Mindful Miles

The school pickup today wasn’t met with sunshine; it was cool and cloudy, the kind of day that encourages movement. So, my girls and I made a quick detour to the park to squeeze in a few mindful moments before heading home.

But our park visit started with a small, familiar heartbreak.

My younger daughter immediately spotted the coveted prize: her favourite swing, the one with the perfect chain length and the best arc. And, of course, someone else was already there. She stood rooted to the spot, a picture of silent disappointment, just staring at the bright red seat, convinced the afternoon was ruined.

Instead of letting her wait, I gently encouraged her: “Go try a different one. There are so many other swings ready for you.”

Reluctantly, she agreed and pushed off onto a nearby swing. It took just a few minutes, but soon enough, she was laughing. She found a couple of other children, and the small cluster of swings became a swirl of delighted energy and new chatter.

A little while later, the original, favourite swing became free. I called over to her, “Honey! Your swing is open now, you can go on it!”

She barely slowed her momentum, simply shouting back with a joyful, definitive reply: “No, Mum! This is more fun!”

And that was the lesson of the afternoon, delivered by a little girl on a playground. How often do we stand rooted in disappointment, staring at the single “swing” we think we need—the perfect job, the ideal outcome, the planned path—while missing the rich, unexpected joy happening all around us?

Sometimes, the greatest fun, the best friendships, and the most fulfilling experiences are found simply by letting go of the expectation and fully embracing the moment we’re actually in.