Last month, I read the book What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty. In it, the protagonist hit her head and woke up forgetting the past ten years of her life. Though she's now 39, the last thing she remembers is her 29 year old pregnant self. She wakes up a mother of three but in the middle of a bitter divorce to the love of her life. She is self sufficient and powerful, fit and focused but all the pieces of her life just don't to fit neatly into place. She's not sure she likes the woman she's become and now has been given a chance to change the direction of her life.
This book had me reflecting-- I mean really reflecting. Ten years ago, I had just finished my MBA, packing up my life, was engaged and planning my wedding. Such a happy, busy time! What would that Sarita think of the life that I lead right now? Would the engaged Sarita be pleased with the wife and mom that she's become? How have I changed? What would I regret? What would surprise me? What would make me proud?
My list was simple: I wanted to marry D, be a girl mom, work part-time and be at home with my kids when they were school - check, check, check and check. I've settled in to Canada and made such strong friendships and relationships here- things I lacked ten years ago. Even though I'm no longer in the corporate world, I'm more focused and driven than ever before. I'm stronger, work hard and get things done! So yeah, I'm happy about that.
But then to get everything done, I've also become harder, sometimes combative and often stressed out! And so, so tired at times. The me ten years ago wasn't short on time and patience and didn't lose it too often.
Don't get me wrong, I'm so not unhappy by any means! I look at those kids, hear the belly laughs, the cute voices and watch those little toes (I'm obsessed) and I'm so content. I watch D and the kids playing and my heart fills up with such joy. On a Friday night, when it's just us, I look around and smile. When I get a card from my six year old, I think this is it-- this is true happiness.
So yeah, Sarita sometimes forgets. Though she is pleased with the changes she's seen in her persona (I'm not the pushover I used to be nor am I as emotional as I once was) and the stuff she gets done, she takes things for granted and gets bogged down in the hectic minutia of everyday life. She forgets that life is short, God is wonderful and her prayers have all been answered.
So yeah, since reading What Alice Forgot, Sarita really tries not to forget. Though she still loses it with her kids sometimes, she also tries to remember that the days are long and the years are short. Laundry doesn't always have to get done right away and the house doesn't have to be immaculate all the time. Breakfast for dinner is cool and impromptu ice cream is amazing. The joy that my kids get when I take the time to just play, chat and hang out with them are the things they'll remember when they grow up.
What about you? What would you from ten years ago think of the person you've become?
Linking up with The Newly for Confessional Thursday.
Linking up with The Newly for Confessional Thursday.
i have no idea who i'm gona be in 10 years, but that's the fun thing about life! you keep changing and evolving! :)
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I loved that book too and it definitely made me think...10 years ago I was way more fun and rested. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Ten years ago, I was kind of a hot mess. Haha. I'm definitely in a much better place now and I'm loving life. It's amazing how much can change in 10 years. I'm definitely looking forward to the next 10 as well!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post! I hope in 10 years I can look back and be oh so grateful for what I have and where Ive come. I look forward to it!
ReplyDeleteSuch a thought provoking post. I think I'm going to have to read that book. Probably all moms can relate, since we're multi-tasking experts, but it's easy to see how important things can get forgotten if you're not careful to focus on them and nurture them everyday.
ReplyDeleteYou are blessed to have a healthy and happy family, Sarita! Sounds like you have a lot to be proud of and the strengths you've gained over the past 10 years despite forgetting things or getting frustrated sometimes. That's part of being human right? lol
ReplyDeleteI love this. It's definitely eye opening when you reflect on things such as this. Great ppost.
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing!!! That was the first Morairty book I read and it teally made me think too!
ReplyDeleteVery nice post! I need to slow down more often too.
ReplyDeleteAaahhhh such a sweet post. I think the me from 10 years ago would be shocked and proud. Then she would probably tell me to chill out. I often need that reminder post kids ;) Loved reading this. Such a great reminder of how blessed we are.
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