As I sat next to my 7-year-old daughter, Lily, I remarked, “I’m really looking forward to our car rides.”
“Me too!” she replied eagerly, as we collected our things.
This has become a newfound joy in our household. After spending months finding ways to occupy ourselves during Lily’s gymnastics classes, we finally acknowledged that simply waiting in the car is one of the most calming activities we could choose. Gone are the days of pointless trips to the store just to pick up items we don’t actually need. No longer do we endure the stress of traffic while trying to make it to class on time. Now, we embrace the activity I once thought was the least desirable—we savor our time in the car.
I bring along my laptop to catch up on emails, while the kids entertain themselves with books and snacks. They squabble, but it’s nothing that raises my blood pressure—just the usual sibling banter that remains manageable. We listen to music, engage in conversations, and they occasionally peek at my screen, all while munching on crackers that often end up on my shoulder. Surprisingly, it beats those rushed store trips by a mile, so I eagerly take on our car-time routine.
Remarkably, our weekly car excursions have decreased from an exhausting 45 to a much more manageable 29, thanks to a blend of activities and our newfound appreciation for car-time.
Just six months ago, if someone had told me that I would find joy in spending 40 minutes in a confined space with two bickering children—looking forward to it as a slice of downtime—I would have been concerned for my mental health. I might have even considered an intervention.
However, this shift in perspective isn’t entirely new. Over the past eight years, my definition of happiness has gradually simplified. Parenthood has redefined my available time, space, and finances, leading me to find joy in smaller, more modest experiences.
I cherish cozy nights at home. While I still enjoy going out, those outings aren’t as frequent as they once were. Many of our Saturday evenings are now spent snuggled on the couch, indulging in a movie, sipping red wine, and nibbling on cheese. I find myself looking forward to this just as much—if not more—than the exhilarating rides into town.
I appreciate the luxury of six hours of sleep, a significant improvement from the sporadic four-hour stretches I used to consider adequate. It’s far from the long, uninterrupted nights I once enjoyed, but I’ve come to realize that I no longer require them.
A quick 10-minute shower behind a locked door while my husband reads to the kids is a delightful little escape. I relish the time I can spend at my computer, not just because of the work itself (which I’ve always enjoyed), but because it allows me a moment to sit down. Most of my day is spent in a whirlwind of chasing, driving, and refereeing—except during those precious car rides.
I treasure the five minutes I get to sip coffee while scrolling through social media post-school runs. I even delight in taking the train anywhere; it’s my me-time, where I can immerse myself in a book or magazine, wishing the journey would last just a bit longer. Pure bliss.
As the week progresses, I look forward to my Thursday night glass of red wine. It’s a small reward for making it through the week, regardless of how productive or chaotic it may have been.
And I’ve found that my morning cup of coffee, made in my own kitchen, brings me just as much satisfaction as the expensive cappuccinos I used to buy at my favorite cafe. Perhaps it’s simply a matter of lowered expectations, but the pleasure remains.
Anyway, I should stop writing; our car-time is almost up, and it appears there’s a child dribbling crackers on my shoulder. Just four hours until my next glass of wine—what bliss that will be.
If you’re interested in more parenting insights, check out our post on intracervical insemination. Also, for those looking to boost fertility, consider visiting this resource. And for an excellent guide on donor insemination, take a look at this site.
In summary, my journey through parenthood has taught me to appreciate the simpler things in life. As my happiness bar continues to lower, I find joy in moments that once seemed trivial, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling experience as a parent.