Back

Anything is Better Than the Sofa: A Mantra for Life's Adventures | Day 297 of my 2023 Journal

Cecilie Conrad·Oct 25, 2023· 3 minutes

Anything is better than the sofa!

Eleven years ago, when my youngest child was a newborn, we went on a 100-day road trip in Europe. My brother flew to meet us in Spain and joined the party for about six weeks.

This Road trip was epic. In so many ways. For this reflection, I will share only one point, a statement presented by my brother, a statement that stuck with us like a mantra and has become central to our shared understanding of life.

He said: “Anything is better than the sofa. You need to get out there. You might have a plan, you probably need a plan, but at the end of the day, the main purpose of that plan is to get you out there. Because anything is better than the sofa.”

There are, of course, things where the sofa is a better alternative. But I think if you try, you get the point.

I got the point on Tuesday where the downpour started at eight in the morning and continued the entire day. We spent a lot of time on the sofa on that day.

All doing our things: writing, working, exploring, studying, reading, gaming.

At the same time, the jet tag had an unforeseen backlash. We thought we were over it, getting used to the new sleeping and eating rhythm - and then exhaustion set in. Instead of feeling we were on top of the energies, it suddenly felt like we had been up all night for almost a week.

Low energy, tropical rain, sofa. The combo was BORING. We did get some things done, and it was a calm and cozy day.

Jesper and Storm enjoyed being stupid and playing basketball with swimming goggles on, to avoid getting the rain in their eyes. I walked in the sunset in a new direction, taking in the city with all the water. But at the end of the day, I felt it was bent in neon, shouting from the rooftops, written 100 times on the blackboard:

Anything is better than the sofa.

Just get out there.

And so continues our soft landing in Mexico, more real stuff slipping through the cracks of Tourist Friendly Surface, an unfolding of our spirits on new grounds, a realization we are on track, and every context has its treasures.

Even a rainy day on the sofa reminds us how beautiful it all is, and how little things, in reality, very often are big things.

With love

Cecilie-Underskrift-300x133

Cecilie Conrad

Thank you for reading
I would love to hear from you. Listen to your thoughts and reflections - or praise :) It is often emotional to share our lives like this, and we get very happy when we get your feedback. So feel free to share a comment below 😋 

See more images on Facebook!

Dive into the necessity of challenging societal norms, especially when it comes to medicating children to fit into a system. Explore conversations th…Read more
From punctuality to flexibility, explore how everyday choices shape our readiness for life's next steps. It's about becoming "ready to be ready" and …Read more
Navigating a day full of shifting plans and unexpected challenges? Discover the importance of adaptability and quick decision-making. Learn how to ma…Read more
Today, I agreed to sell my bus, donated my belongings, and shared a heartfelt meal with my family. I'm discovering the courage it takes to change my …Read more
We took Jesper's parents to Mon La Bassa, shared stories, and enjoyed the importance of family. From beach walks to organic dinners, discover how a d…Read more
Discover the beauty of doing less and enjoying more. From welcoming family to simply staring at the horizon, explore how a day of rest can be just as…Read more
Join us on a 15-kilometer trek through Barcelona, where we embrace the city's charm, from its street art to its vegan treats. Discover why the journe…Read more
Step into our day of intense decluttering, as we say goodbye to old dreams and material possessions. Discover how letting go is not just about space,…Read more
We are on the path of decluttering and self-discovery as we part with books and clothes, making space for new dreams and a future full of adventure. …Read more