Yesterday was my daughter’s first birthday party. It was so special to catch up with people from my hometown and for them to see my daughter. Later that night we sorted out the presents. This morning all we have from yesterday are the presents and wrapping paper strewn over the den floor. Our flight is in four hours and it’s back to the daily grind. I happen to enjoy my day-to-day job and responsibilities but I still feel a longing to stay. To not fly back to my home 13 driving hours away, to simply bask in all the love showered on our family yesterday.
I know everyday can’t be like yesterday. Heck, part of the reason I moved down south was because I hardly saw friends and family who lived near NY since we’re always so busy with work and family’s responsibilities, etc. So I know even if we stayed, yesterday would still be a uniquely joyous moment in time.
But as I look at the presents and wrapping paper strewn over the den floor, in addition to charting out how I will organize our new belongings and avoid clutter, I wonder, “How can I integrate this delightful experience into my life?”
Each gift represents the love, time, and effort others invested in making my daughter’s first birthday that much more special. And it is that high, that abundance of love and devotion, that I want to maintain in my heart—and my daughter to keep in her heart: all the people who love and are rooting for her.
These people truly are her roots! I am grounded, and she is grounded, in the love of her family and friends, and the friends of her parents and grandparents. She is blessed for all those who surround and support her. And I am utterly grateful for each and every one of them.
Mindful Nuggets 