Today was, by all measures, an utterly routine day. Isn’t it interesting how many of our days fall into this ordinary category—days devoid of extraordinary happenings, grand celebrations, or remarkable achievements? Yet, if we reflect on it, these seemingly mundane moments constitute the bulk of our lives. It’s not the remarkable events, the shining opportunities, or the rare accomplishments that truly define our existence. Those high points, while exhilarating, often fade quickly—sometimes even before we have the chance to pop the champagne. Instead, it’s the everyday, uneventful days that linger in our memories.
John Lennon famously said, “Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans.” I believe life truly unfolds during these ordinary moments. However, everywhere we turn—whether in advertisements, social media, or curated images—we are bombarded with messages that glorify the extraordinary. It’s no surprise that many of us feel like we’re lagging behind, as if we’re not measuring up to some unachievable standard.
We tell our children that they can achieve anything they set their minds to, and we encourage them to aim high. We affirm their goodness, intelligence, and bravery. But in our pursuit of instilling ambition and courage, are we neglecting to teach them the value of appreciating the ordinary? In our focus on Big Dreams, do we overlook the importance of quiet, meaningful moments? Are we prioritizing fleeting greatness over a fulfilling life of kindness and goodness?
Fortunately, children seem naturally inclined to find joy in the commonplace. My youngest child, Oliver, beams with pride when someone praises his snack choices at the store, and he feels an immense sense of accomplishment when he makes his sibling laugh. Kids, it turns out, are often content simply loving and being loved, demonstrating kindness, and striving to do the right thing.
Recently, my son, Ethan, opened up to my partner about some difficulties he faced with a classmate. We discussed how sometimes kids just need a friend to help them feel better and brainstormed ways he could extend kindness to this boy. We encouraged him to be especially nice the next day at school to see how it would unfold.
When I stood on the playground waiting for Ethan, I expected the usual relaxed stroll he takes, chatting and joking with friends. Instead, he raced over, bursting with excitement, and exclaimed, “Guess what?! I was really nice to that boy, and he was nice to me too!” This was a remarkable moment for him—one he couldn’t wait to share. Unlike the times he’s never rushed to tell me about a test he aced or a goal he scored, this news about kindness and bravery mattered deeply to him. This was extraordinary.
While children may dream of becoming astronauts or famous actors, what they truly seek is affirmation that the softer, quieter ambitions—like being a good friend, loving wholeheartedly, and being loved in return—are equally significant.
As a child, I envisioned a life filled with love and family. Sure, I had some grand aspirations, like traveling the world or owning a few horses, but my deepest desires revolved around building a nurturing home, fostering strong relationships, and creating lasting friendships. I longed for simple joys like coloring with my kids, baking cookies, or sharing bedtime stories.
Now that I find myself living out these gentle dreams, I sometimes feel inadequate. I catch myself thinking I should be doing more, achieving more, or juggling my many responsibilities more effectively. It’s a sentiment I know many share: despite being good parents, dedicated employees, and caring friends, we often feel we haven’t accomplished enough, as if we’re falling short of our Big Dreams.
This leads me to ponder how we can inspire our children’s lofty ambitions while equally nurturing their quieter desires. How can we teach them to reach for the stars while appreciating the abundance right in front of them? More importantly, how can we help them avoid the pervasive feeling of inadequacy that so many adults grapple with?
I believe the journey begins with us. We must learn to honor our own Big Dreams while embracing and taking pride in our quieter aspirations. It involves celebrating our efforts to love fully, act bravely, and be kind, irrespective of the outcomes. We should extend kindness to ourselves, valuing friendships, community, and family above all. Each day should be treated as a special occasion, reminding ourselves of our worth and that we are more than enough.
William Martin’s poignant poem encourages us not to push our children toward extraordinary lives but rather to help them make the ordinary vibrant, assuring them that the extraordinary will follow. In my experience, the moments driven by kindness and courage, when I make the ordinary come alive, yield results that are truly extraordinary.
As parents, we naturally wish for our children to aspire to great things. Yet, I hope they also learn to find happiness and contentment in the everyday. I want them to cultivate meaningful friendships and navigate the complexities of adult relationships. I want them to understand the importance of kindness, hard work, and the value of listening. Ultimately, when they lay down to sleep each night, I hope their last thoughts are filled with gratitude for a day well-lived—one filled with love, joy, and the extraordinary moments embedded within the ordinary.
For additional insights on home insemination and family-building strategies, check out this excellent resource or explore the BabyMaker home intracervical insemination kit for your own journey. If you’re interested in more details, you can also visit this blog post for support and guidance.
Summary:
In a world that often glorifies the extraordinary, it’s essential to nurture our children’s appreciation for the mundane moments that shape their lives. By finding joy in the everyday, we can help them understand that kindness and love hold significant value. Together, we can foster an environment where they can dream big while also cherishing the beauty of ordinary days.