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The Most Rewarding Thing I Did Today Was Absolutely Nothing
This morning, I found myself awake at 5:30 AM, ready to tackle the day ahead. I had a list brimming with tasks: dishes to wash, laundry to fold, and articles to write. But then I heard your sweet voice before my alarm even buzzed.
“Mom! Mommy?”
With a heavy sigh, I swung my legs out of bed, my cold feet meeting the chilly floor. Frustration washed over me—I had so much to do! But I took a moment to breathe deeply before entering your room, before I greeted you with a cheerful “good morning.”
“Mommy, I hungy!” you exclaimed, as you often do first thing. But then you dashed toward me, wrapping your tiny arms around my neck in an enthusiastic hug.
“Good morning, sweet pea! Let’s get some breakfast, but first, a kiss!”
Your cool, soft lips brushed mine, but before I could fully enjoy that moment, you were off, rushing to the kitchen to flick on lights you couldn’t reach and wanting breakfast faster than I could manage. A meltdown ensued when I dared to pour your milk into the pink cup instead of the purple one (the one you haven’t used in ages). You protested loudly when I insisted the waffle needed to be toasted and not eaten straight from the freezer. And when I finally handed you your waffle, it turned out you preferred cereal and milk instead.
Ah, I thought, it’s going to be one of those days. I steeled myself for the tantrums, the mood swings, and the inevitable testing of my patience. I prepared for yet another long night of cooking, cleaning, and writing, bracing myself for an exhausting and emotionally draining day ahead.
But then, you surprised me. You settled on the living room floor with crayons, inviting me to join you. With a mix of anticipation and dread, I sat down, expecting a potential meltdown at my presence. Yet, you kept coloring, unfazed. I picked up a crayon and asked what I should color—Sofia’s dress or Minnie’s shoes.
“Color Minnie’s shoes,” you replied without hesitation.
So there we were, coloring side by side, enjoying each other’s company. After a short while, we transitioned to our “tent” time—laying on the floor, covering ourselves with a blanket, and snuggling. Have I mentioned how much I cherish those moments?
“Mommy, go sleep. Stay here. You go sleep. I be back. Okay?”
So I lay there, still and quiet, while you roamed the house gathering stuffed animals and pillows for our cozy setup. Yes, I had a million things waiting for me, but I chose to stay. I savored the fleeting moments of your childhood, knowing this “my mommy is my best friend” phase won’t last forever.
We watched Sofia for almost an hour (breaking my usual TV rules), sang songs on the kitchen floor, and you transformed into a roaring dinosaur, stomping around the house, simultaneously trying to scare me and annoy our downstairs neighbor.
Sure, there were a few “moments”—like when you spilled rice everywhere feeding our cat or when you attempted to bite my backside while I was washing dishes. And yes, you had a meltdown over cookies not being suitable for dinner. But those instances faded in comparison to the joyful experiences we shared: the secrets whispered in my ear, the laughter, the hugs, and the delightful chaos.
At day’s end, as I tucked you into bed and turned off the light, it hit me: I hadn’t accomplished anything on my to-do list. The sink was still full, the laundry untouched, and my article unwritten. But what did I actually gain? A pile of Legos, a few “lightly worn” pants, and dozens of stuffed animals scattered across the floor.
Yes, but also: you. Your laughter, your love, and our time spent together. I truly cherished your giggles, the way you pronounced words like “school” as “skoo,” and the innocence and sweetness you radiate. It was a day filled with quality time that I willingly chose over chores.
I learned to see the world through your wonder-filled eyes, and in that moment, I realized that the best thing I did today was nothing at all. Because amidst the chaos, you are my everything.
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Summary:
Today was a chaotic yet beautiful day with my child. Although I didn’t accomplish any of my planned tasks, the countless moments spent coloring, snuggling, and playing together reminded me that sometimes doing nothing at all can be the most rewarding experience of all.