We all have one, whether we accept it for what it is or not. Today’s word prompt is huge, and caused me to take a step back and think about what it really means. My lifestyle is comfortable in material terms, but bursting at the seams in so many ways.

 It’s full of kids with big emotions and ideas, curiosity that sometimes causes frustration when it’s been a day full of “Why? WHY? BUT WHHHHYYYYY?”  

But because of them, it’s also full of the smell of baby powder on soft curls, warm sticky hugs and kisses in the air.

 Tiny thumbs ups and fives and knuckles for no reason. 

 It’s full of tiny people learning how to be big people, and excitement with trying out new skills. 

It’s full of boo boos and kisses on scrapes, and bandages that weren’t needed in the first place but placed because it’s easier than saying no.

My life is bursting at the seams because I love the little people in my life, but also because of my partner in crime. 

 He is always there for me, and while sometimes the Dad jokes are insanely bad,  he is funny and caring and so sweet sometimes it makes me feel like a bad person for not even thinking about small things the way he does for those around him, even strangers.

My life is full because I have a family of people that I love and mostly get along with, although lately haven’t seen as much as I’d like due to responsibilities, and distance, and sheer laziness when it comes down to travel with three small children.

 (I just can’t even, sometimes)

 I promise again to myself that will change soon, once we catch our breath a little.

And friends. I’ve been blessed to meet some amazing people that I don’t see nearly enough. Thank you to everyone who has stopped by in my life, and I wish I could see you more.

My life is also full of work.  

I love my work, and feel that my patients are MY patients. I feel for them, I struggle with them, and I do my very best to help them. 

 But I struggle also with the fact that I’m not the one who makes the decisions in the end. 

 They choose the life they live, and something bigger than both of us determines the chance, 

and the fate that befalls them.

 Sometimes it’s wonderful, and sometimes it’s so heartbreaking that we cry together. 

 And it’s all life, this I understand.

And now, finally, as my head starts to rise above the waters surrounding me, I am starting to have a life full of creativity again.

 Writing, and enjoying the world around me, trying to understand and make sense of it all. I have no doubt that I won’t ever figure it out, but I love that I am here to even attempt the endeavour. 

So what is lifestyle? It’s how you life your life. Sometimes it’s plush and rich, other times it’s in a box on the side walk.

 I’m somewhere in the middle of the material side, but right up at the top of when it comes to the stuff that makes it worth living.