I know, I know, I know. It’s an impossible and unrealistic goal. I’ve been in enough therapy sessions to know that chasing “happiness” is a fool’s errand. We should really be appreciating all the moments we have on this planet. Being “happy” is a fleeting emotion.
But dude, I really just want my kids to be happy.
True, Unbridled Joy
Sometimes it seems really hard for a teenager to be happy. You know the saying, “Big Kids, Big Problems” – that feels true sometimes. Teens right now are under such intense school, sports, and social stress. We prioritize mental health above grades or achievements, but still – watching your kids walk through tough times is a challenge.
So when you get to see your child experience joy, true unbridled joy, you want to bottle the feeling and carry it in your heart forever. Last week, we had the chance to see Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in New Jersey and I got to witness what every mother wants.
I got to see my kid (and about 70,000 others) really, really happy.
Three More Exams
To be clear, we didn’t win the Ticketmaster lottery. I entered my email address for the chance to buy tickets with approximately a bajillion other people. I didn’t have the luck, but my niece did! Once selected, my sister-in-law navigated the confusing portal to purchase seats. In the months leading up to the concert, Lola planned outfits, made bracelets to trade and she encouraged me to study lyrics and set lists.
She had spent the weeks before the concert with her nose buried in books studying for final exams. At one point I walked into her room to say goodnight and she had her head down on her desk and her eyes closed. She had fallen asleep on a pile of open notebooks and flashcards. I touched her shoulder and she lifted her head. She muttered, “three more exams until Taylor Swift.”
Getting Emotionally Happy
While most people were watching Taylor Swift make her grand entrance on stage, I was watching Lola’s face. In fact, in the 3 hour and 20 minute concert, I think I saw about 15 minutes of her performance. I was watching my sweet girl experience pure joy. Occasionally, I’d turn around to see the thousands and thousands and thousands of people packed into the stadium. I was in awe of every single fan singing every lyric so perfectly.
Yes, Taylor Swift puts on an incredible show but I think seeing the community she created in her fanbase is the real work of art. In a world where we get programmed to see such sadness, I got emotional seeing so many people filled with so much happiness.
Lola and I had a debrief on the entire concert experience on this week’s podcast. She shared her favorite moments, the touching story behind my new favorite picture, and how Swifties came to our rescue after the concert. Lola also answers some of your most commonly asked questions. Listen and tell us what we may have missed!
