When things are hard, or scary, or hopeless, when life is whizzing out of control, when you have no idea what to do…
Find a small moment and hold on to it.
Maybe it is the memory of her smile, or the way he smelled when you hugged him.
Maybe it’s the big breath she took before she did something difficult and scary, or the way he reached out to take your hand without looking.
Maybe it’s the way she talks in her sleep, or the dribble of milk down his chin.
Whatever it is, however small it is, hold on to it.
Hold on until your fingers ache.
Hold on until the fear recedes a little.
Hold on until you can breathe again.
Hold on for dear life.
Hold until another small moment comes along for you to collect.
Eventually you will have a collection of moments to remind you that you love, and are loved, and that you can hold on, we can hold on together, until it passes…
What little thing will you hold on to today?
What small moment of hope will you tuck into your pocket and save for when you need it?
What lovely little moments give you the strength to keep going when things are tough?
Leave a comment and share your small moments and your struggles.
Kate, this post is beautiful. Really, you made my eyes well up with tears! Especially at this time of year, when the school year has just started up again, schedules are crazy with all sorts of activities and I see my little kids growing up before my very eyes…thank you for some much needed perspective.
It’s funny because for us in Australia, we are 3/4s of the way through our school year and everyone is getting tired and run down and cranky. Thankfully we have two weeks break before we embark on the super crazy last term of school. Having school finish a couple of weeks before Christmas makes things feel totally insane!
Thank you for sharing such tender thoughts. I have been struggling this week trying to understand a breakdown between relationships within my family. I find myself wanting to hold onto the special memories of simpler days during this time of difficulty. Your words came just at the right time for me. From the bottom of my aching heart, thank you for helping me see I am not alone.
You are not alone… promise. Keep holding in, it will get better.
I totally recommend keeping a record of those beautiful or hilarious moments in your child’s growth – something to re-visit when life gets challenging.
This is so lovely, Kate. You sent me down memory lane, remembering precious moments when my children were young.