You know the feeling that you are reading something great. The pages flow, and the book grabs hold of you. Before you know it, you have read 1600 chapters. It’s great to find a series so engrossing.
That’s where I found myself in the fantasy book I am reading. After years of adventuring and battles together, the two main characters go on a date. It was the storyline I didn’t know I needed. A break from the action, adventure, and levelling up. Now that we are here, though, I’m all in.
Just as these protagonists took a break to recoup and recharge, so too must we in our daily lives.
…
Reading is one of my favourite leisure activities. In fact, I’ve built it into my night rhythm. Once our daughter is settled and asleep, I check in with my wife for a bit to recap the day and talk. Then, I head downstairs, have some blueberries, and read. I’m transported into the fantasy realm for a few minutes. Then, it’s off to bed for about an hour or two until my daughter wakes.
…
Navigating the extra demands and duties of parenthood can be tough. Add in allergies and extra needs, an illness, and some days can be quite difficult.
Along the way, I have found it’s the little things that matter and help.
A good day can be having 20 minutes to read. These ordinary moments, such as holding my daughter whilst she sleeps, are the special moments.
…
Once I started paying attention and realised this, I found many of these special moments scattered throughout the ordinariness of my days.
The smell of peppermint fills the kitchen as our Nespresso machine hums. Ahhhhh, coffee is one of life’s simple pleasures. Taking a sip, we sit down on the floor and spend time with our daughter as she learns to sit. My legs are just off to the side, so we can easily catch her if she overbalances.
Currently, she is fascinated with picking things out of a box, putting them in her mouth, hitting them against the side, and then putting them back in. All with frequent glances at me where she smiles and giggles – look at my skills, Daddy- I imagine her saying.
“Great job,” I reply, encouraging her. I take another sip of coffee and watch.
It’s a small moment but one filled with meaning.
These moments are everywhere with my daughter. It’s the smile that beams across her face when I walk in after a day at work. Or the way she giggles when I hold her up and move about like she is in an airplane.
It’s the smile and kiss my wife gives me, a welcome home before I give my daughter a cuddle.
…
These events form part of the life that I want. One that is slow and deliberate. Time with family and friends. Being able to engage in leisure tasks such as reading and enjoying a coffee. Being of service around the house. Caring for my daughter.
Everyday, we are given these special moments that matter.
What a gift.
A great day is reading a book whilst my daughter sleeps.