When I first graduated nursing school, I worked a lot. Like ALL the time.
I contribute that to several reasons:
- All of my friends and my boyfriend lived out of town.
- My job was new and exciting to me.
- I enjoyed seeing my bank account explode. #honesty
And I really thought that that was life. Work, work, work...with a few days here and there to rest and play. It seemed like that was the natural thing...the American thing. Everybody was doing it. ; )
Then, two major things happened...I met my husband and my best friend had a baby.
And suddenly, I didn't want to work so much anymore. I wanted to make memories with my new love and build a life together. I wanted mornings off to snuggle in bed and afternoons off to explore our town together. I wanted to be free for date nights and random vacations to wherever our hearts desired. I wanted to see all my niece's milestones and watch her learn and grow. I wanted her face to light up with recognition when she saw me.
So now, I don't work as much as I did. I work enough. And I still enjoy it. I love taking care of people and I love the people that I work with. But more than work, I love living life. I love spending precious moments with the people I love. I enjoy lazy days with my husband...where we have nothing to do and no desire to leave each other's arms. I drive 2 hours just to have lunch and a few hours with my best friends. I make sure that I am available for birthday parties and showers, for going away bashes and random play days at the park. That's what matters.
I think our society has it wrong. We work all the time. We buy nice houses and cars...and then work all the time to pay it off. We want everything. We covet everything. And it's SO easy. The pretty things are always the expensive things. We all try to live that perfect American dream, right?
Lately my prayers have been that I will find contentment and joy in the littlest of things. That God will daily remind me that my "Earthly" desires for wealth and material things are of no real value.
I pray for happiness in memories and moments. I want a place to dance with my husband and lay back and watch the clouds float by. I want to praise my Lord for the daily blessings I receive. I want to spend every single day soaking up the moments with my husband, my future babies, my family, and my friends. I don't dream about granite counter tops and walk-in closets anymore, I dream about picnics and sunshine, game nights and movie marathons.
That's what matters.
I pray the same for y'all, too.
Love, love.
78 comments:
Oh Megan, this really, really touched my heart! This is exactly what I have been going through these last few months! It's so exciting when you finish nursing school and get to dive head first into this career you've been working so hard to build. But you are right, life is more important. Life and love. There has to be a balance. I love all these photos, you are so blessed!!
Oh Megan, this really, really touched my heart! This is exactly what I have been going through these last few months! It's so exciting when you finish nursing school and get to dive head first into this career you've been working so hard to build. But you are right, life is more important. Life and love. There has to be a balance. I love all these photos, you are so blessed!!
You are so right, girl. I have a year in nursing school left, but I am already feeling this way. The desire to be a stay-at-home wife/mamma (someday :-) is has overtaken me these days.
You hit the nail right on the head, Megan. While it's nice to have money to go out and do things (and a certain amount really is necessary to live), we really need to get our heads out of the money clouds and just live life. I think we're all too focused on the "what's next?" that we forget to live in the moment. I am horribly guilty of this - thank you for reminding me to stop and think about what's really, truly important. :)
Love love LOVE that first picture of you and the hubby!!
I love this post!! :)
I also think that baby is super adorable, and I HAVE to ask, did you intend to match with purple in that photo!? :)
Ugh!! I hear ya. Write now I am finishing my full time internship, which is non paid so I have to work another job to be able to afford living. 80 hours weeks are no fun. I keep telling myself only a month more until I can enjoy so free time!!
I love this. It's all about relationships.
I love everything about this post! All your pictures are so dear. More people need to remember to make the little things count!! Have a fabulous Sunday!
Megan, what an amazing post! This put a big smile on my face, we need more people like you out there!
xx
z
awesome post!! i feel the same way! wanting to create memories and see my children grow up is why i quit working! :)
This is such a sweet post. I couldn't agree more with it. It really is about the little things. Finding joy in those things is a blessing.
I LOVE this post!
aw, chills, girl!This is a wonderful thought! I like the part about not dreaming about the fancy house but the picnics instead.
Contentment has been on my heart the last couple of weeks! It seems like it is all around me. In the books I read, the verses I hear, and the blogs I read so I will take it and assume it is something God is really trying to teach me.
I love what you had to say and I think that you have it right. People do exactly that. They go to work and rarely see or experience the people in their life to go beyond "providing" for their families. They join in on the rat race of life. I hope that when I am married that I will be able to work less and spend lots of time with family.
this has got to be my most favorite post from you! I, 100% agree with EVERYTHING you said. what an amazing post to read on a Sunday morning. thank you for writing it.
My favorite blog ever. Seriously. Don't be surprised if it's printed out and up on my refrigerator. Or if it's framed and put up on the wall. Or if it's made into a tract that I can pass out to others... too much?? Hahaha!! Ahhh, I loved this and I love you!
I love this post! it is so, so true. It is nice to be reminded of what is really important in this life. be blessed pretty girl :)
Great post Megan. It is important that at the end of each and everyday we learn to realize what is most important -- oftentimes we place so much emphasis and energy on the wrong things.
Love your blog.
Blessings!
This is a beautiful post Megan & I totally agree :-)
i love this post, and everything you said! it's so important to remember the little things and care for your needs, not your wants :)
This one left me with tears in my eyes. Very well said.
Sounds like you've got it all figured out! It took me a lot longer than you...
Sandy
www.twelvemakesadozen.blogspot.com
I couldn't agree more, Megan! I was just talking to my dad about this the other day and how although I enjoy my job and right now I don't mind working a lot, I have no desire or intention to do this forever. There are just too many other things that are too important. When I first started, I never asked for time off. In the last few months I've missed for funerals and baby's birthday parties and wedding showers. I can still do well at my job without sacrifing the people in my life who matter!
~Tiffany
Absolutely gorgeous. I loved reading this. It was the perfect Sunday post! So many wonderful thoughts to think about today now :) Love you!
This really touched my heart Megan! I have been reading your blog for a few months now and I just wanted to say "Howdy" and let you know that this post really made my heart smile! :)
I just started reading your blog and it is obvious that you love the Lord. As a Christian, I sometimes forget that I came empty to this world and I shall also leave empty. You have it figured out, but am still finding my way. Bless your heart.
This is such a wonderful, refreshing post! I whole-heartedly believe that memories are the most important things to have. We can always treasure them and they can't be replaced unlike the car we drive or the latest technology gadget.
While it's necessary to have money to use toward family getaways or even getting those movies for the movie marathon, work should never consume our lives. Thanks for this :) It's a nice reminder!
meg this was so great to read. you are darling. you really really are. i wish i had all my favorite bloggers phone numbers, i so wanted to text you saying AMEN!!!
xo happy Sunday :)
This is a really great post, Megan! I absolutely agree and feel the same way, especially when I moved to CA. It's the little things that matter :)
way to have the sweetest post ever. and so so true megan. You're such a beautiful person! thanks for sharing your wisdom with us (:
You speak the truth! Soooo many people want want want go go go what about just spending time not wasting a dime with those that matter and soak up every minute! Love love love this post. You spoke what's been on my mind since June! So thank you! Xxoo
I think God is trying to tell me something.
I just read Michaela's blog post, and she mentioned a book called One Thousand Gifts. Then I read your blog post and you're talking about something similar. Not to mention, this morning my husband and I just had a talk about how we both need to stop worrying about how we don't have a house or kids yet. Whew. #worrydoesnogood
Now I'm super homesick and wish I was closer to my family and friends and their babies! I've been praying about all of the things you talked about, and I'm going to keep on it.
Thanks for sharing this today! I hope you've had a wonderful weekend. (:
This is so well written and so perfect. I love what this post states and love you for writing it so well.
Would you mind talking about this topic in a guest post? I really feel that this message should be spread to as many people as possible. :-)
Thanks for being awesome and honest! :-)
Amen! <3 I used to work two jobs non-stop just so I could shop my face off... and I was miserable! I traded that for a full time job with 2 hours of transit time... again.... life was miserable. Right now, having this year off to figure things out and get settled with both moves (2 in less than a year) ... i'm way happier. well, when I actually get to see friends fam and the hubs that is. haha
I totally relate love - stay happy! mwah!
xoXOxo
Jenn @ Peas & Crayons
absolutely. I know that my kids will appreciate the TIME we spend with them much more than then money when they are older. They would much rather have our time and love and attention than not see us so much because we are out working to give them "the american dream" aka lots of money so they can have "everything" in life. Everything? EVERYTHING to me is spending time with my family, because I could die tomorrow, and I KNOW if I was on my death bed, I would be wishing that I had spent more time with my loved ones and LESS time working my life away. And I don't want to have that regret!! :)
Thank you thank you for this post. I loved it. It really touched my heart. I completely agree with you.
oh i could have written this! I don't understand people that work all day climb the so-called property ladder, work more, build an extension, work even more, then re decorate the house once a year in what ever colour is fashionable at the time. I just want to shout at them LIVE A LITTLE!!
oh i could have written this! I don't understand people that work all day climb the so-called property ladder, work more, build an extension, work even more, then re decorate the house once a year in what ever colour is fashionable at the time. I just want to shout at them LIVE A LITTLE!!
Such a beautiful post =) Thank you so much for such a powerful reminder..much needed!
Enjoy soaking up what is left of the weekend!
Love.
GREAT post! I feel like more people need to embrace life like you are. Hope your weekend has been great!
You're adorable and SO right! :) Thanks for the reminder, girl! Hope you had a great weekend.
xoxo
I love this post...you are so right! I love my job, but there is nothing better than those memories you make at home with the ones you love!
Great post! I agree and disagree. Typical of my personality, lol!! I find the American dream inspiring and tangible. bryan and I are currently building our dream home -- we've worked hard for this home and find every hour spent at work worth it. But on the other hand, I find the little things in life to be the most rewarding. Game nights are the best. Cuddling is the best. A cold glass of lemonade is the best. I hope that you find joy in everything that your heart desires, no matter how big or small.
I naturally have an active personality, and when I really like something, such as my job, I become a workaholic. At the same time, since I got engaged and since Mr. A and I live together, I have been more focused on spending time with him, making memories together, and having fun. It's all about finding the balance, right?
http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
Twitter: @GlamKitten88
i hope i have beautiful reasons like this one day to not be a workoholic ;)
What a beautiful post!! Thank you so much for reminding us what's really important! :) Sometimes I forget..
Gorgeous post pretty girl- the simple things really are the most important! This makes me want to listen to that Tim Mcgraw song...
"all I wanna do is let it be and be with you and watch the wind blow by..."
So true!
Beautiful post darling! I love it...and apparently a lot of the rest of your followers do too!
thanks for the simple reminder of what's so important in this rat race called life!
The first word that came to my mind just now was smile. I don't know why, I don't know how, but all of a sudden, I just was smiling because your post Megan :)
I think you have been in my brain the past few weeks...seriously. I've realized that life is not about working or being "rich". I have realized that when I am with my husband, friends and family, I have more than I could ever have if I worked 100 hours a day.
God has called us to so much more than 40 hour work week. Great post Megan!
I love this and you are so right, enjoy the things that matter.
WELL SAID! you are right on, girlfriend. live your life for the things that matter :)
I LOVE this post. You're so right. We should be making memories with our loved ones, and enjoying life not worrying about having all the money in the world to buy materialistic things. I pray the same for you too sweet friend!
This is one of my favorite posts! It's so well said! Everyone gets so caught up in the material things in life. I find myself doing that a lot, when nothing else matters other than faith, family & friends! :)
Thanks for writing this! :)
Awe!! This is why I love you Meg!! I agree with this 100%! I am a stay at home wifey 3 weeks out of the month and I truly love it! I make enough in my week of work to cover the month and the rest of the time I get to enjoy my family friends. Eric comes home to a cleaner house, and good home cooked meals. I wouldn't change anything about my life now (except maybe to have a baby growing inside me?? A real one... no food baby for me please!) But people think I am crazy that I'm not working at least 5 days a week. I am just lucky that I am able to have a life like this!! (I do know how to work though, there was a time when I worked 3 jobs plus went to school. I don't know how I ever functioned being so sleep deprived and worn out.. haha!)
This post makes me smile :)
Totally agree 100% my friend!
You nailed it...Memories and Moments are really what matters
This is the wisest thing that I have ever read. According to research, once we earn US $40000, no matter how much more we earn it will never make us any happier. Whereas time with friends and family is invaluable.
Yes, yes, yes. Moments and memories and relationships with God's people (:
Love love LOVE this post! I couldn't have said it better myself. I think we all struggle with this same thing...making it for ourselves and then BOOM all of a sudden life changes (for me it was meeting my husband) and your world and priorities completely change. I hope that the sacrifies that we make now (both getting our grad degrees) will make a difference for our future...however I find that those times that I just want to give up are because I just want to spend time with my love...and not hitting the books...
Thanks again for writing this! :)
awe I love this post!! Very well said & soo true!
Such a great post! Love it!
I love LOVE this post and it seems everyone else does too...look at all those comments! You are so right...I used to think work was all that mattered...and worked all the time. Now I am a SAHM and spending time with family is WAY more important!
Sooooo agree! Perfect post!!
<3
aj
Cashmere&Candy
I used to get paid double what I make now (before hubby). But I worked nights and weekends and other crazy hours. 60 hours a week. While we could DEFINITELY use that money(omg), I wouldn't go back! I love coming home at 5 and having free weekends with my family.
Such a great post. I wish everyone would do this... but nope, there are those who are money hungry and they don't care who has to work for them to get what they "deserve" or so they think. :) This really is a great post though!
I want to feel that way too. I feel overworked though and like I have nothing, even though I know that is not true. When did our standards get so out of proportion?
you've got it all right :) i'm the same with my bestie's baby girl. i want her to ask for me when i'm not there and i want my time away from the office for doing whatever i please - even if that means doing nothing <3
this was so beautifully put, some much needed perspective but all so very true. your heart is so big! love love love your blog girl.
I absolutely love this post. Working all the time is great for the bank account, but when it all comes down to it, your family and friends are the ones who will be there for you and will make you smile, not your bank account or job. Thanks for the reminder!!!
This is such a great and very reflective post! I completely agree with everything you said! I'm working on the work-life balance currently!
oh my goodness. this was inspired! awesome post! It's so true. I feel the same way. I would love to make minimum whatit takes to survive and just spend all my time making memories. You are fabulous. p.s. i love your smile. it's so sincere! you are a jewel!
i completely agree with you..it's easy to get caught up in unattainable dreams. things like picnics and movie nights are what we should be dreaming for because those are the best times and cherished memories :) love it girl!
Love this post! Couldn't agree more. :)
Just catching up on some posts I missed, and this one resonates with me, Meg. I struggle with discontentment on a daily basis, and wish I could change that about myself. I guess it will always be a struggle for many of us. Thanks for sharing your honest thoughts!
I completely agree! That's one reason I don't work-other than there's nowhere for me to work around these parts, but I love being able to play an active role in the lives of those I love by having a freer schedule. Godd for you for recognizing these truths and doing something about it. Money isn't everything!
The picture of you and your friends laughing completely warms my heart! I wish I could capture a moment in life like that! :) What a great picture!!
this is a great mindset. i'm glad i'm not the only one thinking this way!
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