Life Lately

There’s no denying that the birth rate is down and the number of dinks (dual income no kids) is up.

More and more people are delaying having kids—if not opting out of parenthood completely.

Why?

I think the short answer is people are afraid.

Women don’t want their bodies to be anything other than their own. Couples worry about finances and lifestyle changes like missing out on fun nights out and trips to Europe.

And honestly, I don’t blame them.

A lot of the narrative around parenting these days is complaining about how expensive kids are and how difficult it is to do anything that doesn’t involve Bluey or a swing set.

Here’s my hot take (that I know you were dying to hear): don’t put life on hold.

I know it seems naive of me to say this. Obviously your life does change radically when you have little ones. (It involves a lot of painful, eye-opening moments when you realize your life isn’t just about you).

But that doesn’t mean you have to put any other goal, ambition, hope, dream, etc. on hold.

You can still have a fun night out with your spouse regularly.

You can still write that book.

You can still learn that skill.

You can still go to Europe!

It takes more planning. It takes more work. But honestly, it forces you to be more intentional about what your goals are and why you want to achieve them. Because your time is more limited, you have to really think: how much do I want this? How can I make it happen?

Maybe that goal is just an hour of alone time. I love that goal.

What happens to people who supposedly ‘sacrifice’ their hopes and dreams for their kids, is that they complain, and over time become bitter.

I’m not saying you don’t have to sacrifice for your children: your whole life is a sacrifice for them and the people you love.

However, having kids does not = giving up every single other thing you’ve ever hoped to do.

It might take more work, it might come more slowly, it might push you to your absolute limits and then some (but SPOILER ALERT: that’s how you grow).

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you can’t do x until your children are older or moved out. This is your life. And your children will thank you for setting an incredible example of a full, well-lived life—instead of one full of regrets and complaints.

Here’s to having the important things in life.

inspo

This episode from the Sally Clarkson podcast was amaze. She totally hit the nail on the head when it comes to not sweating the little things in motherhood. It’s all about the long game and keeping your eyes on what actually matters. 10/10 recommend listening this week!!!

pretty things

I’ve recently been wearing a necklace a lot from full of grace divine designs It’s so pretty and she has a beautiful collection of Catholic jewelry that I’m hoping to peruse while Christmas shopping this Fall.

Speaking of that, happy Fall 🙂

In camaraderie,

Miranda Kate