my business.

What is something in your life right now that you never saw coming, but are secretly glad happened?

The walk home from school

On warm days, I usually walk to meet the kids after school.  I wait at a certain spot and then we walk home together.

Lately though, when they get there, they are with their friends.  Talking.  Laughing.  Moving in their own little world.  I’m there, but I’m also…not.

So the other day, I didn’t go.

I just waited at home.  Outside.  When they turned the corner and saw me, they ran up.  “Why didn’t you come walk with us, Mommy?  What’s wrong?”

I said, “Yall ignore me.  I figured you didn’t need me anymore.”

They both looked at me and said, very matter-of-fact, “We don’t NEED you to.  But we like that you do it.”

I just stood there.

Motherhood is strange.  One minute you are everything.  The next minute you are background, but still wanted.  Still loved.  Still needed in ways that change without warning.

I’m learning that sometimes the role shifts, but the connection stays.

Have you experienced that with your children or people in your life?  The space between being needed and being chosen?

Every season ask something different of us.

BTW:  “When the music changes, so does the dance.” – African proverb

So, I’m curious.  What have you been noticing lately?  The small shifts, ordinary moments, and things that don’t seem big until they are.  

Tell me in the comments.  I really want to hear.

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