Now we’ve talked about this before. Rhythms.
These are necessary to live a thriving life. We are all very different so our cadence may differ, but all in all, we must have a rhythm to our lives. This is not to be confused with the illusion of control that we think we have over our lives. Inversely, it is the freeing design we have to make something of the 168 hours we are given each week.
More than likely, if you’re reading this you have a family or you are expecting one in the future. Furthermore, if you’re reading this column, it's highly likely you’ve been here before. Maybe you’ve read what I’ve shared before about the special days that we highlight from the common calendar and the even more precious days we have created just for our family. You’ve probably read about the many game nights, adventures with uncles and aunts, and the candidly awkward and inevitable conversations about the human body – and what two bodies can do. Yeesh. At least now I can relive that memory with less ick and more laughter.
All of these stories that have been shared over the last year or so, have pointed to the fact that there were unpredictable things to the rhythm of life that has been created. But there is a rhythm nonetheless and we have had the pleasure and challenge as parents of creating it.
For the past 16 years, we have hosted Thanksgiving at our house. However, this past year we were guests and my kids were a little sad. For Christmas, we traveled – which we rarely do – and prior to leaving, they all wondered when our traditions would be done. It was amazing to see how these teenagers turned to mush when their family and home rhythms seemed to go awry. Now, all good times were had. Still, it was beautiful to see that the life rhythms we’ve built as a family have truly become bedrock to an intangible sense of home for them.
So, 2026 has come and the time for re-evaluating everything is here. The world sets new goals, intentions and parameters for the best launching pad forward toward it all. I say make family rhythms a part of what you evaluate and ponder. Not just the planned vacations, college tours, trips or tournaments, but the simple weekly, quarterly, and annual things that can be done no matter what happens in life. If it’s a fireside chat or a game night with a swoon-worthy prize, make it epically simple, yet meaningful. It will resonate through your relationships with your family in ways you get to see unfold over the years.
My friend Lisa, with whom I share this column, and I will keep sharing all the craziness, meltdowns and unpredictable things in this column. We will share the baffling realities of getting older, middle-of-the night conversations, and teaching our kids that love stories can be big, beautiful and true. But we will also keep celebrating the stories that you may never tell each other about the amazing life you strive for, for your loved ones. We will keep celebrating the music we are fighting to make no matter what life throws at us. Cheers to all the rhythms and music you make this year!
Diamone Ukegbu is a local Little Haiti artist, creative, teacher, mom and wife who is in the throes of raising three children while trying to keep her sanity.
