(Younger me would have been crushed)

Okay, so one of my son’s friends’ brother said to him (which he relayed to me): “Your mom looks like a grandma.” At any other stage of life, it may have crushed me. But now? I am so here for it. 

Of course, I don’t know fully what that boy was referring to (most likely my hair color? my post-baby(ies) physique?) but I will admit that I am drawn to many of the grandma things . . . the baking, being home—with hopes of more of this—loving on my kiddos, wanting to give little thoughtful gifts more, and just overall enjoying a slower, simpler life.

If you look at my Pinterest boards you’ll see that I am a wannabe crafter. It just doesn’t seem to be in the cards for me. But there’s an appreciation there. Fo’ sure. I mean, have you seen those teeny little felt mice that can live in a matchbox? You can make them tiny clothes and accessories . . . my kids would love those! But my results would look nothing like Pinterest suggests–haha!

What makes me slow down already, and in this stage of life is the forward thinking and telling myself that I don’t want to live with regrets. I don’t want to look back on these present moments and wished I had appreciated them more. I’ve seen several IG posts by moms talking about all this . . . pointing out what they will miss–and I feel those things to the core. I know I’ll miss a lot about this stage of life. And I don’t want to look back wishing I had done more. I want my kiddos to know now (and then) that I was there, I was fully present, and I loved them with my whole heart.

I know a grandma or two, and one of them shared a sentiment that I will not soon forget. Since she now has grandkids, she admitted that she realizes now that her kids really weren’t all that bad when they were little. I know many grandparents feel like they may be getting a second chance when their kids have babies. But I don’t want to be “redeeming” what I failed to do when I had the chance. I choose to love them fully now and then that much more down the road. It just makes sense to me.

What about the practical side of being able to love them when they’re all grown up and having their own kids? Health! Health plays a key role in this. Switching to non toxic products. And as I prioritizing my fitness today, I am acknowledging that what I do for those few minutes in the morning before jumping in the shower will directly affect what I’m able to do when I’m 70, 80, etc. I’m prioritizing rebuilding my core (hello, Pilates) and making sure I am lifting weights. [All I’ve got is a pair of ten-pound dumbbells, but I do what I can.] Walking is always welcome–and while I wish I could do so much more and regularly, I know that there will be a time I will have all the time in the world to do that and more. . . but by then I will be running miles upon miles again while processing how much I miss the kids.

So it’s today. Not a grandma yet but I can live, aware that if I want to be one, today matters.

Oh! And. When it comes to food… I don’t believe in restricting–but savoring. God made food to enjoy, and I stand by that. 

So, to the boy that says I’m a grandma at 30-something, Thank you. Thank you for keeping me grounded and focused on what matters.

Bye now. ‘Til the next chat!