Having and wanting, then and now
15 YEARS AGO
What I had
* My own home (a condo), furnished with stuff *I* bought
* A fascinating job as head of an adult learning network
* Good grades in grad school
* A lot of time to myself to read, write, think. Too much, maybe
What I wanted
* A man to share my life with, if he even exists. Every morning I wake up wondering if this is the day I’ll meet him. It’s an obsession.
10 YEARS AGO
What I had
* A handsome, funny, smart, hardworking man.
* Our first home together, a 1891 Victorian that is filled with mementos of our adventures living and traveling overseas.
* A politically charged job as an administrator at a state university.
* Time with my husband to see movies, attend concerts, and travel.
What I wanted
* A child or two. Everyday I get more depressed about my fading chances to be a mom. It’s an obsession.
NOW
What I have
* A handsome, funny, smart, hardworking man, who is also a fabulous Daddy.
* A sassy 7-year-old daughter.
* A sweet 5-year-old son.
* A mostly happy home where we’ve been able to bring out our breakables again, and which is usually very cluttered with library books, Legos, tiaras and socks.
* A patchwork of work-at-home jobs.
What I want
* Time to myself to read, write, think. It’s an obsession.
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You can see where this could go as the children grow and become independent. Should I be lucky enough to have continued health and safety for my family, I will once again have then what I want now, and yearn then for what I have now.
So my mantra for 2009 is: Be. Here. Now. Enjoy.
How closely does what you have match what you want? How do you bring your haves and your wants in line?
Your mantra is mine as well. I’m trying to not only be more conscious but more conscientious.
Although it really would be great to have more time to read, write and think as well!
This post really resonated with me. I have everything I have ever aspired to have. Time to focus on THAT and enjoy the moment instead of looking back and thinking about what I lost.
I’ve finally figured out this life balance thing, at least in my head — you don’t get it all at once. You get seasons of things, and you get to be intensely in that season while you have it.
Trying to enjoy the season of baby giggles, preschooler hugs, and potty messes these days. Actually not that hard to look on the bright side when I think of it that way!
Kagey, that’s a great way to think of it, in terms of seasons. Beautiful.
Beautiful post. Each phase of your life was a great place to be.
It’s really cathartic to look back and see what was so important at some time, the yearning, the desperation, and once you are there, it’s not quite enough. We really do need to stop sometimes and see the forest for the trees.
I’ve learned that lesson in the last year, the hard way. Now I’m trying to appreciate each day with my husband and son, and move on to the opportunities that suddenly pop up. Letting go of baggage and moving on without letting go of the good things that surround me.
Balance, or some such, I think they call it. It’s not a word I’m used to knowing.
Thanks for the great post!
- Sarah, Imaginary Binky
http://www.imaginarybinky.com
Lori, I love this post! It’s so true.
I’ve tried to focus on the now and enjoy each stage’s good qualities, learn from the not-so-good stuff, and move on.
In a way, this reminds me of something my grandmother always used to say, “Everyone brings joy to my life…some by coming and others by going.”
I think that can be applied to many aspects of our lives. 
Momma, The Casual Perfectionist
http://thecasualperfectionist.com
I-Binky: the looking back can be so enlightening sometimes. Almost makes getting older worth it!
CP: your grandmother is very smart!
I love this post. I’m going to copy you on the be here now enjoy. I love that! I think it is so important!
I forgot to leave my blog address. It is
http://campbell-family-blog.blogspot.com/
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[...] linked around the ’sphere this week. I have a post up at Mile High Mamas. Even if you aren’t lucky enough to live in Colorado, add this Denver Post site to your [...]