“I’m actually looking forward to our time in the car,” I told my 6-year-old son, Max.
“Me too!” he exclaimed as we gathered our things.
Car-time has become a cherished ritual in our home. After months of trying to fill the gaps while my oldest was at gymnastics, we’ve realized that simply waiting in the car can be incredibly relaxing. Gone are the days of pointless drives to the store for items we don’t need, or the stress of being stuck in traffic, rushing back to pick someone up. Now, we embrace what I once thought was the worst—just hanging out in the car.
I bring along my laptop to catch up on emails while the kids have their books and snacks. Sure, they squabble occasionally, but it’s not the kind of fighting that raises my blood pressure—just some typical sibling disagreements. We enjoy the radio, share stories, and they sneak peeks at my screen. Sometimes, they even manage to sprinkle crumbs on my shoulder. But honestly, it beats those frantic trips to the store, and I’m all in for car-time.
In fact, our weekly car outings have decreased from around 45 to just 29, thanks to a combination of after-school activities and our newfound appreciation for time spent in the car.
Six months ago, if someone had told me I’d find joy in spending 40 minutes cooped up in a car with two bickering kids, I’d have been genuinely concerned about my future. I might have even considered an intervention.
However, this isn’t just a recent shift; my happiness has been evolving for quite some time. With the demands of parenthood, I’ve found that my joy now comes from smaller, simpler pleasures.
I adore cozy nights in. While I still enjoy going out, it’s become a rare occasion rather than a regular affair. Now, many Saturday evenings are spent snuggled on the couch, watching movies, sipping red wine, and indulging in cheese—a night in that I look forward to just as much as my previous outings into town.
I cherish those fleeting six hours of sleep, as it’s an improvement from the four hours I used to call “sleeping through the night.” It’s nowhere near the luxurious sleep of pre-parenthood, but I’ve learned to adapt.
A quick 10-minute shower behind a locked door while my partner reads a story is a luxury I’ve come to appreciate. I relish the moments spent at my computer, not just because work is fulfilling, but because it means I can sit down for a moment. Most of my day is consumed with chasing, driving, and managing chaos—except, of course, during our car-time.
I enjoy five minutes of sipping coffee and scrolling through social media once the school runs are over. I love taking the train wherever it may take me—it’s my personal time, complete with a phone or book in hand, wishing the journey would take a little longer. Pure bliss.
And let’s not forget that glass of red wine on a Thursday night. After a long week, it feels well-deserved, no matter what I’ve accomplished or failed to do.
I even find joy in brewing my own coffee in the kitchen. The bar of enjoyment has lowered recently; I used to treat myself to a cappuccino from the nearby café daily, but now, the coffee I make at home brings just as much satisfaction—perhaps because it’s all I have, but the pleasure remains.
Anyway, I should wrap this up. Car-time is almost over, and I have a little one dribbling crackers on my shoulder. That glass of wine is only four hours away—pure bliss.
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In summary, as my life and priorities shift with parenthood, I’ve discovered that the things that bring me joy have become simpler and more accessible. Embracing these little pleasures allows me to find happiness in the everyday moments that I once overlooked.
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