One Year’s Growth and the Relativity of Accomplishment

Yesterday was one of those days when the forces beyond my understanding seemed to prefer that I get absolutely nothing accomplished. That’s not entirely true – I did make hummus – but every time I sat down to write, I came up with nothing. Frustrated by my inability to think straight, I would stand up, look around the room, then much like a heifer in a field of alfalfa, graze through the kitchen, my state of hunger of little importance. Needless to say, the hummus didn’t last long. (Nor did the bar of dark chocolate with almonds and sea salt that Hunter brought me from Colorado.)

Later in the day, while digging through my files in an attempt at productivity, I stumbled upon these two photos of Estella. I had unknowingly captured her in the exact same pose, just one year older. Sometimes that’s all it takes – a side-by-side reminder of just how fast it all goes. Of how quickly they lose the baby fat and gain awareness of themselves. Of what one rainy season will do for a planter of elephant ears. Of how in the first photo she spoke one language and by the second she could speak two. Of how little I cared then about what she chose to wear and how some things never change! It brought me back to the present, gave me perspective on what I have accomplished, and made me content to do nothing more than just sit and enjoy my kids.

Sometimes productivity is overrated. Sometimes “being” trumps “doing.”  Sometimes, the simple accomplishment of increased awareness and appreciation is sufficient for the day — though I do plan to look beyond the kitchen cupboards for tomorrow’s inspiration.