Overcoming

 

I find it's so easy to feel wound up when caring for a four and a one year old, day in, day out.

To feel stressed, sleep deprived and underappreciated.

To feel like I'm failing, winning and failing, all at once.

 

Sometimes the joys of the day seem to be wiped out by frustrating and difficult behaviour.

Sometimes it's hard to appreciate the small things, because the big things are too overwhelming.

Sometimes I feel like I am hitting my head against the proverbial wall.

Sometimes Too often I just don't have enough patience.

Too often I'm not the parent I thought I was going to be.

 

And then the sun comes out and we wander as a family, letting Emerson set the pace.

Out of the house, exploring, examining, finding beauty, throwing rocks, laughing. 

I am reminded that sometimes this is all we need.

This is how we overcome the frustration, if only for this moment.

 

I'm reassured that, despite the difficulties, I wouldn't have it any other way.

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After a few quiet days at home Cohen and I were both itching to get out and stretch our legs today. Heavy rain began to fall, as if by surprise, but we made our plans undeterred. By the time Dave was home from work, and we were ready for our adventure, the sun was shining once more and we were able to leave the umbrellas at home.

To our delight, tucked away in suburbia, are 36 hectares of beautiful forest. Our first visit to the Springwood Conservation Park did not disappoint. Boulders, caves, cliffs and a gorge. Creeks, waterfalls, bridges, wallabies, birds, lizards, mushrooms. More than one walker was surprised to see me waddling along the paths. Thankfully Cohen's through inspection of everything kept the pace slow.

There's something just so right about walks like this. Taking in the natural beauty. Exploring as a family. Sharing Cohen's discoveries. I came home feeling really good. Refreshed and re-energised. The knowledge of this little treasure is being tucked away for future exploration.