The Simple Things

The morning after a big night. And no, I’m not talking about one of those ‘enjoyable big nights’ where the only one you can blame for your raging headache and grumpy mood is you. It was one of those nights when husband was away, and the kids were woken by two very fat possums partying on our roof. Both kids ending up in my bed, both wanting to be cuddled, and forcing me to re-breathe their air they were unapologetically blowing in my face. It was one of those nights where our palliative, 15-year-old miniature dachshund was making all sorts of noises, not only keeping me awake but also praying that I wouldn’t find him passed away in the morning and have to face the death of our beloved pet alone with the kids.

But as I dragged myself out of bed, encouraged by two very energetic children mimicking the most annoying alarm clock, I reminded myself that this is the essence of life; the things we would look back upon when our kids are too big to want morning cuddles, and when our loyal and devoted, four-legged ‘baby’ is no longer with us. It’s the simple things that make up our lives. These are the times to be cherished, no matter how painful and tiring they may be.

So after school drop-off and the morning run to the bakery for sourdough, I was able to finally sit down to some comforting hot chocolate, a delicious breakfast slider, (Mmmm, bacon! - the simple things) and aptly, a book that I have read so many times over breakfast. ‘The Simple Things – Creating an organised home, a happy family and a life worth living’, by Antonia Kidman and Sally Collings, is the quintessential coffee table book. It’s one you pick up time and time again.

As I opened the pages this morning, I noticed the telling signs of how often I’ve read it. Donkey-eared pages and bookmarks made from old school notices, scribbled notes and to-do-lists. Antonia and Sally have written superbly about how domesticity connects us to our children, how everything we do in our lives have a flow-on effect, and no task, nor moment is ‘wasted time’. From handy tips and stories about cooking, gardening, finances, environmental impacts of fast-living, and organising your house and life, every time I read it, it prompts my brain to be more mindful and present in our lives. It reminds me to slow-down and realise that ‘dreams and expectations are often in contrast to the reality’ of life; and if I just clear my mind of what other people are doing and look for the value and joy in my own life, it really is a life worth living. I am blessed.