Last Updated on December 12, 2023 by The Smetz Files
Choosing to prioritize time with our kids.
I read a quote recently that had three Cs: choices, chances, and changes. It went on to say you have to choose to take chances, otherwise you will never experience change.
Logically, I know change is good. It pushes us forward. Change is a marker of development and growth. But I struggle with change. Change is uncomfortable for me.
Choices are difficult too. Sometimes I agonize over making the right choice. Gathering all the pertinent information to make an informed decision is important to me. But, as I’ve gotten older, I am tired from analyzing every single thing and worrying that by making the wrong choice now I am negatively impacting future opportunities.
Analysis paralysis
Analysis paralysis is a real thing that prevents us from truly taking chances. Most often, chances are calculated risks. We are confronted daily with myriad questions that influence our choices, the chances we take, and ultimately the changes we make.
I’ve written before about parenting two elementary aged kids and I write frequently about the complexities raising the next generation present. Graduation posts are popping up on my social media feeds and while I am still years away from experiencing that milestone as a parent, it got me thinking about this notion of choices, chances, and changes.
S just celebrated a birthday and it hit me as I scrolled through memories and photos on my phone that I have just ten years left with her at home. That feels like such a short amount of time, given that I still think of her as my little kid.
A year from now G will navigate the transition to middle school…holy cow, how did we get here so quickly?! Again, a few quick passes on the photo album on my phone and my memories include his promotion from preschool to Kindergarten.
Choosing time
Time is such a finite commodity and the choices, chances, and changes we make feel even more influential. I wrote about our summer bucket list and included five simple (and FREE!) things we wanted to do as a family. We will include some fun, more elaborate outings, but we intentionally chose to slow down and change the pace. Sure, we take the chance of missing a great adventure, but we will never get these days back. Our kids will never have this summer of their childhood again.
And so, our choices reflect the chances we take (or don’t) and ultimately the changes we experience. Here’s to choosing wisely, friends!
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