Loving the Stage

What is that quote? "All the World's a Stage" I know that originally, it probably refered to the fact that life is just one great preformance... but since I'm in a state of serious sleep deprivation (that's for another blog post...), I have a unique ability to look at things and not see them as they really are!

I was sitting here tonight, thinking about what has been going on in my life for the last month, contemplating what I've experienced, what I've learned. And I thought about how this last month has been all about new stages.

First, we had a lovely visit from a childhood friend of Elizabeth's. She's just about to embark on starting her career, and felt it very important to see Elizabeth before she launched off into the next phase of her life. It was a great visit, and we were sad to say good bye this last week.

Second, with our growing business, this month we have transitioned out of our home office, which between the lack of storage, the need for extra office space and the blessed airplanes that fly right over our heads every 4 minutes (which is great for the phone bill, because it takes great planning to make or receive calls between these fly-overs) became a decision that we couldn't avoid making. Now we have a "for real" office, even if it is a little on the smallish size. This change has brought about a new stage in my life, taking me one more step into the "full time working mom" category. I'm now fully experiencing what all of my working women friends have always had to deal with - the great tear. When at work, one wants to work hard, and well. When at home, one only wants to spend time with the kids, doing all those jobs that once upon a time were a drudgery (back in the day when "housewife" was the only job description).

And add to those new stages: today we drove our beautiful Elizabeth north to get her settled into her residence at the University of Pretoria. Memories of my transitioning into a college student flashed through my mind as we helped her unpack her things into her room. It's a new stage for her..and I dare say, for me. I am incredibly proud of her, and excited to see what this year will hold for her.

I suppose as one faces all the changes that this life of ours brings about, there is a decision to be made. Either embrace it, relish the new experiences, and be brave...or become bitter, angry and disappointed.

So, I guess when I look at that phrase "All the World's a Stage", I need to think more along the lines of "Life will never stay the same....so sit down..hang on...and enjoy the ride!"