When Life Is "Lifing"

Written by: Kristine Page LCPC, LPC, PMH-C

Lately, life has been... lifing. I thought "Maycember" was rough, WOW, June came in like a wrecking ball! 

You know those seasons where it feels like you're constantly one step behind? Where no matter how hard you try, there's always something you forgot, something you missed, or something that still needs to get done?

For years, I struggled with comparing myself to other moms. I'd see the organized lunches, the perfectly coordinated schedules, the holiday traditions remembered at exactly the right time, and I'd quietly wonder why it seemed so much easier for everyone else.

The truth is, I still have moments when I feel like I'm falling behind.

My son recently reminded me that I forgot to put money in his backpack for a snack at camp. The Tooth Fairy forgot to take the tooth—but somehow remembered to leave $5. His shoes aren't fitting quite right, and somehow that has remained on my to-do list for weeks.

There are days when those little things add up and convince me that I'm failing.

But lately, instead of focusing on everything I haven't done, I'm trying something different.

I'm focusing on the small things.

The other day, I finally found my kitchen table again after a month of end-of-school projects, leftover school supplies, summer activity materials, and garage sale supplies taking over every available surface. It wasn't a major accomplishment, but walking into the kitchen and seeing an actual table felt oddly satisfying.

I bought a basket for the Legos that constantly migrate to the island in my kitchen. Instead of getting frustrated every time I saw them scattered across the counter, I gave them a home. A simple solution, but one that brought a little more peace to my day.

I'm noticing the rainbow that appeared after a storm.

The beautifully placed blanket across the couch.

The laughter coming from the next room.

The text from a friend checking in.

The moments when my son wants to tell me every detail of his day.

Because maybe life isn't measured by whether we remembered every permission slip, packed every dollar, or checked every box on our to-do list.

Maybe it's measured by the small moments we notice along the way.

The older I get, the more I realize that there will always be something unfinished. There will always be shoes that need replacing, emails that need responding to, laundry that needs folding, and appointments that need scheduling.

The list never ends.

But neither do the small moments.

And lately, when life is lifing and I feel like I'm falling behind, I'm choosing to look for those moments instead.

Not because everything is perfect.

Not because I'm suddenly organized.

But because joy is often hiding in the ordinary things we overlook while we're busy trying to catch up.

So if you're feeling behind too, maybe today isn't about getting caught up.

The dishes can wait five more minutes..... The rainbow won't. 

This is my peace.