It smelled like pizza.
Like garlic and pepperoni and breadsticks.
Not a bad smell. A pretty good one, in fact.
I shook my head as I navigated my way through the mess to the treadmill in the basement.
My boys were home. That was for sure.
In years past, I might have gotten upset that they left the basement such a mess.
I might have been frustrated and annoyed and let that overshadow my morning.
But these days, I'm a lot better at seeing beyond it.
When I look at my messy basement, I see the life and the love in it now.
Those empty pizza boxes?
I look at those and I picture my boys, enjoying one of their favorite meals together, and building that bond they have that's stronger by the year.
The stuffed animals on the floor?
Well, those never fail to make me smile. I love that my boys still like to collect them, and throw them at each other from time to time.
And the video games?
A way for them to be silly and play together, even when Ryder is off at school. One of my favorite sounds is their banter and the way they scream at the game so I can hear it all the way upstairs.
(Okay, the screaming does get annoying sometimes, but I'm channeling the good here!)
Life is messy. All of it.
And during the holidays it can seem the messiest of all.
On top of our typical life mess, we have gifts to buy, parties to attend, all sorts of people that many of us think we have to please, and the emotional stress that comes with it.
It can feel like a million things to keep track of - and for some of us, worrying about wrapping up the year at the office at the same time!
It's hard to see beyond that and maintain some semblance of peace and calm.
But it is possible.
It is possible to see beyond the mess.
To not let it bother us, but instead, see the life and the love in it.
To give more hugs and less gifts.
To spend more time talking and laughing and less time worrying about cleaning up.
To be in the moment this holiday.
Really BE in it.
Because beyond the mess there exists what is most important in life.
The people, the love, the laughter and the joy.
See that instead.
It's a much better view.
Happy Holidays to all of you - enjoy this season with the people you love!
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