I thought it was so great! There really are nice people in the world. I really hope this new wife got the message, because it did my heart good. It made me want to send cute little notes in Joel's lunch box.
On a slightly related note, I realized the other day just how much power I have to be happy. It really can be a choice. I have been struggling a little the last few years being a happy mom. Before I had children, I'd always been a happy person without really trying, because I had a great life. That's mostly thanks to some really wonderful parents -- I had an idyllic childhood that, though not without a few rough spots, couldn't have been any better. So, once I really became a parent, I have struggled with some new, powerful emotions -- not the least of which are pregnancy hormones and mommy-guilt -- that aren't always pleasant. Well, the other day I realized that, among other things, I was allowing those feelings to determine my attitude too often. Too much of the time I was allowing the state of my house to determine my attitude. Too much of the time I was allowing the obedience or disobedience of my children to determine my attitude. Not that I was sad all the time, but I definitely could say that I wasn't happy a lot of the time.
And I decided to bag all that garbage. Just like that. Life is still tricky, things are still not perfect all the time, but my attitude is helping everyone around me to bag their garbage, too. In fact, sometimes if someone's talking back to me, I tell them to flush their attitude down the toilet! :) One thing that helps me adjust my 'tude is to work really hard. This week, we've had a ton of work to do, getting ready for our Reunion, and I feel great going to bed just tired out. Service works, too -- if I haven't accomplished something (anything!) in a day, it feels like a complete waste -- but it feels like even more of a waste if I haven't blessed someone's life somehow, whether it's my kids or my neighbor or the girls I visit teach. Sometime's it's not easy to get a grip on your attitude -- I get that, and I've lived there. But isn't it worth the effort? I think my kids would say yes -- they're liking this new Mama, because this Mama is calmer and clearer-headed and a whole lot funner.
And little notes like this help me on my quest to bag the blues. So, if you go to the Springville library and recognize this handwriting, please let me know! I'd love to return this note to it's rightful owner -- and say thank you for helping me be a happier person.
7 comments:
Darn, at first I thought that Joel wrote that note! But the handwriting was too good (just kidding!). I hope to see you all soon!
I remember a fellow giving a talk in sacrament meeting who said that he once reached a point in his life where he thought he had no problem with anger. Then he had his first child. Well, you know the rest. By the way, does Joel's lunchbox have Optimus Prime on it?
Thanks so much for your new blog post. I needed it a lot! August has hit and with it, people (teachers) realizing it's almost fall semester, and darn, here are major projects I should have started in May . . . you get the picture--so thanks for the help with my attitude adjustment. Hooray for happy moms, dads, sons & daughters (and daughters-in-law), although to me, you SO fit in the daughters category! Love you!
Scott just sang this song to me today! He didn't leave it in a book though; I probably wouldn't have found it for years with how busy I've been lately!! I love you Nat (haha I almost wrote Nanny...weird.) and I love being around you!
:)
I have to say it's a cute note. :) Wish I had thought of it!
And now that song is in my head! :-D Thanks for this post, it helps remind me that attitude makes a huge difference. Much love to you!
I think I'm gonna have to get going on a few notes! I know somebody who does that 'reading' thing quite frequently around here!
I'm glad you've found a good place, Natalie. ~Or, knowing how motherhood is up-and-down and figure-things-out-just-to-forget-them-again, I'm glad that things are good for you right now. =D And hey, that's what journals (and blogs) are for, right? So you can go back, re-read, remember, and try again. Love you!
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