A few weeks ago, we celebrated our 10 year wedding
anniversary. I spent the previous week reviewing our years together to make a book (side note: I highly recommend Artifact Uprising if that’s your
thing). As I sorted through thousands of photos, I recalled the chronological
order of events and decisions, but realized that none of those decisions seemed as life
changing as they do on the other side. I remember making decisions
together…selling a house, buying a house, having a baby, going on vacations, but I literally could not remember why we choose this neighborhood
or this house or a certain career path or lack thereof? All the decisions were a natural progression, and that’s wonderful. So why didn’t I realize how quickly
they would add up to this life? It feels like unconscious “planning.”
Yesterday while I was considering applying for a part-time
position, because it looked interesting, I had an epiphany. Each of those
(seemingly) little decisions is a big decision about where I am placing my
energy. Now that we are rapidly approaching late thirties and can count the number
of years our children will still hang out with us, I feel like we need to be
really thoughtful about where we put our energy. What do we want to accomplish
in the next couple years? What’s on our must-see list? What are my husband’s
career goals and how can I support him? What are my personal goals? Needless to say, I did not apply for that job.
We have
declared 2018 to be a year of presence, patience and goal-setting.
Do you know that feeling when your children are suddenly
quiet and you’re like “what are they plotting now?” That’s us right now. And those
who know us are aware of how difficult it is for us to stand still for a while.
But this year is the perfect opportunity and as silly as it sounds, we’re
looking forward to it.
How do you and your spouse set goals and make decisions? Regular date night discussions? Tips much appreciated.
I’m embarrassed to admit how many of our decisions have been made via text message.
Amy, you are incredible. Thanks for sharing. So much wisdom you just poured into so many. You are a blessing to this world. Lee changing lives, one story at a time.
ReplyDeleteYour kind words and support mean so much to me. Thank you, Tony.
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