Over the weekend I got into a really interesting discussion, both online and IRL, about the content of my site.
It is no secret that I speak very honestly about all aspects of my life, and that means that I reference aspects of my “Hopeful Story” which, as much as I don’t like to dwell on it (all the time), is a reminder that there was once a “Hard Story”.
I feel blessed to have this channel in which I can speak honestly to you–to the people I know–to people I love–and to the people all across the world who have found this site–with the reminder that you are not alone.
But that means that, quite often, I have to tackle the tough stuff. For me, this is therapeutic and rewarding. #teamMEA is my pride and joy.
But I don’t want to be a downer. I want to motivate and inspire. I want to affect change and encourage real hope.
So, in talking about my content moving forward, I spoke with a very wise friend, who gave me some really poignant advice. She said, “I think what we all strive for is balance. If there is pain, there is not always pain hopefully. There is joy too. Small joy, huge joy, laughter. And maybe as you strive to connect with people to show them they are not alone in their pain, you can also show them that joy is possible again. Even just a moment. An ice cream. A smile. Even if that moment passes and pain returns. Because that is the truth of it. Even in the midst of relentless pain, a flicker of joy or pleasure, or love, can disrupt the pain. And that is a very good thing to remember.”
And this made me smile. Not only did it make me smile because of my friend’s empathy and intelligence, but because I had just posted a photo of my daughter and I with matching scoops of rainbow ice cream (mine was extra rainbow, as it was covered with rainbow sprinkles. ‘Sup?)
And I realized that while the content of my blog is sometimes very happy, sometimes extremely hard and always honest, my Instagram page is a much more lighthearted look at my life, for it is my real-time-journey, and I update the page quite frequently. It is on my Insta site that I share clips of the music I am making, the dance parties I am having, the food I am eating (from kale shakes to string licorice) and it shows the happiness that I do feel. Perhaps not all day every day, but every single day.
So, if are already on Instagram, just search for me @mommyeverafter. Or, tbh, you can search for the #BrettDennen and I’ll pop right up, I’m sure.
And if not, you can always access me through the web at the link above.
This morning, my kids and I holed up in my son’s room and listened to David Bowie and danced around.
(I will admit that over two years later, I am still unable to listen to “Starman” without feeling queasy, as it was my daughter’s obsession during the first months of my pregnancy with my son. Blech. Great song. Bad association.)
And I got to snap a quick shot of my son, as he took off his rx glasses and put on a pair of star-shaped shades. Ziggy Star(r)dust, I called him.
All of this is to say, follow me on Instagram @mommyeverafter if you are looking for some levity. Put it this way: My five most recent posts before the aforementioned Bowie shot this morning include:
1. A Monday morning dance party to Mika (I am on the tambourine, thank you, much).
2. A clip of my son’s “Wild Child” parody video (#BrettDennen).
3. My face painted with a rainbow, as I walked for Williams Syndrome.
4. A video presentation of items 1 & 2 of the 10 part list she used in order to try to convince us to let her sleep downstairs on the couch.
5. My daughter and I, as mentioned above, sitting outside, in the sunshine, on a rainbow bench, eating rainbow ice cream.
I hope that you enjoy, as my friend was spot on: Joy is possible. Even just a moment.
Love, @mommyeverafter
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