I just had the most amazing epiphany.
I was thinking about how I fight against my daily to do list. Because in my head, and on paper, I have lots of things I'd like to get done. But the end of the day comes and sometimes things get done, but other days nothing is accomplished. I know I've been working all day because I'm tuckered out, but it's hard to know where the day went.
It's hard to not have measurable work. I don't really have much to show for a day, except for children that are still alive and enjoying a secure and happy childhood. And that is enough if I am in my right mind. But if I am in my wrong mind I can go a little batty with the undoing of all the things I'm doing. Like the dishes that need to be washed again because we dirtied them again. Or the laundry that needs to be put away or washed or a combination of both. Or the kitchen floor that was just swept and spot mopped but again has sticky spots and crushed cereal and flattened raisins.
At the end of the day there isn't a lot to show for my time. We live in this house and it shows.
So it dawned on me. My to do list is what I'd like to get done. But often the day has other plans for me. Like to help Ivar come off of his tantrum because he couldn't put his vest on by himself. Furious he cried because he could not reach that other arm hole and would not let me help. Or like how lunch got so messy it necessitated baths for both kids...and they ended up spilling lots of water on the bathroom floor. Or like how I made three meals that kept all bodies in the house healthy and happy. Or how, on an impulse, I finally made a phone call reconnecting with a friend long overdue.
The epiphany is that at the end of the day I should make a GOT DONE list.
My list would read like this:
-Helped Ivar work through his tantrum
-Cleaned bathroom floor and my children
-Made B, L and D for all
-Reconnected with friend
And I might add more:
-Unloaded and loaded dishwasher
-Carried a laundry basket upstairs full of clean clothes
-Carried a laundry basket downstairs full of dirty clothes
-Played Thomas the Train and made up a very clever plot line
-Fed and watered cats and chickens
-Built a fort out of couch cushions
-Put living room back together after bedtime routine
Does this make sense? None of these things would ever appear on my morning to do list. And yet it is so satisfying to see it all written out at the end of the day. I'm not sitting idle. I know that for sure. But I rarely have had anything to show for my days. Until now. The Got Done list changes everything.
6 comments:
such a lovely way to think about the day - focus on what you've done, and let that be enough (i mean, raising healthy & happy kids is enough, and the rest is all bonus material)
Love it! I have felt that way for years. You think "if only people could see the reality of what HAS been accomplished it might make me feel better about myself" but God knows and healthy and happy children should also show the real work that's been completed. Thanks for posting this, Becca. Love to you and yours!
~Elsa
I love the new blog design! I'm probably way behind the times on noticing, but I usually read in my Bloglovin app.
I like your perspective. And your kids will probably notice a difference too! Thanks, Becca.
I was never a stay-at-home mom so I can only imagine. But this is a lovely idea that I will start using at the end of my day as a business owner, too. When I worked for someone else my job was more clearly defined. Now I spend lots of unplanned time building relationships with customers, employees and vendors. Not nearly as important as raising healthy, happy children but important to those individuals nevertheless.
This is exactly what I need! So thankful to hear another mom feeling the same way I do at the end of the day and my to-do list sits virtually untouched. OR my to-do list is all checked off and I feel like the worst mom in the world. Perspective is a beautiful thing!
BTW, I cannot wait to see you on Sunday!!! The countdown has officially begun at my house! :)
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