My son is a whirlwind, an explorer, and a pilot. His imaginary friend Tririke and his imaginary dog Freedom, are constant travellers with our family.
I’ve always wanted to delight in creativity with my little people in their everyday life, but I didn’t realise how frustrating it could be. Constant questions, obvious observations, difficult repetitions and words filling every silent space in my everyday, ordinary Mum life.
I thought the idea of creativity and curiosity was one of my greatest expectations for parenthood. I wanted to create an environment full of music, words, colour and life. It was the way I grew up and knew it was a big part of my motherhood ideal for my days as a novice.
The one thing I didn’t realise, however, was how tired Motherhood would make me. How guilty I would feel at the end of the day when I know I should be enforcing a strict bedroom routine that included brushing teeth, reading books and long prayers for the people in our world.
Motherhood is so exciting and so challenging, I just never expected to hear words like “Max, can you please stop asking me that question.” or “Let’s try quiet time, starting now” tumbling out of my mouth.
I thought I would be the over achiever, delighting in my littles learning to write and speak, before they were even out of nappies. Here I find myself, however, knee deep in laundry, dishes and unmet expectations asking God to help me, to find the strength to wake to another day.
How do I encourage creativity and curiosity in my family, when all I want is a full night sleep?
How do I help engage my little people in the art of delight, whilst all I can think of is the mess that will ensue?
How can I find the space to explore a little in my own life and rediscover that heart that longs to learn again?
So here I am, sitting with my computer keyboard in hand as I sit, wait, write and remind myself again.
My friends, curiosity is something that is stewarded in our lives. When the right environment is around its seed, the most profound inspiration grows from the depths of its potential.
When curiosity is shut down, when we allow our tiredness to roll our internal eyes, we lose something breathtaking, something profound in our everyday.
So here I am reminding myself of why beauty, ordinary things, conversations, stories, crayons, play dough, imaginary friends and meandering walks are the best use of my time.
So here I am renewing my passion for the little things in life that recalibrate the bitterness that tiredness brings.
So here I am thinking, breathing and cracking those places that cynicism and doubt have invaded.
So here I am forgiving myself for the times that I have tried to sanitise my life, to make it feel more orderly.
Curiosity you can come and play in my house again. You are welcome here. Creativity come and stay a little while and remind me of those dreams from my youth. Inspiration come sweep away the cobwebs that piles of dirty clothes and dishes have created.
I know a life that delights in the opportunities of the everyday moments is a life well sown.
Curiosity you are welcome again.