Hey there! I’m Mikala—a family doctor, wife, mother of 5, well-being advocate, and author of the books Ordinary on Purpose and Everything I Wish I Could Tell You About Midlife. Each month my writing reaches millions of women, but I am thrilled to be connecting with YOU. I’m truly grateful to have you here!
When the marriage ends, when the child dies, when the terminal diagnosis comes, when war is declared—what people long for is ordinary.
I turn to the pile of backpacks on the floor. Markers and artwork scattered across the counter. Cartoons calling from the other room. Another stack of dishes piled up in the sink.
But sometimes in the middle of pain and sadness and anger and fear and devastation and despair, there is beauty and laughter and joy and love and warmth and hope.
There will come a day when you sit talking and laughing with your BABY beside you on the couch and realize he is becoming a confident young man right before your eyes!!
One day you’ll understand why you spent years missing the game and still trying to create a fun party.
And really, it doesn’t matter the words…only that we turn to Him through it all.
Because high school sports (and so many parts of life, in general) are lots of fun until they’re NOT. But even when they’re not, we’ll be there.
I may occasionally wish for a moment or two that I could step into those seemingly picture-perfect lives that surround me. But the truth is, I love this life. THIS one.
Somehow, when I stopped striving and pretending, a beautiful life of connection and love and faith had room to emerge. And now I know.: “Perfect” is pretend.
Yep, I think this is the year to grow a little closer to the best version of ME I can be. And LOVE me.
It’s not about being the BEST parent ever and creating perfect holiday memories, but about showing up for our kids the best way we know how.
I’m going to declare a job well done (even if a few things are left undone). And I’m going to prepare my heart for the coming of a Savior.
Who else would know to look for a little thumbs up from the soccer field?? After all, he didn’t score. But his foot touched the ball and he’d like to celebrate all the same. So, I do!!
These little moments are just another of the silver linings of the sometimes difficult teenage years.
These little ones growing up in our home ARE the most special people who will ever surround our table.
Life only gives us a few. But when we find them??? We just know...
Well…life’s pendulum swung back when I wasn’t looking and knocked me clean on my ass. Like a wrecking ball.
