At this moment in time it feels as though I am in an in between stage, a stage where nothing of note is happening. It is as though a chapter has ended but the next has not yet begun.
If this time in my life were a chapter in a draft of an actual novel, it is a chapter an editor would cut. I imagine their notes would say something like:
A bit dull.
Nothing happens to advance the plot.
Could be summarized in a paragraph.
I am currently in my early 30s. I have built a strong career that I am confident in. I am married but do not have kids yet.
Gone are the days of going on horrible dates and partying until 4am.
My life is stable, safe, quiet, and yes, a bit dull sometimes.
There are times — usually when I’m tucked in bed with tea and a book by 10pm on a Saturday — that I find myself nostalgic for the past. I’ll scroll through old photos and wish desperately that I could go back in time.
Not forever.
Just for a night.
One more night to dance on tables and drink too much and make bad decisions. One more morning to wake up still a bit drunk and pair a sundress with last night’s makeup to meet my girlfriends for brunch to debrief over too many mimosas and too little food.
There are other times — usually when I am up early on a Saturday with no plans for the day — that I find myself yearning for the future. I’ll see a little boy in a coffee shop looking like an adorable marshmallow decked out in his hockey gear and wish desperately to fast forward time.
To nights filled with pleas for, ‘Just one more bedtime story! Please, mommy!’ and triple checking under beds for any monsters who might be lurking. To Saturday mornings filled with Mickey Mouse shaped pancakes and hours at the playground.
But here is the thing.
The life stage I currently inhabit is one I once yearned for. Back when I spent most of my time crying over boys in clubs and chasing shots of cheap tequila with water and living in fear of my credit card statements, I longed for my present. I couldn’t wait to settle down with a partner and drink sleepytime tea together. I was desperate for the safety and comfort of a slightly dull life.
I also know that the life stage I currently inhabit is one I will soon be nostalgic for. In a few years time, when I am battling toddler tantrums and spending my evenings watching youth hockey practice, I will wish for just one more day of my current life. One more night of uninterrupted reading and one more quiet morning coffee.
There is beauty in the boring, in the stillness, in the silence, and I am forcing myself to slow down and enjoy it.
To revel in my weekend mornings. To move as slow as molasses while I still can. To enjoy leisurely dinners with my husband while we don’t have to rush home to a sitter charging us $30 an hour. To treat my dog like my firstborn before I have a human firstborn.
(Who am I kidding?! I will always treat Toni like my firstborn because he is my firstborn.)
No matter what stage of life you are in, I encourage you to enjoy it. Don’t waste your days waiting for the future or longing for the past because soon this stage will be over and you will wish you had enjoyed it while you had the chance.
tuckernuck sale deets
This section of the post contains affiliate links, which means if you click a link and make a purchase I may earn a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you.
Tuckernuck is one of my favorite places to shop for clothes online, especially for work clothes! Everything in their sale section is an additional 20% off with the code HEATWAVE and there are some great deals. Below are my top picks but there are over 1000 items so take some time to poke around. Happy shopping!
Tuckernuck Jackie Tweed Dress - comes in a few colors, my favorites are the Heathered Blue or Magnolia but they are all adorable
Pomander Place Tweed Bianca Dress - so cute for summer, I like the blue
Pomander Place Adi Knit Dress - I like the ivory and the black!
French Sole Baton Heel - love these for work, ordering for myself :)
Pomander Place Black Harlee Blouse - super simple black blouse for work, love the collar
The GREAT. Blue Oxford The Honor Top - another cute top for work, love the bottom
Pomander Place Black Tweed Stacie Dress - anotha one!! love this for work in the fall, ordering it!
Pomander Place Tweed Josephine Dress - I love tweed if you couldn’t tell :)
Tuckernuck Black Floral Lace Sylvie Blouse - fun little date night top!
Tuckernuck Blackwatch Plaid Faye Blouse - I know it’s hard to picture December when it’s a billion degrees outside, but this is so cute for the holiday season!
Hyacinth House Cream Braided Harlow Sweater - simple and cute for fall, would look over your shoulders with dress this summer too!
Tuckernuck Chambray Linen Mirabella Blouse - so cute with white pants this summer!
Tuckernuck Pearl & Gold Bodie Necklace
Thanks so much for reading, I’ll be back on Thursday!
XOXO,
Maddie
I feel in-between too. Nostalgic for the past and eager for the next cool thing to happen. You said it all so well. I feel seen! thank you <3
“There is beauty in the boring, in the stillness, in the silence…”. 🙌🏼 hard to lean into, but so true 💫