I Sit in Parks

Originally written November 22, 2025. This is not a “please feel sorry for me post.” Just an honest one and something to reflect on. I’ve almost posted it several times but something has always held me back. But tonight, I feel like sharing it.

I was listening to Kelsea Ballerini’s new song “I Sit in Parks” the other day and, if you haven’t heard it, you should take two minutes and listen to it because it’s very powerful even in its simplicity, just boldly stating what it is she wants and feels like she missed out on. 

Some people will listen to the song and criticize the cultural lie that all women should pursue a career and not worry about having a family and kids until later. Many will feel sorry for her as she regretfully wonders what her life could look like if she had realized she wanted a family sooner or not prioritized her career so much. 

But, what most people won’t stop and think about is the women like me who the song also resonates for. Women who didn’t put their career first. Women who have done all the right things and checked all the boxes. Women who have a job and have made a wonderful life for themselves but never prioritized money and success, always putting people and family and connections first. Women who have tried all the groups and all the apps yet still sometimes see their friends and their families and have to ask, “What’s wrong with me?”

I’ve done all the things that supposedly make me wife material. I love Jesus, go to church, cook, clean, teach, workout, and eat healthy. I’m amazing with kids of all ages, I’m a good friend, and a great sister and daughter. I smile, laugh, have fun, and try to make the most of every moment. I love life and I love my life. 

Most of the time I know there’s nothing wrong with me. I know that I am exactly where God wants me to be. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t wonder sometimes why my life looks so different from my friends’ whose lives have followed the normal and traditional timetable for major life steps. 

The sad thing about it though is that my situation isn’t unique. There’s a reason Kelsea Ballerini wrote a song about it and that it’s resonating with so many women, even those who didn’t put their career first. There’s a major problem in our culture. And people will blame anything from Taylor Swift and romance novels to men and social media. I don’t know what the cause or problem is and frankly I don’t care. 

People also love to joke about younger women and their obsession with their dogs. But, maybe we get a dog because we just need someone to love and care for that’s wholly our own. Someone who loves us back unconditionally.

Sure, the reels and posts making fun of dating apps are great and I enjoy seeing them. But it’s also really nice to have someone like Kelsea Ballerini acknowledge the other side hidden bravely behind the jokes and eye rolls. The part of your heart that hopes and wonders and hurts. 

I do really, truly love my life as it currently is. I wouldn’t go back and change anything and I wake up each day so happy and grateful for my family, my dog, my job and coworkers, and all the other wonderful things that God has blessed me with. But occasionally, sometimes, at night or in the car or scrolling on Instagram, I too sit in parks.