Celebrate One Thing

I guess I struck a nerve last week. I’m not the only “super-mom” out there who is not feeling so super. A week of perspective seeking has helped. Getting a couple of nagging projects off my plate has helped. Remembering to not write at the end of the day will probably help, too.

I felt a distinct shift on Saturday. It was a day that could have piled on top of the other days of unfinished business. Looking at the line up there was just too much to do. I unconsciously shifted into my new attitude:

do one thing, do it well, and celebrate it, before moving on.

It’s becoming a mantra. My kids are even repeating it, “Mommy, are you doing one thing?”

Saturday was a work day at church, among other things. My husband is in charge of these work sessions and needs my support to pull them off. I often put together lunch for all of the workers. That day I was making spaghetti sauce. I had brought everything from home except…tomato paste. Previously this would have sent me flying to the nearest grocery store. Not that day. I did a search through the church cupboards (and found a jar of salsa or a huge, ancient can of stewed tomatoes…not quite right.) I’d just about decided to skip it…there was plenty of other tomato (diced and sauce) in the pot…who would miss a little paste? Then inspiration hit – catsup! Every fridge has catsup. Found some. Put it in. Sauce was great. No one knew the difference and I gave thanks.

I did a couple of other small tasks. All the while asking myself to do just one thing, and I gave thanks.

Meanwhile, my kids were (mostly) outside enjoying a Spring-like day. Riding bikes and scooters, exploring “waterfalls”, and getting their shoes muddy. After several days of cold and rain it was a nice break for all of us, and I gave thanks.

I collected the kids in the van to go home and face more to do there. Just as I was about to pull away I saw a sweet blue-violet flower smiling at me, morning glory-like in appearance. Any other busy day I would not have even noticed it, much less enjoyed it, but that day I gave thanks…and gave the child a choice. “Do you want to go the twisty way or the straight way home?” We both love the twisty way, but on a busy day she knows I take the straight way. Not that day. We went the twisty way and loved every turn of the hills, every tree-dappled sunbeam. It felt so free, and I gave thanks.

I am sure there will be days that are still overwhelming but for now this is helping.

Do one thing. Do it well. Celebrate. Give thanks.

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