I’m continually shocked at how much my own attitude and outlook on life has an effect on my entire family. If Mama’s in a bad mood, then everyone is. And I am also shocked at how often my mood depends on my perspective on life. Its kind-of like the age-old saying about the glass being half-empty or half-full… how I am seeing that glass can seep into every area of my life.
Am I being thankful that God provides for all of my needs or am I grumpily focusing on that which I don’t have? (Most of which would definitely qualify as a “want” not a need!) Am I beating myself up over what I didn’t get done or am I proud of what I was able to accomplish? Am I pleased with the progress my kids are making or am I frustrated that they are not perfect? (Like I am. Ahem.) Its all about my perspective.
I can be resentful that Husband’s job involves long hours and travel.
or
I can be thankful that he is finally in a job he enjoys and has a boss who encourages everyone to put family first.
I can complain about being uncomfortable, unable to sleep and fat. And uncomfortable.
or
I can remind myself that every little kick (and huge thump) is a sign that my baby is growing and healthy. I can enjoy this pregnancy, remembering when I thought I may not be able to have more kids. And eat ice cream when I want to, since when am I going to get to do that again without feeling guilty?
I can browse real estate listings that I can’t afford and whine about every little thing that annoys me about our house.
or
I can remember why we bought it. How it was so much better than what we thought we would find. And drive by our old house and wonder how we all fit inside.
I can beat myself up about being unable to do everything I want to. About how I’m not sewing as much as I want for Eliza Grace or working on the house enough. Or thinking I’m a slacker because things are messy.
or
I can accept that I need to take it easy right now. And that I can’t do everything. Why is that so hard to grasp?
About Melissa
I have a tendency to be a glass half empty person – lately, I have been trying to turn around those negative thoughts into positives like you did above. I feel blessed to have found your blog today.
Peace
Well Said! I find myself being a bit grumpy lately as I am working on my Board’s and need to realize that my attitude affects alot even my kids at school. With that being said we are only human though!
I needed to read this post in a bad way today, girlie. Thank you. You gave me a new perspective. And I needed it!
This is a really nice post. I need some perspective like this myself lately. Thanks for the reminder that we are very blessed!
My New Year Resolution was to be a happier person. Normally it is focused on my kids or my dear hubby, but I am slowly, I mean slowly realizing how my attitude really affects everyone at our house. I try not to get so angry about the little things, but when hubby is traveling for work each week, going it alone can make the little things pile up higher and higher. Lately, my thoughts have been on dancing. It feels good to dance, everybody enjoys dancing when no one is looking. So the kids and I dance to release tension and smile. I forget that smiling is easy,,,so simple and everyone benefits from it..the giver and the receiver.