“Embrace this season of life, for it is just that…a season.”
—Unknown
When my daughter was born, I quickly realized I needed more patience.
She was born seven weeks premature, and one of the muscles in her stomach hadn’t fully developed yet. It’s a common condition for preemies that usually clears up with time and is often referred to as “reflux” or GER (gastroesophageal reflux). Long story short, it meant baby Ruth spit up—a lot.
But for me, it wasn't the spit-up that was challenging—it was the crying.
I felt so bad. On the one hand, she was in pain, with stomach acid burning her esophagus on the way up. And on the other hand, I was struggling with her crying. It was a sound that rattled me to my core, and I had to walk away on more than one occasion to breathe and gather myself.
So, like all well-rounded and successful adults do when faced with a challenge, I called my mom.
Her advice was simple but effective. She told me:
“Just remember honey, everything is a phase. Good or bad, it’s all a phase.”
And that’s what I needed to carry me through—the perspective that this too shall pass. Sure enough, Ruth’s muscle eventually developed as needed, and the reflux stopped. Mom was right—it was just a phase.
When I zoom out, I realize that’s not only great parenting advice but also applies to life.
No matter what’s happening, good, bad, or indifferent, it’s all a phase. It’s just another season of life that will eventually pass. The trick is to realize that ahead of time, appreciate the moment for what it is, and be open to what’s to come.
As I look at life right now—we’re headed into summer, we’ve got big travel plans on the horizon, Ruth is turning 2, we’re still a family of three, hoping for a fourth, the stock market is crashing, it appears we’re headed for a recession, and yet, I know it’s all just a phase.
Ruth will continue to grow, and so will our family. Before we know it, we’ll be headed into fall, the economy will cycle like it always does, and the world will keep spinning.
It’s a lovely and freeing thought, knowing it’s all just a phase.
I hope you have an awesome Father’s day weekend, and remember, appreciate the moment because it’s fleeting.