Breathe in, breathe out. You are ready for this.
That is what I told myself as I watched a sunset much like the one featured in ‘Grand Canyon National Park, Powell Point Sunset 1310035’ by NPS/M. Quinn and Grand Canyon National Park. It was quiet, except for the sounds of nature; the gust of wind, the echoing of birds, and the occasional crunching of loose rock under our feet. This was all impermanent, just like us.
Last fall, as the seasons were shifting from fall to winter in Grand Canyon National Park, I took one of my last hiking trips before giving birth to my beautiful son. Accompanied by my husband, I remember standing out on the ledge of that enormous gulf thinking that there would never be a time quite like this again. One with the freedom to take off and go whereever we wanted, unencumbered by the responsibilities that parenthood entails. We knew we wanted this new, scary and wondrous change. But it was just that, scary and wonderful. Like gazing down at the depths of the canyon, pondering what new things are to be found around the bend.
The song, ‘Cloudy (Cinematic Lofi Beat)’ by MichaelSchullerMusic, paints a contemplative picture, one that isn’t quite sad or joyful, but reflective of what has been and what will be in the future. The birth of a child is a time to consider who we are as people, and who we want to be for our children. It truly is like standing at the precipice of a canyon, ready to jump into the unknown.
That silence my husband and I shared at the Grand Canyon is now gone. In its place, there are belly giggles, triumphant grunts of success, and a fair share of frustrated cries. Someday the quiet will return, but the adventure we feared would leave us remains as we constantly learn and explore new things about ourselves and our spectacular baby boy.
Hi Dakotah!
Congratulations on your baby boy! This is a wonderful scene you depicted within your post. The canyon on its own stands beautifully but the song you accompanied with it really alters the experience. Instead of something immersive, like the birds calling or boots crunching that you mentioned about the hike, the music makes the scene very serene. As you said, contemplative. I feel like you captured the feelings you had at this time wonderfully with your photo and audio choice.
I think another interesting audio choice in relation to your post could’ve been fading crowd chatter, or even the fading of boots crunching on rock. Something to signify how the more daring adventures are past for the time being in the opening of a new chapter in your life.
Hi Dakotah!
First, as Amber said, congratulations on your baby boy! Your post definitely resonated with me, especially as a single mom who can’t just live life spontaneously anymore. Gone are the days when I could wake up and just decide to go on a trip or choose to spend the day reading. Now my days are filled with planning outings around nap times and making sure our bedtime routine is done, etc.
I definitely think your picture is a beautiful one, and it’s just the right size to drive home your blog points. I quite like the “Cloudy” soundtrack you’ve added – it adds a level of depth, reverence, and reflection. Together, I can definitely visualize being at a crossroads of walking towards the future while remembering who you were in the past. Apart, since I’ve never been to the Grand Canyon, there’s a level of excitement that I want to learn more about through your image. For your audio, it is relaxing and I could see myself studying with it. There are two completely different feelings that are perfectly meshed with added together.
I think it would have been interesting to add those “belly laughs” as an audio clip – to me, that would highlight the things that “were” but also the things that “are.” Also, how amazing will it be when you can take your baby boy on the hikes you used to enjoy with JUST your husband!! (Side note: I have the Osprey Poco pack and it’s wonderful for long hikes!)
Overall – Great job and wonderful post! Motherhood is amazing; it’s not without its challenges… but hold on to these days – one day you’ll have more freedom than you know what to do with.