I pick up 17 single socks throughout the day and immediately start to get annoyed at the fact that no one can find the laundry chute.
But I stop. I’m so thankful for the 10 feet that live in this house and the socks that cover them.
I look at the two-ton pile of laundry that awaits me each day and start to tense up and get angry at how it never ends.
But I stop. I’m so thankful for the 5 people in this house that wear all these clothes and have the ability to get them dirty.
5:00 comes around and it’s time to make dinner. I don’t feel like it. I love to cook but sometimes I don’t wanna make dinner.
But I stop. I’m so thankful that I have 5 people to feed, that we have money for food, that we are able to eat.
During dinner, I am sometimes appalled at the way Olivia eats her dinner, or the way Matthew won’t sit still, or the fact that Gabe sometimes forgets to chew with his mouth closed.
But I stop. I’m so thankful the 5 of us are sitting down to dinner together every night. That there is healthy, delicious food on the table. That we are talking about our days together. Gentle reminders to use manners are just fine. No big deal.
I just want to be left alone to read my book/write my blog/stare at the walls, but you want my attention. I don’t want to play a game/read a book with you/listen to your story right now.
But I stop. I’m so thankful you want to talk to me. Play with me. Be with me. So I do.
I just want to stay in bed all day and hide. I’m tired, I’m depressed, it hasn’t stopped raining in days.
But I stop. There are 4 people downstairs who love me. Who need me. Who want me to come and join their day.
So I do.
Elastamom's Excerpts 
I need this today. Just finished lunch that involved 2 toilet trips involving me having to stop eating to open and close stair gates, a plate and a sandwich thrown on the floor and 80% of the food left uneaten.
I am grateful for these children, they provide our family with an income, Some friends and a lot of fun along the way.
I was having a day like this yesterday. All I wanted was to lay down and take a small nap–just a small one. The second my eyes closed, I had a 5-year old yelling, and a 2-year old jumping on me (they were just laying down themselves). Then I did manage to get 10 minutes of uninterrupted sleep–the kids were even in the same room only to wake up to the 2-year with her chocolate bunny melting in her hand and chocolate all over her face, hands, and clothes. And the living room was destroyed! Yup, I was definitely having one of those days yesterday, but then they giggled and laughed with me and I remembered why I have kids. I hope today’s a better day Tiffany!
What? How did you know about my day yesterday? Haha. That was me too. 🙂
I was thinking that if life has to dish you that much laundry, having a beautiful mud room sure is the way to go! I still remember the photo of it when you posted your house tour after you moved in!
And that’s why I love you. You inspire me, my friend.
Your point of view is inspirational! I’ll remember it next time my attitude is slipping, or I’m having a hard time getting out of bed! Thanks, by the way, for your words of understanding on my blog!
I love the reframe of every irritation into a celebration.
Like you, there are days when I just want everyone to stop touching me, to stop needing me, just for ten minutes. I want to go upstairs to use the bathroom (rather than use the downstairs half bath) just so I can have five minutes to myself and yet, SOMEONE (either A or O) comes to find me two minutes into my retreat.
And that’s okay. Because in the end, I’m lucky to be needed, to be wanted by those three people I escaped from three minutes ago just so I could pee in silence.
I wish I could do more of this….finding the positive is something I struggle with. A lot. Good for you for being able to do it.
Great perspective, I need to remember this more as I begin to get frustrated with “daily life”. Thanks for posting.
I truly needed this today. My everything happens for a reason attitude appears to be on hiatus and I am having a hard time living in the moment. Thank you so much for helping me to come back. xoxo
Important reminder. I needed this today.
That was a great way to put things into perspective. Thank you Tiffany! I love your blog!