What I Gave Up for Giggles

Sacrifices? Oh yes, I’ve served a buffet of them — some chosen, some served cold with a side of reality, and a garnish of “Did I really sign up for this?”
From giving up dreams that once sparkled brighter than my under-eye bags, to shelving my ego just to keep the Wi-Fi alive for yet another glitchy online class — life has been one long, chaotic trade fair.

I traded ‘me time’ for “Mumma, can you hear my poem for the 15th time?”
Silent dinners turned into culinary adventures featuring burnt toast, spilled milk, and last-minute science models.
“Motherhood,” someone wisely noted, “is the art of appearing okay while locating lost shoes at 7 a.m., without losing your mind—or your coffee.”

Once, I dreamed of solo travel. Now, a solo bathroom break with the door closed feels like a five-star spa retreat. Bonus points if no one yells, “Maaa!” from the other side.

But let’s not confuse sacrifice with sorrow. These trades? They’re the price I paid for joy — in mismatched socks, sleepy smiles, and spontaneous hugs that smell like crayons and biscuits.

“Life is a constant barter of wishes and wisdom.” I wished for calm. I got chaos laced with purpose.

Yes, I’ve let go of parts of me. But I gained newer, deeper, quirkier versions — braver, louder, softer, and yes… slightly more forgetful.

Thought to ponder:
In life, we don’t just give things up — we grow through what we let go of.
And sometimes, the biggest sacrifice is learning to laugh… especially while fishing out a LEGO from under your foot at midnight — silently, barefoot, and utterly in love.