In making my new year's resolutions, I keep coming back to one word, abundance. It seems that in past years, we have always been climbing some huge hill. Weather it be getting all of these kids here to earth, or finishing up degree after degree. It seemed that though there were down times, for the most part it was nose to the grindstone for us. Well, not this year baby. I am not naieve enough to think that this year won't have its own set of challenges, I am just saying that my attitude and perspective has been tweaked a little. Brad and I were able to go out on a little date while my parents were here. (note to self- find a good babysitter and go on more dates) We headed out to the Cheesecake Factory for a yummy dinner and some really good conversation. I mentioned to Brad that I always seem to rush through my meals and probably eat more than I should since I am not giving my body time enough to tell me it is full. He responded that I am usually trying to get three kids to eat their dinner- nursing another- and simultaneously doing the dishes all while I am trying to get some nourishment in myself. It is true, meal times do seem to be a 3 ring circus around here, but in talking some more about it with Brad, it doesn't need to be that way. Most of the time, we are not headed out anywhere after dinner, but for some reason I feel an urgency to get through it. I am ashamed to say that this is sometimes how my whole day goes- not just dinner time. I am rushing to get people up and dressed, fed breakfast, out the door to school, back home to get myself ready, any chores and errands that need to be done, then it's lunch and so on and so on. Why am I rushing???? Where are we going that I have to speed things up so much?? I realize as I am hurrying people throughout the day that I often miss opportunities to connect with my kids or Brad and to really enjoy the days we have together. I find myself rushing through stories at bedtime so I can get to the treadmill 5 minutes earlier instead of giving into the begging of Sadie for just one more chapter in her book. What really matters here- an extra 5 min. on the treadmill, or seeing the smile on Sadie's face when I give her an extra few minutes of my time before bed? So, I am resolute in making this year a year of recognizing and living an abundant life. On our date night out, Brad and I discussed some things we each wanted to change and make better in this coming year. One of those was getting the kids more involved in the up keep of the house. I have always done the bulk of the housework for 2 reasons. One, I feel it is my job to maintain the house since Brad is the one out bringing home the bacon. Two, I am a control freak. (there I said it) I like things done a certain way and sometimes go back and do it again if it wasn't done the way I prefer. This sometimes results in me feeling overwhelmed and under appreciated when I am carrying most of the burden of the house maintenance. Well, we rolled out a new chore system at family night this week and the response has been eye opening. My kids like to clean. They like responsibility. They really like the thought of making a little bit of money. I also have realized that the dishwasher can get unloaded correctly by someone other than myslef, and that frees up time for me to take care of something else. I know we are only in the first week here, but I think this is going to be something very good for our family. I am resolute in listening to my kids more instead of shushing them. In saying yes a few more times than no when the girls want to get the nail polish out. In letting Drew set up all of his action figures on the kitchen table- and more importantly keeping Brinlee away from him while he does it. In watching Cole discover the world around him. In telling Brad how grateful I am that he provides for our family. In bettering myself as a mother and a wife and not being too hard on myself in the process. All in all, I will work to live an abundant life and find joy in the journey.
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4 comments:
I really like your post. I too have some of the same issues as you do. Rushing too much, having to do things myself because I to like things done a certain way. I stress myself out way too much and the answer is right in front of my face, let someone else help me. Do I really need to worry about rushing throu things and missing time with the people I love most? No I don't. Do I really need to have everything done my way? No I don't. It will be much easier to learn more patience and let the little things go. So You are not alone in how you feel at all. I felt like you were writing my story as I was reading your post and I too am striving to make the same goals and enjoy life and my family more. I admire you for the post you made. Here's to a new year and to always striving to do better.
Oh Claire;
I have to say (not to sound
too cheesey)that I got a
couple tears in my eyes as
I read your post.
First of all, the one word
title, "Abundance". You
are so, wise (way ahead of
where I wasat your age)
and I love to hear
the way you write.
Excellent insights.
Then, to hear you say,
almost exactly to the
word, the same things
that I was saying as a
mom atyour age.I'm
pretty sure it was Matt
who asked me one day,
when I was hurrying you
guys out of the minivan,
"Mom! WHY ARE WE IN SUCH A
HURRY? WHERE ARE WE GOING?"
It made me stop and think.
And today you made me stop
and think; sometimes I still
hurry too much (even thought
I don't have littles anymore.)
It's always wise counsel to
not "run faster than we
have strength."
Love you lots Daughter,
love to all,
nana 2e
PS and YES the girls look
too cute and too grown up,
and please -for all the tea
in china-would they kindly
QUIT THAT IMMEDIEATELY!
That is all I have to say
about that.
carry on,
nana 2e
You are so wise and such an influence to me. We have so many similiarites as well. Here is to a more abundant year!
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