Finding Joy (and Curing the Saddies) One Family Adventure at a Time

You guys, sometimes life just hits different, right? Like, you wake up and you're just… there. Not necessarily sad sad, but just kinda in a funk. A little bit in your head, maybe feeling overwhelmed with all the things, or just generally feeling those low-key saddies. That's kinda where I've been lately, tbh. Just a little heavy, a little uninspired, you know? And it's not even anything specific, it's just like a general cloud that sometimes just hangs around. I h8 that about myself hahah, bc I wanna be all sunshine and rainbows for my girls all the time, but I'm also just a human, and humans have feelings. And sometimes those feelings are just… bleh.

But then! Then something happened. I decided, against my inner voice that was telling me to just stay home and scroll, to take the girls out. We went to this super cute place and honestly, I wasn't even sure if they'd be into it. But they LOOOOOVED it. And watching them, seeing their faces light up, hearing their little giggles and excited shouts… you guys, it was like a total reset for my soul. Like a little light switch flipped on inside me. It just reminded me how much these moments mean, not just for them, but for me too :,).

It got me thinking, like, why do I let myself get stuck in those ruts? Why do I forget how powerful a change of scenery or a new experience can be, especially when it involves my favorite tiny humans? It makes me want to take them to more places, do more things, even when my brain is telling me to just chill at home. Bc honestly, those moments of pure joy from them? That's my medicine. That's what pulls me out of the saddies every single time.

The Power of a Little Adventure

Okay, so what even is a little adventure? For me, it's not about planning some huge, elaborate trip to Disneyland every other week (though we love those too, ngl!). It's about finding those small, accessible, and often free or low-cost things that just break up the routine and bring a little sparkle to the day. It could be a new park, a library story time, a nature walk, a petting zoo, even just a different grocery store hahah. The key is it's something new or something that really engages them. For this particular adventure, we went to a place that had all these fun, interactive displays and it was just perfect for their ages. Stella was exploring everything, Ozzy was pointing and babbling, and even baby Cherry was just taking it all in from her stroller. It was just pure, unadulterated kid happiness.

And you know what? When they're happy, I'm happy. It's truly that simple. Like, my worries just kinda melt away when I see them so engrossed in something fun. It's like I get to experience the world through their eyes again, and everything feels fresh and exciting. It's a reminder to be present, to slow down, and to just soak it all in. I think as adults, we get so caught up in the to-do lists and the responsibilities that we forget how to just… play. And my girls are the best teachers for that.

Mom Guilt and the Mental Load (ugh)

I feel like I need to talk about this bc I know I'm not the only one. Sometimes, when I'm feeling down, the mom guilt just piles on, you know? Like, I should be doing more, I should be more energetic, I should be a better playmate. And then I feel guilty for feeling down in the first place. It's a vicious cycle, and I h8 it. I think that's why sometimes it's so hard to even start an adventure, even a small one. My brain is like, “too much effort, just stay home.” But every single time I push past that feeling, every single time I get us out the door, I never regret it. NEVER. It's always worth it.

Tanner is so good about reminding me of this too. He's my ultimate hype man, always like, “go, take the girls, you'll feel better.” And he's always right! He sees it in me, even when I can't see it in myself. I'm so grateful for him bc sometimes you just need that little push, that little voice of encouragement when your own brain is being a meanie. It's like he knows that for me, seeing the girls thrive and explore is the fastest way to shake off whatever funk I'm in. He just gets it.

Simple Ways to Shake Off the Saddies with Your Kiddos

Okay, so if you're feeling a little like I was, and you need a little dose of joy, here are some things that work for us. These are just ideas, obviously, you do you! But maybe it'll spark something for you too:

• New Park Exploration: We have a few parks we go to regularly, but sometimes just driving a little further to a totally new one makes all the difference. New swings, new slides, new things to climb!
• Library Fun: Our local library has amazing kids' sections, and they often have free story times or craft days. It's quiet, cool, and full of books!
• Nature Walks (even in your backyard): We love just wandering around our neighborhood or a nearby trail. Pointing out leaves, rocks, bugs, whatever! Stella loves collecting things.
• Indoor Play Places: When the weather isn't great, an indoor play place or even a children's museum can be a lifesaver. So much energy burning!
• Baking Together: This one can be messy, ngl, but the girls love helping me in the kitchen. And then we get yummy treats at the end!
• Picnic in the Park (or Living Room!): Sometimes just eating lunch outside on a blanket, or even on the living room floor, feels like an adventure.
• Pet Store Visit: We don't have pets (yet!), but the girls love looking at all the animals at the pet store. It's a quick, free outing that always gets smiles.

The biggest thing, I think, is just to try. Even if you're feeling tired, even if you're not in the mood, just try to get out the door. The fresh air, the change of scenery, and most importantly, the joy of your kids, can really work wonders. It's not about being perfect, it's about being present. And sometimes, being present means actively seeking out those moments of pure, unadulterated fun.

Embracing the Imperfect Moments

I think part of why I felt so good after our little adventure is bc I went into it with zero expectations. I wasn't trying to create some Pinterest-perfect outing. I was just trying to get us out of the house and see what happened. And what happened was pure magic. It was messy, it was loud, there were probably a few meltdowns (bc, toddlers!), but overall, it was just good. It was real. It was us.

And that's what I want to remember, you know? That life isn't about perfectly curated moments, it's about the real ones. The ones where you're tired but you push through, and then you're rewarded with the biggest smiles and the sweetest memories. Those are the moments that truly fill my cup. Those are the moments that cure the saddies. And those are the moments I want to keep collecting with my girls. :,)

So, if you're feeling a little down today, or just need a little boost, maybe try a tiny adventure with your little ones. You never know what kind of joy you'll find, and how much it might just lift your own spirits too. Sending you all the love! XOXO