Happy Holiday! (*cue Any Williams’s voice). December is here and it is the time of year when we load up on gifts, sweets and treats, and good old fashioned fun! I noticed that since I have become a parent, I watch the calendar closely and note ALL of the events that I want to participate in and the multiple things that need to be done. Each day that passes, I worry that I am falling behind or missing out on something. This year, I am trying to not get so wrapped up in it and just watch as my 3 year-old unwraps magic each day.
For the first time ever, I actually have time this season. In the past, it’s been performances, competitions, and final projects to complete. There was always a lot of scrambling to complete the end of year tasks! But this year, all of my obligations are complete! This gives me the time to consider what I am gifting, where I am going, and soak up the joy of the season. Because of this, I find myself reflecting on my journey the last few years, leading up to now. 2023 was one for the books. My husband and I had a LOT of milestones. One of my biggest obviously being that I left my job to tend to our son. But for me personally, I had a lot of self discovery. I discovered that my passion for horses and the country life is far from gone and I love embracing it with my little cowboy. I discovered how much I enjoy cooking when I have time to plan for meals and research recipes. I discovered that when I am not overtired from work, I have energy to be fun and silly with my son. And most recently, I discovered that who I am and what I do is so much more than a paycheck. So many of us, mothers and women especially, equate our value to monetary compensation. I had a recent experience that made me realize that sometimes, the most beautiful opportunities won’t pay a dime. Does that make me less worthy as a human? Mother? Dance teacher or choreographer? I think quite the opposite. This past fall, I had the opportunity to volunteer at my son’s school to teach creative movement. I have taught little ones off and on throughout my career, but the joy that it brought the kiddos fed my soul more than any other time before. And the smile on my little guy when he walked through the door and saw me was indescribable! It was at that moment that I realized that no dollar sign could amount to that 20 minutes that I had sharing my passion with my son. And the experience we had together was one that I will never forget. While we often spend money for lavish experiences or go to great extremes to purchase items, I am trying this holiday season to not go overboard. My family is so blessed and I am so excited about the memories we will create this holiday season. This will be a unique year and I look forward to everyone I get to share it with. So instead of dropping a ton of money on gifts, I am trying to put my effort into memories. After all, toys and material things can break, we will have memories forever. Happy holidays and happy dancing mommas!
0 Comments
|
AuthorNikki Allred Boyd (Dancer, Choreographer, Mom). Archives
March 2024
Categories
|