“Living the dream…” That’s how I find myself answering people when they ask how I am doing lately. I am not sure when I lapsed into using this response, but lately, I have noticed that I am not the only one that uses it.
It almost feels like the replacement for “busy” or “fine”. It’s a rote thing I can say, paired with a sarcastic tone, an eye roll, or heavy breath, that lets the other person know that I am not actually enjoying life much these days. But why do I do this? Is it a badge of honor to be the busiest or to be perceived as the most burdened? Am I looking for sympathy, empathy…both?
Diana’s birthday is this month, and my work anniversary was last month. Milestones always give me opportunity to reflect – and I realized something recently after hearing myself say “living the dream” for what felt like the hundredth time that day.
I am.
I am living the dream life that I always wanted.
It’s far from perfect, but it is everything I always dreamed of. When I take stock, it’s exactly what I dreamed and hoped for as young woman – and beyond. Some of it has been the result of hard work, but honestly, most are blessings beyond what I deserve. I have a healthy and happy daughter, safe home in a good neighborhood, rewarding job for a great company, a tribe of loyal, intelligent, fun friends, a church home, time to pursue hobbies, my health, and the list goes on.
Of course, there are times when work does get busy or relationships get strained or health has a blip (sometimes all at once!), but I have challenges with those things because they are IN my life. Today, I can find gratitude in the challenges, because I am living the dream.
So, I am going to stop automatically responding with “living the dream…” unless I really mean it, and I should.
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