It’s the first time in my life I’ve done something just for me. Just...because. It’s the first time in my life I’ve done something not because I should do it, but because I want to.
Hey there! I’m Mikala—a family doctor, wife, mother of 5, well-being advocate, and author of the books Ordinary on Purpose and Everything I Wish I Could Tell You About Midlife. Each month my writing reaches millions of women, but I am thrilled to be connecting with YOU. I’m truly grateful to have you here!
All in Life
It’s the first time in my life I’ve done something just for me. Just...because. It’s the first time in my life I’ve done something not because I should do it, but because I want to.
Today I feel sad. Maybe it’s because I took my youngest to kindergarten round-up and there are only a few more months until ALL my kids will be in school.
There is so much to do, yes. I know so often I’m moving too fast. But I don’t ever want to be too busy or stressed or distracted or overwhelmed that I forget to notice it all as it passes.
Won’t you grab my hand? Let’s decide to live and breathe and work and love wherever God has placed us. And let’s share our one precious, beautiful, ordinary life . . . together. I’ll be me. You be you.
When the marriage ends, when the child dies, when the terminal diagnosis comes, when war is declared—what people long for is ordinary.
I turn to the pile of backpacks on the floor. Markers and artwork scattered across the counter. Cartoons calling from the other room. Another stack of dishes piled up in the sink.
But sometimes in the middle of pain and sadness and anger and fear and devastation and despair, there is beauty and laughter and joy and love and warmth and hope.
I may occasionally wish for a moment or two that I could step into those seemingly picture-perfect lives that surround me. But the truth is, I love this life. THIS one.
Somehow, when I stopped striving and pretending, a beautiful life of connection and love and faith had room to emerge. And now I know.: “Perfect” is pretend.
Yep, I think this is the year to grow a little closer to the best version of ME I can be. And LOVE me.
It’s not about being the BEST parent ever and creating perfect holiday memories, but about showing up for our kids the best way we know how.
Moms, we don’t have to do it all every year. We can pick one or two things. Then just be present. And soak it in. Turns out, Christmas is CUMULATIVE!!
These little ones growing up in our home ARE the most special people who will ever surround our table.
Well…life’s pendulum swung back when I wasn’t looking and knocked me clean on my ass. Like a wrecking ball.
What if instead of focusing on what I’ve lost these last 20 years (like elastic skin and smooth thighs and perky breasts and my natural hair color)…I look at all I’ve gained???
This beautiful, ordinary life I’ve been blessed with is evident right here on my body. Etched in lines right here across my face.
Life will have all kinds of bullies. My daughter will face her fair share of unfair treatment and some more push-her-down moments. I want her to know I will ALWAYS be on her side.