Well, I did make the grocery list. I bought the groceries. I voted. I finished the laundry. I even peeled 25 apples and made applesauce out of them. When I finally sat down to write, it was 2:30 pm, and I knew I had a lasagna to make and library books to pick up. I didn't think I'd be able to meet my goal, but I fired up my laptop and figured any words were better than none.
I did meet my writing goal. It felt good. But what really brought a warm blanket of contentment over me were all the little things I'd accomplished throughout the day.
Sometimes the small tasks snowball and push a huge pile of anxiety on my chest. No, the world won't stop turning if I have to throw out a few apples, but it will bother me. I hate being wasteful. And, sure, I could leave the laundry for tomorrow, but I don't enjoy putting things off that I can get done now.
My heart is also smiling because I have a refrigerator full of healthy food. I don't have to fold clothes because they're all folded. And I'm that much further on my current work-in-progress.
What a blessing to have the little things. :)
What little things could you do today to bring contentment?
Have a terrific Wednesday!!
Jill, I feel the same way. When I knock out some of my chores and even if it's as small as stocking the kids' bathroom with toilet paper or vaccumming, I feel like I've done something.
ReplyDeleteLast week, I deep cleaned the house. No choice--company. Need I say more? And this week it's felt good to be caught up.
I always feel awesome after I clean the house. It's satisfying to enjoy my home in its best shape. :)
DeleteI love little things because you feel like you've done so much when you get to cross a bunch of them off your list in one day.
ReplyDeleteWorking on my the characterization for the main character in my new WIP will bring me lots of contentment today. That, and reading two books (one fiction, one non fiction) I've been enjoying.
Congrats on meeting your writing goal, Jill. I'm in the planning phase right now, so there are not real goals in that respect for me.
The goals are less concrete before we write, aren't they? But they're so important! Good luck! And enjoy those books you're reading!
DeleteI totally know the feeling you're talking about! For me, I have SO many little AND big things to do, it's a war within me each day as to which ones to tackle. And I"m super ashamed to say that more times than I care to admit, I end up curling up in a ball and doing not much of anything due to being WAY too overwhelmed.
ReplyDeleteBut I LOVE those days when I can just knock out a ton of little stuff and feel proud of what I've accomplished. Those are GOOD days. Today won't be one of them. (It's therapy day for Annabelle so we're gone almost all day!) but I'm due for a good knock-out-a-bunch-of-stuff day soon!!!
Oh, I just read your question.... what can I do today to bring contentment.. Oye. Honestly, my goal is to get through therapy today, make dinner for the kids, clean up "stuff" that got messy today, help with homework, all with no huge chaos. Oh, and maybe fold a load or two of laundry tonight after dinner. I walk on the wild side here!
I'll pray for a great therapy session for Annabelle today. I love seeing the pics on FB! What a darling!
DeleteIf you can get through your last paragraph, you SHOULD feel content. It's exhausting being a mom, isn't it?
Good luck!
I'm with you. When those little things and clutter pile up I can get a bit squirrely, I hate putting things off. I relax much more when I actually take the time to get them all done.
ReplyDeleteWarm socks, good music, and a cozy warm drink also make me content;)
Same here. I don't like the feeling that I'm putting something off. Drives me nuts!
DeleteWarm socks, good music, and a cozy warm drink sound heavenly!! Nice list!
Little things to do drive me nuts...but I'm slowly realizing they'll always be there. So time to enjoy the little moments too.
ReplyDeleteIt's true. Our days naturally fill with little things, and new ones add daily! I'm finding joy in that!
DeleteGoing to coffee with a new friend. Stuff like this is so good for me b/c I have such a tendency to hibernate this time of year.
ReplyDelete~ Wendy
Ooo, sounds wonderful! I tend to hibernate too. Must. Leave. The. House. :) Have fun!
DeleteTrying to do a few little things each day so they don't pile up and overwhelm
ReplyDeleteMakes all the difference, doesn't it? :)
DeleteThe little things I can do today: make my bed...there's a strange satisfaction in that. And clean off my desk at work. :)
ReplyDeleteI cleaned my office desk off today. You wouldn't believe what a relief it is! Love it!
ReplyDeleteI seem to be fighting a losing battle with my sleep pattern. Because of that I have had to struggle to get anything done. Did some BETA reading early this morning. Took a morning nap and then paid property taxes. Refined my column article and submitted it. Had to call my ISP four times because I couldn't connect to the Internet. found two books I needed to locate. Had a touch of indigestion. Not a very good day.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a rough day. I'm impressed you got so much done! Hope you sleep better tonight. :)
DeleteJill: I believe when you make things (like applesauce and lasagna) for your family with love, it gives you an even greater sense of accomplishment. Today I went with my daughter to look at an apartment. She values my opinion and trusts I won't let her make a mistake. That made my day.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Homemaking is something I value and that blesses me. I love it.
DeleteHow wonderful that you and your daughter were able to apartment hunt together! I know what you mean--special times!
You and I were on the same wavelength Tuesday! I got groceries, did laundry, and voted. No applesauce here though. I fell on the couch and fell asleep instead. :)
ReplyDeleteMmm, naps! My favorite! :)
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