Dear Ellie: 

For weeks now I’ve been seeing/hearing people say “live a life you don’t need a break from” or some version of that statement. I have to admit I frown a bit each time because I’m not sure I really get that concept. In theory it sounds good but the reality of life is that it’s a sum of pieces making a picture not a singular line intended to go on unbroken forever. The “breaks” in life are what allow us to appreciate our day to day even more no matter what that looks like for us. I love what I do and truly think it’s part of my purpose but I enjoy the days I can take a step away from my desk and get fresh air in the park. It clears my mind. In similar fashion I love being your mommy but I won’t say that I don’t enjoy the mornings that you get up early with Daddy and I stay in the bed for just a little while longer. And it’s not just me even people who travel to beautiful places for a living or who seemingly live glamorous lives often enjoy taking a break from the hustle and bustle that comes with traveling just to be in a space that they can call their own. And Lord knows once you’re in school no matter how smart you are you will watch the clock on the last day before summer break! Never let anyone make you feel as though your life is less than ideal because you enjoy taking a break from it. In reality it’s all your life. You’re not just your job or just your family we are a sum of the things that make us feel whole. So as I sit in the airport preparing to take off to Brazil I don’t feel a tad bit bad about living a life that I enjoy getting out of the routine of and I hope you never will either. We all need a break my baby and we all need balance and you have to take your own path to achieve it. 

Love You Always, 

Mommy 

P.S. To the little girl dreaming of someone else’s life…stop! Live your life by your own standards, dreams, goals, etc. Its not about living a life that you don’t need a break from as much as just living however you see fit. It’s your life and get only one never forget that! Whenever we remind ourselves of that so often the opinions of others become so much smaller.