THIS is why I don't "just sit down."
A. If I don't ____________, it will not get done. Fill in the blank with any of the following phrases.
- Do the dishes
- Make breakfast/ snack #1/ lunch/ snack #2/ snack #3/ dinner/ snack #4
- Do the laundry
- Play with the 8- 6- 3-year-old
- Teach the 8- 6- 3- year old to do 1, 2, or 3 on her own
- Prepare the house for guests
- Find the lost toy
- Buy the gift
- Plan the outing
- FInd a babysitter
...etc....
B. Doing chores that bring me quick, measurable, visual results help me feel a sense of CONTROL. My life is ruled by three kids and a dog who each have her/his own view of how their life should work. And they don't seem to agree on much. And they have really loud, emotional responses when things don't go their way. And apparently, I am the one responsible for it all. But the bed. Oh, my sweet, sweet, love. Not only does my bed bring me peace and rest and blessed "adult time," it also submits to me every request. I want it messy? It will be messy. I want it made with hospital corners? Great! I want to make it with the covers neatly folded halfway down? No problem. Each morning, after I make my beloved bed, I stare at it for a few moments, and relish the CONTROL I have over how it looks. And it stays that way. ALL. DAY. Until the kids decide to pretend it is a skating rink....
Would I rather be sitting down? HELL YES. Would I be able to "relax and enjoy myself" knowing how much crap needs to be done? Nope.
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