Happiness. How many of us can say we are truly happy? It is something we all strive to be, but somehow we are so over scheduled and inundated with “stuff” that perhaps we allow the simple pleasures in our lives to slip through our hands. Have you ever really just thought about what might make you feel completely content? When I think about my source of happiness I immediately think of family and quality time spent together. However, the reality is that whether we like it or not, chores, shopping, cooking, cleaning, appointments, and stressing over financial security in an unstable time makes me anxious and can burden my wishes to truly feel content. It is something I work on daily. I want so much to de-clutter my life as much as possible of the things that create this heavy load on my shoulders. As a mom I have learned to “let go” of certain things that I may think need to get done (dishes, laundry, vacuuming, etc.) so that I can play with Little Chick. I don’t want these things to take away from moments to be happy and to do fun things. But I am seriously evaluating the "big picture" of unnecessary stresses I can eliminate at home and in my life in order to make more room for being content. We are only on this ride once. Better make it as happy as can be!
The picture above is Little Chick on her second birthday. She had a full day of family, partying and cake and so much fun! That is one content Little Chick! I can't believe her birthday is coming up next week already!
Couldn't have said it better myself! Someone once told me that "the chores will ALWAYS be there, but the little moments you have with your children won't so take advantage of them and have fun" Those were wise words! I hope you have a wonderful Friday!
ReplyDeleteI think that balance is something that would help me find true happiness. An instructor told my class that we have to maintain a balance between work, play and love, and I think that about sums it up. I always think that if I was more organized I could be more spontaneous and therefore have more fun with my kids and friends. Here is a link to a poem that I have tried to model my life after ever since becoming a mom (which indeed makes me happy):
ReplyDeletehttp://community.babycenter.com/post/a5452455/im_rocking_my_baby_and_babies_dont_keep
You'll have to cut and paste it, but it's worth the extra effort. Of course, 12 years later the dust and cobwebs have just about taken over! *smile*
I am so with you on that one! I feel like I always avoid the "other stuff" to make time for the more pleasurable activities, but I need a better balance.
ReplyDeleteAs always your pictures are cute as ever. This one especially makes me smile!
so cute!! "We are only on this ride once. Better make it as happy as can be".... how true. Mama Hen your posts always reminds me to count the blessings! thank you!!
ReplyDeleteThat picture is PRECIOUS!
ReplyDeleteI returned the love on my blog today!
http://theishblog.blogspot.com/2010/07/friday-freebies.html
more great thoughts and such a great photo of little chick : )
ReplyDeleteI agree. My husband lifted some of anxiety recently and for that I am grateful and can concentrate on my little guy.
ReplyDeleteLisaDay
They're only little once. Good post. I like to make sure my kitchen's clean before I go to bed at night to ensure that a messy kitchen doesn't interfere with a nice, bright start to the day.
ReplyDeleteChildren grow so quick! It is good to savor all the little moments :)
ReplyDeleteAdorable pic!! Kids always seem to get birthday partied out snd then we can take these precious pics!!
ReplyDeleteAww, I love that picture. Both my kids love Elmo (or emo as they call it:)). How old will Lil Chick turn on her upcoming birthday? My kids will turn 2 in 4 months. It seems like they turned 1 just yesterday!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your thoughts. Like my friend once said, "Happiness is not a destination, it is way of life."
My house is a giant mess. Laundry rarely gets folded and the last time I dusted shevels I can't remember. But my child is happy and I love spending every moment I can with her. I work full time so I don't get much time with her through out the week. The house will still be a mess when shes asleep or even when shes older.
ReplyDeletehi there Mama Hen! i missed your post this morning - we left the house early..btw, i was really touched by this post! i couldn't have said it better myself! i'm as guilty as charged when it comes to keeping the house clean and doing chores and then at times getting irritated when my boys want to show me something or want to just be with me..but now i make it a point to always attend to them first before anything else..my youngest son Sammy loves little chick and elmo's photo, hehe..
ReplyDeleteSo true we're only on this ride once! This is a great reminder to live in the moment! I do relate with what Eastlyn said about balance, and I believe having the right priorities helps me balance better, and vice versa. Great post!
ReplyDeleteWell said! Although life comes with a certain amount of responsibility, the dishes sometimes have to wait for that little person starting up at you. Great post again, Mama Hen!
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure you were on my walk with me and KLV this morning....I had this very same conversation in my head. Being content, isn't that the ultimate state of happiness? Great post and perhaps we can go on this 'contentment' journey together. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree mama. Chores can wait. I'd much rather spend time with my love than do any household chore. Lit Chick looks content though (= And wishing her a very happy birthday!
ReplyDeleteSometimes I think that you and I are two of a kind. I entered this weekend reflecting over this past week and wondering why I was so stressed. I write more about it on my blog but the short version is that I know what needs to be cut out. My spiritual life and the purposeful upbringing of Little Bit cannot take a back seat.
ReplyDeleteThanks for resonating my decision for me!
oops! In Smile Sunday of course!
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