... start to appreciate the life you're actually living at the current time?
I am trying to be more mindful of how fortunate I am and appreciate my life stage as it is now, instead of constantly looking to the next stage. For example:
Early twenties: Spent single and partying/holidaying with friends and working hard at career. Really wanted to do be promoted, learn to drive, be part of a couple and leave home
Mid twenties: Promotion done. Learned to drive. Became part of couple and moved in together. Wanted to run Department at work, travel, get married and buy a house
Late twenties: Ran Department at work, further promotion done. Got married, bought house. Travelled extensively with DH. Wanted to have a family and be a sahm until children at are school.
Early thirties: Had two beautiful children and put career on hold to be a sahm.
I'm currently 34, with a three year old and a six month old. I find myself alway looking to the next stage, so currently I'm thinking I can't wait for the children to be old enough to take on holiday without all the baby paraphernalia. I'm so looking forward to one day having a proper conversation with my youngest like I do now with my eldest. I'm excited to go on day trips with school aged children not babies and toddlers and to see them start school, learn to read etc etc.
I know the baby years are hard, and I'm trying not to wish them away. But now more than any stage previously I find myself looking to the next bit, and the next.
When did you find yourself content in the here and now?