You may remember this post when I said that I’ve been busy with motherhood, work, side hustles, socializing, and sleeping (in that order). And now that we’re right in the thick of the holidays, it doesn’t seem like things are slowing down anytime soon. But I’m cool with that. For now.
I usually try to bang out as many assignments as possible during the weekend so that I don’t feel overwhelmed with them during the week. But I want to create lovely holiday memories for Aiden, and so, we’ve been spending most of our weekends doing just that – decorating our apartment, going to shows, going for brunch, checking out our favorite toy store (FAO!), and soaking up the beauty that is NYC during this wonderful time of the year. (That sentence is so cliché. I know, but I couldn’t help it.)
{Little guy and the Christmas tree} |
Because, although I’m all for working it and getting my grind on (and believe me, I am!), I’m even more adamant about spending time with family and friends and enjoying the company of loved ones. And now that the holidays are upon us, I’ve got holiday gatherings to attend and friends in town that I want to catch up with.
In fact, this past weekend, I did just that. On Friday night, I attended a holiday shindig at my friend’s house in midtown. We enjoyed cookies and conversations and beer and board games. On Saturday night, I made the trek from Brooklyn to Harlem to attend another friend’s holiday soiree. This time, we enjoyed music and moscato. As I sat on her living room floor (not because she doesn’t have furniture, but because other people were sitting on the couch), I found myself dishing about life after grad school and “real adulthood” and dating and motherhood and all that jazz.
And then it hit me: THIS right here – spending time with Aiden and then spending time with friends and family – is what it’s all about. It’s much too easy to get caught up with work. But work will ALWAYS be there. (Believe me. I can easily respond to 50 emails only to have my inbox fill back up within the hour. #RealTalk)
But sometimes we just have to stop. And breathe. And take time to smell the roses. (Or taste the wine.) I did absolutely no work this past weekend, yet somehow I still felt accomplished. And energized for the week ahead. And, quite frankly, I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend.
How are you taking time out to smell the roses?
I have to constantly remind myself to do that (stop and smell the roses) because it's so easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of holiday preparations and deadlines and then more deadlines. Thx for this reminder! YOu guys' Christmas tree is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThis is. Great post and it's so important to do this...lately we've been working on our advent calendar...just a way for us to stop bad remember what the season is all about. I love that Aiden has a corner!
ReplyDeleteAlicia, I am glad to read you are having a good time. I am very busy as you know. I have so little time to read the blog I love daily. But I enjoyed, when can, catching up on the lives of people such as you who have made a difference in my world.
ReplyDeleteYes, right now I need to stop and smell the Christmas tree! It is so easy to get caught up in holiday have-to's ! Aiden looks so cute...one day he will be taller than that tree...yikes...it happens too fast...a Christmas kiss to him from all the Rogersx
ReplyDeleteGreat post, and perfect reminder for this time of year. I may even (gasp!) unplug the last week of the year when my kids are off from school.
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