Updated: June 29, 2023
Originally Published: Feb. 5, 2023
I woke up at 5:30 AM today, fully intending to tackle a long list of chores: dishes to wash, laundry to fold, and a few articles waiting to be written. But before my alarm could even ring, I was greeted by a familiar voice.
“Mom? Mommy?”
With a sigh, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stepped onto the chilly floor. Frustration washed over me; how would I complete everything on my to-do list now? But I paused, took a deep breath, and opened your bedroom door, ready to face the day.
“I hungy, Mommy!” you exclaimed as you rushed to me, arms wide open. I bent down, enveloping you in a warm hug.
“Okay, sweetheart, let’s get breakfast, but first, a kiss?”
Your cool, soft lips met mine, and in an instant, you darted off toward the kitchen, eager to switch on lights you couldn’t reach and to devour a breakfast I could barely prepare fast enough. You threw a tantrum when I poured your milk into the pink cup instead of the purple one. When I needed to toast your waffle instead of serving it cold, you erupted into tears. And when I finally handed you the waffle, you screamed for cereal instead.
Ah, just another typical day, I thought. I prepared myself for the onslaught of tantrums, mood swings, and exhausting demands that would surely test my patience. I braced for another night filled with cooking, cleaning, and an ever-growing to-do list. But then, unexpectedly, you invited me to join you.
You were on the living room floor, engrossed in coloring at the coffee table. I sat down next to you, half-expecting a meltdown, but you simply kept coloring. “Minnie’s shoes,” you said without hesitation when I asked for your choice. And there we were, enjoying a quiet moment together, creating art side by side.
After a while, we transitioned to “tent time”—a sweet ritual of lying on the floor, draping a blanket over ourselves, and snuggling. “Mommy, go sleep. Stay here,” you insisted, and I complied. You roamed the house collecting stuffed animals and pillows for our little hideout. Sure, I had a multitude of tasks waiting for me, but I chose to be present with you, cherishing this fleeting phase of life.
We settled in for an episode of “Sofia” in my bed, breaking my usual “no TV” rules. We delighted in singing “Wheels on the Bus” on the kitchen floor, and you transformed into a roaring dinosaur, stomping through the house to scare me and annoy our neighbors below.
You had your moments of mischief—spilling yellow rice everywhere to feed the cat, or trying to bite me while I washed dishes, which I still can’t explain. You also protested when I denied cookies as dinner. But amid the chaos, those moments faded into the background, overshadowed by laughter, whispers of secrets, and the warmth of hugs.
As the day drew to a close and I tucked you into bed, I realized something profound: I hadn’t accomplished any of my intended tasks. The dishes remained dirty, laundry unfolded, and my article unwritten. But instead of feeling defeated, I felt fulfilled. I had you—your attention, your love, your joy. I had the chance to see the world through your innocent eyes, filled with wonder and imagination.
Ultimately, the best thing I did today was nothing at all. Because in those moments of stillness and connection, you became my everything.
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In summary, today was not about completing tasks but about cherishing moments with my child, a reminder that sometimes doing nothing can be the most rewarding choice.