I’m writing you all now, at 2:33 in the afternoon, on a Thursday. And I’m writing write now in a kitchen that needs to be cleaned, with a table with math books waiting to be corrected, and kids downstairs watching thirty minutes of vintage Tom and Jerry. Today? Today has been a hard day. It’s been one of those days that I kind of want to bury in the collection of days and not look back again. I don’t like those days. I’m a good day kind of gal.
All I really want to do is go upstairs, grab a book, get some tea {I’ve had way too much coffee already}, and read a book. A fluffy not thinking about life let me escape book. But, right now, I have 18 minutes until the dvd is done. And truthfully, when it is done, I am going to be present for my kids. They need me. That Samuel needs me to look in his face, to tell him I love him, and to read that book to him again.
Not the distracted me.
So, I’m going to take my own advice and my own words and I am going to do one thing. We’re going to read a book about Samuel Morse and finish our spelling words. Then I’m going to take Samuel outside to play – with a coat and his funny rain boots because it is finally cool {and he always wears those boots}. And then I’m going to make dinner for my family.
One thing. After another. After another.
Today can be a good day. It can go down as one of those days that started out hard, but where I pulled up my boot straps and tried again even though I struggled with my own I’m failing thoughts. I’m not failing. I’m trying. So I’m going to start with one thing.
That is what I’m going to do.
Right now.
23 comments
Your posts inspire me. Thank you for sharing your days…
Hugs!! {P.S. I saw the UPS truck round the corner today and thought of you.}
Awesome. I often get and feel overwhelmed with my many “to do” lists and frequently feel like “that Mom that thinks she’s failing”… I started the “do ONE thing today” approach not long ago and can tell you… What a difference in makes for me! Thanks
Bravo! You are an inspiration. XO, ;0)
You are such an inspirational mom. I know, you are just a mom, like the rest of us. But, what you write, from your heart, is something I look forward to each day. Thank you for posting what I want to be on my mind. It’s in my heart, but I want it to play out in my everyday. Thank you for encouraging me to be a good mom.
Bravo Dedicated Mommy! I have to get my bottom going today but have LOVED a day of time with kids and a neighbor just visiting! Some days are meant to be seized with an extra hard grasp so it cant get away 🙂
And the crowd goes wild! Go you! THAT is what it’s all about. This is true victory – triumph over the evils that plague.
Rachel, Since I heard you say, “You’re not failing, you’re trying,” during your session last week, it has been in my head. What an inspirational line to have at those moments when the enemy tries to get us to think “failure!”.
I love your photos–the moments in time they capture are priceless. The photo of your son in his boots on the front porch says so much–his eyes just sparkle.
Love you!
Michelle
yep…one of those days. I am struggling with that desire for tea and an escape book too. The 2.5 year old terror is thinking he’s done with naps this week! Aack! That’s when we usually get the bulk of our schooling done. And of course, tonight is the night I am pulled in 3 different directions – soccer practice for 1 and fishing club for the other 2 and keeping the boy out of trouble. And the hubs has to work late so I get to do it alone. And there’s nothing at all planned for dinner. It’s a takeout kind of day!
Thank you for the gentle reminder that I’m not failing, I’m trying. I’m going to carry those words with me through my days. Enjoy your afternoon and thank you for inspiring mine!
Rachel, you amaze me with how you are able to do the right thing, finding that glimpse if sunshine amidst the clouds. You are a blessing to many, including me.
This is a very inspiring post. Thanks
Saw this toward the end of the worst day we’ve had in at least a few months and determined to do some “one things.” Mine? Bath time for the kids WITHOUT losing my patience and now that they’re in bed, cleaning up my kitchen. It’s been cluttered for a few days and it’s been getting on my nerves. Tomorrow’s a new day WITH a clean kitchen. ;o)
All you can do is take things one step at a time. I love this post. Beautifully written.
Tami
Love you on the good days and the not-so-good days!
Excellent post! Yes, some days are like that- lol. FLYLady has a wonderful saying, “You can do ANYTHING for 15 minutes.” Sometimes the only way I can make it through the day is to chant that mantra and use my 15 minute timer!
Today was like that for me due to overwhelming fatigue and a subbing day at school. (Dad is on a new 4pm to 2am shift.) We ate out after picking up oldest from football at 6:45. Not the most nutritious, but I DID feed the kids (that’s ‘one thing’ yes???) and stayed emotionally engaged with them in the restaurant. It was difficult to do, but I remembered you 10 ways to bless your child. We talked; we laughed; we smiled.
I’ve only been a follower for a couple of weeks, but I really enjoy and am inspired by your posts!
KatieJ
North Country
I had a day like this yesterday. You’re right…baby steps. Loved this post, love you blog!!
Love the PJ’s:) On days like today, it’s always good to put one foot in front of the other, take one step at a time and…at the end of the day, slip into YOUR favorite PJ’s:) It’s also good to know that you will overcome! Keep us “joyful” with your continued posts.
you always have inspiring posts and you work SO hard!
I love the boot straps comment! I’ve had a pull myself up by the boot straps day today, too, and guess what?It worked for me too! Hang in there, you’re doing great and you inspire so many, as is obvious by the many comments. I, too, have begun looking forward to reading your blog each day. Sending a hug, from me, a person you don’t know, but who is a fellow sister in Christ! Psalm 139!
I feel as tho’ I live my life in the ‘just do the next thing’ ditch. I wonder if any of us live any differently most days? Have been praying for you all day knowing you’d have to be in that same mode. It’s all about dying to self. Self wants to fold inward and hide from the world. We choose to die to self, get up, push forward, and do the next thing for those we love. We love you!
Been there. Done that. Am doing that. Thanks for being real. 🙂
“I am not failing. I am trying.” So true. And yet, so easy to get backwards.