Thursday, April 14, 2011

Not Really A Cliche

I bet we can all list off 5+ cliches without hesitation. In the right moment those cliches probably offer strength and reassurance. Any other moment they are just...well...cliches!

I don't think I have ever had an experience in my life that really made me rethink my every waking moment--until recently. Part of me is confused about why this particular event has had such an impact on me and part of me is thankful that it did. I'm extremely guilty of saying, "It will be better/different/easier later." I'm constantly putting off things in anticipation of a more ideal moment for doing them. Disorder in my home always puts me in a bad mood. I'm constantly trying to keep up with the mess so I can get rid of my headache. I always say that as soon as the house is clean we will go do this or that. What is the point really? There is only one day like today (and I have no idea if that is a cliche but it sure has potential, eh?).

I've been thinking about the things I do every day that I don't really care to do. I've been trying to make a list of the things that really matter to me. It is so difficult to cross off things like laundry and replace them with other events like exploration. Why? Is it all my personality or something else? Hmm. I'll probably never answer that but the one thing I can control is what I do with my time every day. Well, sort of. I can't control everything because my kids usually decide what I get to do most of the day.

My crazy mind can't just "wing it" on a daily basis so I have had to make a list of the things that I need to do every day. Some of the things are necessities (like cleaning) and others are interests (like going to the park). Normally I try to do the necessities first...which leaves me with no time to do anything else. I've decided to turn the list upside down... what was once at the bottom of the priority list is now at the top. I may never have a house clean enough to invite a friend over to visit... but at least I wont have (as many) regrets. I don't ever want "yesterday" to be my last day with someone and to have spent it doing things that weren't important. I'd rather squeeze in the cleaning over squeezing in spending quality time with the people I love.