Ordinary, Magical Days
As a working mom of three little kids, most of my days are anything but quiet. They’re loud, messy, sweet, and sometimes chaotic—usually all before 8 a.m. Between appointments, practices, camps, birthday parties, and the occasional forgotten homework, life can feel like one never-ending to-do list. It’s easy to believe that we have to do ALL the things ALL the time just to keep up. But here’s the truth: you don’t. Magic doesn’t live in the hustle—it lives in the stillness. The simple. The everyday.
But somewhere in between school drop-offs, emails, baseball practices, and sticky kitchen counters, I catch myself thinking about the women who inspire me. The ones who taught me that even the most ordinary days can be filled with the kind of magic you remember forever.
My own mom is the first woman I think of. She raised my sister and me to be strong-willed, opinionated women who never take no for an answer—and who can come up with a solution to just about anything. She taught us early on that life isn’t about fancy vacations or having the latest and greatest anything. It’s about finding joy in the small stuff—bike rides around the neighborhood, backyard birthday parties with homemade cakes, creekside adventures, and afternoons at the pool. Yes, we had our share of “big” moments too, but the memories I come back to the most weren’t extravagant. They were simple and sweet, made special just by being together.
One of our latest favorite memories? Taking the city bus downtown for a day of exploring. No big plans—just a ride, a little wandering, some ice cream, putt putt, and a lot of laughter. That city bus ride has become the stuff of legends in our family. Pure magic from a very ordinary moment. That’s the kind of magic I want to continue giving my kids.
But I’ll be honest: even creating a list of simple joys can feel overwhelming when your brain is running on snacks and scheduling. So this month, I’m challenging myself—and you— to slow down and reflect.
When was the last time you baked a cake just because? Took a walk together with no destination? Caught fireflies in the backyard? Turned on music and danced in the kitchen?
Read a book together under a tree?
I encourage you to make a list of at least five simple things you can do this month—or even this summer—that bring you joy. Little things. Things that feel light and fun and don’t require any prep or packing. Because magic doesn’t come from a perfect itinerary. It comes from presence, from spontaneity, and from finding wonder in the everyday.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day and honor the women who inspire us, let’s remember those who taught us how to slow down, look around, and make a little magic out of the ordinary. Maybe it’s your mom. Your sister. Your best friend. Your grandmother. Or maybe, it’s you—in yesterday’s mascara, flipping pancakes and holding it all together.
Here’s to the women who remind us that a full life doesn’t have to be a fancy one—and that magic can always be found in the everyday, if you’re lucky enough to look for it.