Starting with something

Have you listened to this song? Have a listen.

I was listening to this song on my long drive home from channel 7 yesterday afternoon. I was past the traffic and tunnels, past the cars and the lanes of cars and on the final stretch home where the hills where rolling out their green carpet, the cows chewing, the beautiful late early summer afternoon sunshine doing it’s thing. Started sobbing, because that’s what I apparently do every time I hear this song. It speaks right inside to your soul…somehow…talks to the bit right down deep where you push stuff away to I think. Well to me anyway….such beautiful words and a beautiful voice.

You want to write a novel, make beautiful music
Acting lessons, you know inspiring humans
Learn a languange and run like the wind
Help people fit in ,travel to every country
And make a million dollars
And smile when the children have babies
Make the heart your home
Invinting in the warm you want

An amazing life
But you can’t decide
You think you have to be fully formed already
Don’t ya?
You want this amazing life
But you can’t decide
You don’t have to be just one thing
But you have to start with something

You’ll be a little bit older in October
You’ve been acting on your pre birth promise
Now you think that this journey is over
Let me encourage you to know
You will feel it when it is over
It feels like hell taking inside of me
Time to be still and listen for a while

You want this amazing life
But you can’t decide
You think you have to be fully formed already
Don’t you?
You want an amazing life
But you can’t decide
You don’t have to be just one thing
But you have to start with something
You don’t have to be just one thing
But you have to start with something
You do not have to be just one thing
But you have to start with something

This has been an amazing year for me. Somehow it seems that we are just a few weeks off the end of it, and it’s hard not be reflective as it draws to a close. For many years now, as a grown up, and especially a Mum, I’ve always found January to be extraordinarily depressing. The silly season ends and there you are, same as the year before, staring down the barrel of another year. Work will start again, kids need to get back to School and routine, clothes need to be washed and someone (namely you) has to go and fill the cupboards with food. You’re left wondering what will happen to YOU this year. What are YOU meant to be doing? What things are in store for YOU? I always get like this…wondering what it is I am meant to be doing, and how earth I am meant to work out how to do it. I know Mum’s of young kids can especially feel this….so much pressure and needs and demands on you, putting your own needs to the back of a very long line.

I still don’t know what I am meant to be doing. I feel like this year more than ever, in my whole life, I’m closer to knowing though. It’s a good feeling. A really good feeling.  I can’t believe that each week for the past 6 months I have been driving up to a TV studio and going on air. Huh! I can’t believe I am making a living from something so simple as a blog, and my life, and something that I love so much. How lucky is that? I’ve learnt so much this past year…about people and blogging and working and so much about me. About what motivates me and what just plain drains we out. I’ve worked hard and I know that 2014 is just going to be even more work. I’m ready. While at times I pinch myself at the sometimes glamorous stuff I get to do, I try to remember that it’s just that. Most of the time that stuff isn’t real. It’s fleeting and while it’s fun at the time, it’s not anything REAL. Anything that COUNTS. You know? It’s been an absolute pleasure to learn a very good life lesson this year from the beautiful (inside and out) Kris Smith. I’ve never come across someone as genuinely nice as him in the flashy media world – not caught up on all the bullshit that people can be caught up in…namely their egos and feelings of self-importance and worth. He taught me this:

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And I like it very much. I’m going to remember that for a long time.

I know that after Christmas, when there may be some quiet moments to yourself (for a change) that you take them and think back on all you have done this year. It might not be flashy, or fun, but I bet it’s been real and actually important. Those comforting arms and words around a little person that make them feel safe. And loved. A held hand with your partner that reassures them that STILL, after all these years, that you love them so damn much. A beautiful moment with a friend – laughing and being silly or holding them close in a hug as they hurt. The real stuff. The important stuff. And while you might not think it’s much, I reckon it’s something.

Remember that while you might just be a Mum or Dad or wife or whatever right now, it doesn’t mean that it’s going to be that way forever. You don’t have to be just one thing…I hope that the year ahead brings you your something.

Comments

  1. Bree Di Mattina says

    Thanks Beth 🙂

  2. Bloody hell Beth. Blubbering reflective mess here. You my friend will continue to shine bright. I just know it x

    • BabyMacBlogBeth says

      Emo post alert!! Thank you darling girl…I can’t wait to see what 2014 brings for you too…amazing things x

  3. Alicia Shrimpton says

    Well written. So true! I’m a mummy a wife a sister a daughter but mostly I am me. I hope I come across as a caring soul as that’s what matters really isn’t it? Empathy love laughter and fun. Merry Christmas hope it’s filled with everything you wish. I’m borrowing that quote.

    • BabyMacBlogBeth says

      I bet you do come across that way…empathy, love and laughter are all the very most important bits of life. Merry Christmas to you too Alicia x

  4. Thanks Beth. Loved this post. Congrats on an amazing year. X

  5. Karen Magno says

    Bawling right now. Thank you again Beth. Your timing is impeccable as always. xx

  6. You’ll have a stack of readers nodding along to this one lady. I love Kris’ words….very, very wise!
    This is also a biggie > “To the world you may be one person but to one person you may be the world.”

  7. I love Clare Bowditch. She is such an inspirational lady. As you are, Beth.

    • BabyMacBlogBeth says

      She sure is…I was so excited that I got to see her perform live at Problogger this year…she sang this song! And I sobbed then too…

  8. Lisa Mckenzie says

    I love this Post Beth and yes it is so true no one is just one thing I do hope that next year brings you good things too,i love your motto it is a good one and i love Clare Bowditch too.

  9. Jay - Moodie Foodie says

    Wishing you a wonderful year for 2014, Beth. I still don’t know where I’m going either but I feel that I’m on the right path. Just need to keep at it and open up a few more possibilities and opportunities and I’ll be there. Fingers crossed for 2014. Thanks for your wonderful posts xo

  10. I had a bit of a breakdown today. Overwhelmed, crying ugly tears, sent home from work to rest. I think the year has finally caught up with me. It has been a massive year. I married the love of my life, we went to Europe for the very first time on our honeymoon, we renovated and extended our home, my best friend’s mum passed away, work has been tumultuous to say the least, and I have made a return to blogging. I am looking forward to a break over Christmas and the New Year. I want to exhale at 11.59pm on New Year’s Eve and inhale at 12.00am on New Year’s Day, ready to try again in 2014. May next year be amazing for us all. xx

  11. Betty

    You are who you are because you have a very open heart. Never change. I will say hi to Kris for you. We are running away together, xx

  12. Little Munch says

    Bloody hell, I just teared up! A very beautiful sentiment Beth.

  13. On a daily basis I wonder Ís this it?’ Surely there is something else for me. But I am beginning to realise that caring for my disabled son on a daily basis is a pretty bloody important job. I have got to the end of another year and he is still here. How the hell did I do that. Some days its all too much but he is my something and while he is here I will continue to love and cherish him

    • BabyMacBlogBeth says

      There is NO job, no something more important than that Peta. I take my hat off to you…I’m not sure I would have the patience or strength. Well done on a huge year xxx

  14. As I’ve said before – wise beyond your years.

  15. shoppegirls says

    A lovely post Beth. A huge congratulations on all that you have achieved. Such a beautiful sentiment which everyone should acknowledge and take notice of. It never hurts anyone if you are nice. Merry Christmas lovely lady and i look forward to reading loads more in the New Year. x

  16. A beautiful post, Beth. It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to watch you blossom through your blog. I hope 2014 keeps bringing wonderful things.

    Such true words too. We’re going through a bullying incident here and it has made my heart sing that my girl involved has been full of kindness. She’s such a good kid, but maybe, just maybe we’re doing something right with her too. xx

  17. Beautiful thoughts Beth. I got a little reflective on my blog today too. But for me January brings fresh hope and the anticipation of what lies ahead for the new year. And that’s exciting! All the best for 2014 x

  18. Cat_BeLoverly says

    You are such a beautiful woman Beth. I really do admire your kindness, focus on the important, your humour and good grace. You deserve all the happiness which is why I’m so pleased for you about all the awesome things that this life is bringing you.

    I really feel quite emo about January all the time and you have nailed why when I had no why. You and Claire Bowditch who I adore.

    Much love. Xxx

    • BabyMacBlogBeth says

      Oh thanks Cat! I have written many a January emo post before…I finally worked it out last Jan just why it was…so good to get it figured out isn’t it? It won’t stop the feelings from coming, but at least you can acknowledge what they are and deal with them x

  19. I’ve been talking about this with my husband alot lately.

    What else is there for me? Will I ever find it? Am I enough?

    I’m proud to know you, 2013 has been pretty epic for you and your family. I can’t wait to see what 2014 has in store for you!

    Personally, 2013 has been up and down for me. I gave birth to a beautiful little daughter, my family has grown and life is busier than ever. I think I’m finally at the roots of my anxiety/depression and I am confident in saying that I feel so much better, getting it all out of my system.

    I met a new friend this year. A really special woman. You can’t imagine losing so many good friends in life, but to have a new one come along right now, is exactly what I needed.

    2014 is going to be a big change for me. I can feel it…. BRING IT ON!

    xx

    • BabyMacBlogBeth says

      New, really good friends are SO good to find. I found one this year too…a couple in fact. It’s a great feeling. Hope 2014 is a cracker for you Sammy….it’s impossible NOT to feel those things when you spend your days, all of your days, looking after really small people. It will get better, and you will get more of you back soon. Promise x

  20. A beautiful post. Really appreciate reading your words today, and every day this year. So thanks for all of the work you put into your blog, and for putting your stories out there. x

  21. Amy {The Misadventurous Maker} says

    Adore this post Beth. Just beautifully said, uplifting and lovely. Yay to you and your fab year! And I’m going to reread this post in a few weeks time if/when I hit that January slump that I annually encounter!xoxo

  22. Lovely post from a lovely lady. I haves loved following your journey this year. I have seen real contentment in your words Beth

  23. I get those weird January blues too! I think it is the uncertainty of the year ahead (and perhaps how daunting it all can be). I think your calling is in TV. Been watching you on the show and you are ace. I was thinking about why the Channel 10 breakfast shows have been flopping and I think it is because they rehash the same people we’ve been seeing on TV forever. Beth and Mrs Woog for morning TV. Take note execs.

  24. oh beth – you’re making me cry! so true, so nice to hear it from someone else. I hope you know how fabulous you are x

  25. daddownunder says

    I needed to read that Beth, I’m one of the those people that always over analyses where I am or where I’m not and where I’d rather be. You’ve done amazing things this year and seemed to have taken it all in your stride, here’s to a very exciting 2014. Is he really that handsome and nice – no fair ; )

  26. Thankyou Beth. You have been important & made a difference to me this year. Because i read your blog we now always have flowers in a antipodes vase, I can do a roast chook (ok maybe that was Jamie Oliver) but it felt very babymac;) i normally dont love the Christmas season but you inspired me to play Christmas music, sit & savour setting up the tree, I even made a hanging driftwood tree, driftwood I tell you! And don’t get me started on a new found love of linen. Or a kikki k obsession, ok maybe that’s not your fault… My point is I love your blog & one of my favourite things to do is to make a cup of tea & read your blog, sometimes I even save it as a special pick me up for a tough day. So thankyou and I hope you and your family have a wonderf

  27. Wonderful Christmas! And a new year filled with dreams xx

  28. Amy Zempilas says

    Brilliant post, I love this. It’s so true that you don’t have to let one thing in your life define you…. we can be so many things in one lifetime. I love your quote, my hubby works for Channel 7 in Perth and has taught me that success and kindness are not mutually exclusive. He’s one of the most grounded, honest, kind and real people I’ve ever met and I’m just lucky enough to be married to him! Love your work, congrats on all your success this year – it’s because you’re real and you’re YOU that this amazingness has come your way. I wish you nothing but the best for next year. x x

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