Some days, I wake up feeling like I’m on autopilot. The routine unfolds just as it always does—wake up, take care of the kids, and go through the motions of daily life. There’s nothing inherently wrong with it. I love my family, my home, and the life we’ve built. But deep inside, this quiet voice whispers: Is this all there is?
I dream of more. I want to travel, to feel the ocean breeze in a new place, to watch my kids experience the world beyond the same four walls. I want to break free from the ordinary and live a life that feels as expansive as my dreams. But most days, those dreams feel just out of reach, tucked behind a long list of responsibilities, finances, and “someday” promises.
And that’s where the frustration settles in—the feeling of being stuck in the mundane, of wanting something bigger but not knowing how to get there.
If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone.
The Tug-of-War Between Now and Later
There’s an undeniable tension between where we are and where we want to be. Society tells us to be grateful for the present, and I truly am. But does gratitude mean we have to silence our longing for something more? I don’t think so.
Longing for adventure doesn’t mean I love my life any less. Wanting change doesn’t mean I’m not grateful. It just means that deep down, I know I’m meant to experience more than a routine existence.
So, What Do We Do With These Feelings?
I don’t have all the answers. But I do know this: waiting for the perfect moment will keep us waiting forever.
Maybe I can’t drop everything and travel full-time right now, but I can start small. I can:
- Plan weekend getaways to nearby towns.
- Continue to say “yes” to moments of spontaneity, even in small ways.
- Create experiences that bring the feeling of adventure into everyday life—whether that’s trying a new local restaurant, taking my family on a road trip, or even just watching the sunset with my toes in the sand.
And most importantly, I can write. I can use my words to connect with other women who feel this same pull. I can remind them (and myself) that feeling stuck doesn’t mean we have to stay stuck.
A Reminder to You (And to Me)
If you’re reading this and feeling the same ache for something more, know that you’re not alone. It’s okay to love your life and still crave change. It’s okay to feel stuck and still dream. The longing inside you? It’s a sign that you were meant for more.
Maybe we don’t have to wait until “someday” to start living fully. Maybe we can find ways to create adventure right where we are.
So, here’s my promise to myself: I will not let the mundane steal my dreams. And if you’re feeling the same way, I hope you won’t either.
Let’s find our way, one step at a time.