I've sipped margaritas at sunset while sitting on the beach in the Caribbean. I've swam at the foot of gorgeous waterfalls in a tropical rain forest. I've lounged on my back, looking up at the stars while listening to a symphony orchestra. I've heard the hush of the guards within the Sistine Chapel. I've felt the cold ocean water on my face at the Cliffs of Moor. I've sipped Turkish coffee on a carpet in the desert while smoking tobacco from a hukah pipe. And no, I'm not trying to impress you with my life's travels and entertainment.
I've been a few places and done a few things in my life and I'm blessed for all of the exciting adventures I've had and the many memories I've created with friends and loved ones. So many of these moments have been truly life changing and challenging. I've grown and matured, expanded my horizons and tested myself. I've stepped outside my comfort zone and have often been rewarded with a "pinch me" moment. So often, mid-experience, I've stopped for a second and soaked up the awesomeness of each opportunity.
Yet no experience to date, no matter how exciting, adventurous or exotic, compares to the millions of moments I've had over the last 2.4 years. Nor do any emotions on these trips compare to the profound feelings I have every day as a parent. There is no sunset as beautiful as the nightlight casting a soft glow on my daughter as she calmly sleeps in her crib. No symphony or expensive concert sounds as sweet as Caroline calling me from her room each morning. No spa visit, manicure, pedicure and massage feels as relaxing as curling up on the couch, Caroline's fingers softly brushing my cheek, one arm around my neck. Her lips turn to a slight smile as she searches my eyes and giggles, "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy." I can not explain the emotion that starts in my heart and radiates to every part of me when I hold her close and feel her warm little body against mine. Who knew I had to travel no farther than my own couch to have the most life changing experience of all?
And no amount of pinching wakes me up from this adventure that I never could have imagined in my wildest, most exotic and fulfilling dreams.
I've been a few places and done a few things in my life and I'm blessed for all of the exciting adventures I've had and the many memories I've created with friends and loved ones. So many of these moments have been truly life changing and challenging. I've grown and matured, expanded my horizons and tested myself. I've stepped outside my comfort zone and have often been rewarded with a "pinch me" moment. So often, mid-experience, I've stopped for a second and soaked up the awesomeness of each opportunity.
Yet no experience to date, no matter how exciting, adventurous or exotic, compares to the millions of moments I've had over the last 2.4 years. Nor do any emotions on these trips compare to the profound feelings I have every day as a parent. There is no sunset as beautiful as the nightlight casting a soft glow on my daughter as she calmly sleeps in her crib. No symphony or expensive concert sounds as sweet as Caroline calling me from her room each morning. No spa visit, manicure, pedicure and massage feels as relaxing as curling up on the couch, Caroline's fingers softly brushing my cheek, one arm around my neck. Her lips turn to a slight smile as she searches my eyes and giggles, "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy." I can not explain the emotion that starts in my heart and radiates to every part of me when I hold her close and feel her warm little body against mine. Who knew I had to travel no farther than my own couch to have the most life changing experience of all?
And no amount of pinching wakes me up from this adventure that I never could have imagined in my wildest, most exotic and fulfilling dreams.
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