The Next Big Thing

It's only somewhat recently that I was able to pinpoint the unsettled feeling I've had lately. You see, in life there is always pressure and expectations to be constantly reaching a goal. First college, then graduation, marriage, job, house, kids, etc. The list goes on and on. But, what about once you've done all of that? I've married the love of my life, established a home and been blessed with beautiful, wonderful kids. Now that we know that our family is complete, I keep wondering... So.... now what?

I feel like I've been programmed that retirement is the next "big thing" but given I don't officially have a paying job and am barely in my thirties, I have a feeling that milestone is still aways away and not truly what is next for us and our family. It just can't be.

We consistently talk of moving, relocating, starting fresh. New house. New city. New job. City living. Country living. International living... it has all been discussed and none of it has been ruled out. Not because we are unhappy with what we have. Not at all! In fact,  I don't even have logic to explain our rationale at times. The rush and excitement of pregnancy, marriage, etc have been experienced and enjoyed. We've unintentionally been programmed to look forward to the next rush, and are left clueless as to what and where that rush will be.

Add in the decisions of homeschooling, private school or public and the demands of a teething, strong-willed strong-lunged baby and an attention seeking, mothering boundary testing 4-year old and it's a wonder we hardly sleep at all.   I think we have just been programmed to always be doing something, working toward something, working on that "next big thing".

No one talks about the stages of life where you are "in between" milestones. So...I'm talking about it. Talking about the unsettled feeling. The not quite content itch that we have for something new and different. Hubby and I are building into these little lives that we we've been blessed enough to raise, we love on each other and demonstrate a healthy marriage and relationship. We teach values, faith and respect (not always gracefully, but we try). We share our passions with our kids, watch them hike and explore nature, or carry a suit case through an airport with confidence...and we find great pleasure in watching them grow and thrive. But, are still seeking more. Seeking that next big thing.....