Small Life, Slow Life: How I became happier. {So much worked in 2018.}

We rolled in today slowly, gently, in comfy clothes. We spent a long time at the park with V’s cousins, had lunch, ran around the mall, and mostly stayed at home on the couch, snuggling and having snacks. When that got boring, we asked Alexa to play upbeat 80’s music and had a dance party. It was the most perfect way to end the year.

At the beginning of 2018, I looked forward and predicted that it would be difficult (it wasn’t), and that there would be a lot of death (there was). I had an anxiousness that I’d have to struggle. Other than things being tight financially, this never came to pass. Quite the contrary — as 2018 stretched on, I relaxed more and more, and really began to enjoy my life in a way I haven’t previously. The books, writing, exercise, giving up all sugar, and working with my boss to reconfigure my work schedule allowed for a huge leap in my happiness. I also have a gratitude text chain with my girlfriends, listen to uplifting podcasts every day, and every night before bed, I sit on the floor while C sits on the couch, and he plays with my hair. All of these things sound super small, but together, they have really changed my life.

V was one and a half at the start of the year. The difference between 1.5 and 2.5 years of age is night and day. She can now play independently, tell us what she wants (and what she doesn’t, lol), and she sleeps through the night. Those things have made our world so much easier. I feel like we’re finally getting in the groove of being a family unit.

Last night, C and I were brushing up and getting ready for bed. I turned to him and said, “Everyone is in a tough situation financially. The money will come. But we are overflowing with love. In that way, we’re rich, and so many people wish for that and don’t have it.” He wrapped me up into a hug and said, “You are so right.”

So I’m ending this year feeling grateful and looking ahead and telling myself, It doesn’t have to be difficult. You don’t always have to brace yourself for the worst. Try to enjoy yourself a little.

That sounds pretty good to me.

Happy new year to you, too. ❤️