On the paradox of adventure and simplicity
Top of Mind 09.19.23
COOKING BBQ Ranch Chickpea Quinoa Bowls
WATCHING The final episode of Succession
LISTENING Freckled Foodie & Friends: What I Wish I Knew In My Twenties
REFLECTING A summer that went by too fast
Currently….
We've been sold the idea that adventure and simplicity cannot coexist in motherhood.
But I'm challenging this notion. I know it sounds paradoxical - the exhilarating rush of adventure standing opposed to the structure and stability of slow living. Can you really crave both? I sure am.
As someone who's always been decisive, with a clear vision of what I want next, reconciling these two seemingly contradictory desires is a challenge. Before college, I applied to a single university because I knew it was the one. In my twenties, I was set on being a VP of Marketing so every step I took in my career got me closer to this goal. But for the first time in really well... ever, that painted picture of the life I want is blurry.
Perhaps I'm trying to fit my former wants before kids - to live abroad, to never miss a social event - into this new life where being "mama" is my top priority. In the whirlwind that is motherhood, questioning my family's roots in San Francisco as our forever, and feeling rudderless in a job that was chasing someone else's dream (more on this coming very soon 😉) - I found myself at a crossroads.
It wasn't about feeling lost, it was about finding more clarity on my truest desires. Clarity as a mother now, who needs a bigger vision that not only includes what’s best for me, but best for my whole family. A thirst for adventure - the excitement of exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and adding a dash of the unexpected to the everyday. Yet, a deep longing for slow living as a family - the comfort of routine, the joy of small moments, and a life uncluttered by the unnecessary.
How do you reconcile these two? I found myself diving deep into introspection, attempting to find a balance. And here’s what I learned: the essence of life is not in choosing one over the other, but in embracing both.
Adventure and simplicity are not mutually exclusive in motherhood. They are complementary facets of a full, rich life. It’s about finding the right balance for you and your family, and understanding that this balance may shift over time - and that’s okay. Life is about embracing change, not fearing it.
So for anyone standing at a similar crossroads, take heart. You can long for both the calm of slow living and the thrill of new experiences. Your life can be a beautiful paradox. And in this paradox, you will find your unique way of life that's right for you and your family in this season.
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If you're still with me. Hi. You may have not heard from me in awhile, but I'm back and committed to sending this newsletter every two weeks and helping you simplify the chaos of trying to do it all. You'll find handpicked products, real advice and inspiration on motherhood, travel, career, style and wellness. So let's continue!
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Till next time,
Barbara Mighdoll
