Smiling in the rain.

I recently experienced a pivotal moment in my life where I became able to romanticize the mundane things in my day-to-day life. About 3 months ago, I came across a quote from an unknown writer, and it has become my favorite quote to this day.

This quote reads: “You have got to start romanticizing your life. You must start believing that your morning commute is cute and fun, that every cup of coffee is the best you’ve ever had, and that even the smallest things are exciting and new. You have to because that’s when you start truly living.”

As I read this quote, I initially thought back to early recovery when I was trapped in discontentment. If only I could move out of this sober living house, I’d be happy. If I could just get a better job and make real money, then I would be happy. My happiness was contingent upon my status in life. I was unable to find joy in the moment.

After some time, I achieved these tasks and I then found it easier to be happy, regardless of my circumstances. My higher power had revealed to me time and time again, that if I placed my trust in the process, my life would continue to get better. At about 3 years into recovery, I found myself thoroughly enjoying my day to day, even though it wasn’t picture perfect. My tiny apartment was the perfect size, and I took much pride in it. I had a job that didn’t pay all that well, but it filled my spirit. I looked forward to each day because I was finally able to relish in the simplicity of it all. What an amazing gift recovery gave to me.

Towards the end of my pregnancy and while I was postpartum, my ability to enjoy life diminished. I found myself extremely discontent and my day to day was desolate. Somewhere within my hormonal shift and postpartum depression, I lost my trust in my higher power. And suddenly, the gifts of recovery were no longer sufficient.

My thought life shifted, and as I felt dissatisfied, I found myself constantly wanting more out of life. I struggled for a few months, and I am grateful to be on the other side. After I got through my initial depression, I tried to see life as something to look forward to. I had to wake up each day and make a conscious decision to keep gratefulness in my forefront.

Today, I try to continue to put my thought life on a higher plane. I find that if I slow down and enjoy my coffee, pray on my way to work, and seek out the beauty in the people and places around me throughout the day, I can enjoy my life again. For me, romanticizing my life has completely changed my outlook on my day to day. As a mom, especially in recovery, we aren’t always able to take a break or “escape” from our days. I have to pause in each moment, even the tedious and ordinary, and be cognizant when seeking out the excitement.

When it’s bath time and I’m not thrilled to do our routine, I can find joy as my daughter splashes and plays in the tub. As we head to the grocery for the week and I’m exhausted from the workday, I can find excitement in the fact that I can try tasty new recipes. And when I start to feel like my life is becoming monotonous, I am appreciative to know that I am capable of changing my attitude by seeing the smallest things as exciting and new.

It is hard to stay conscious and consistent when romanticizing your life, but with practice, your entire outlook upon life can change. I encourage every mom to stay in the moment, find the beauty, and enjoy it! Life isn’t always easy, but it sure is fun.