Mommy Moments
Ripples
By Melanie Lewis
As I write this, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas are approaching. I’m reflecting on the year going quickly by. One thing that really stands out to me is the 30-day-gratitude project Krista Martinelli, our AroundWellington editor started. I was inspired and felt I could use a mental boost. I was having a parenting crisis. My oldest was starting to rebel against chores and cooperation in general. My husband and I were at a standoff on different parenting approaches, and the inharmony of it all broke my heart. When Krista started the 30-day challenge, there didn’t seem to be a reason not to do it.
The first day, I spent some time whittling down my selection. I found that I was grateful for so many things and people in my life that it was hard to choose. I heard from others who participated that they experienced similar surprises. Once I did it for a couple of days, I just chose the first random thing that popped into my head or that was happening at that moment. For example, I had come back from a long walk with the dog and was grateful for my dog. In the next moment, I was grateful for the hot shower. I was hungry and thirsty and became extremely grateful for cold water and a crunchy apple. Everyday things became more meaningful and delightful when I thought about them and expressed that wonderment aloud. That was the first of many “aha” moments with the 30 days of gratitude.
The next thing that happened was a “lightness of life.” The burden of chores, cooking, and other “mundane” things didn’t seem as strenuous. Personally, I don’t find cooking my highest level of service to my family. However, Julia Roberts’ philosophy is, “It’s my privilege and honor to cook three meals a day for my family, and it’s a luxury on a level that I didn’t even realize, because it can be relentless for me on some days,” she said. “You have pride in how you take care of your family.” However, I can say that my family is a great joy and grateful to be able to share moments and activities. We are able to enjoy the simplest things – watching a football game, going to the playground, and playing hide-n-seek in the backyard. Aah, so grateful for the backyard.
Gratitude isn’t just an exercise it’s as powerful tool. In a recent Yahoo news story, “How gratitude benefits your love life” by Margot Carmichael Lester, she shares details of how a positive outlook creates an open mindedness towards different people and enhances your relationships. You gain confidence and self-esteem. The gratitude effect snowballs into all different sectors of your life.
One of my Facebook friends posted the following as a day of gratitude.
“My heart is full today, for the children who feel so alone and disconnected that they see no hope, and for the children who have lost friends in the past fortnight. I am appreciating my friends, loving those whom I love all the more, and cherishing each moment with my students and daughters and hoping that something will continue to matter to them. Please, let life go on, and the healing begin.” Kathryn
Being grateful doesn’t cost anything and yet has the same effect as the also powerful “Pay It Forward” movement. Being good to yourself and grateful for the people and things in your life benefits those around you. Thank you, dear readers, for giving me the opportunity to share my stories and insights with you. I’m grateful for you too.
Melanie Lewis is the mother of 2 active young boys. She is married and works part-time as Silpada representative and a weight loss consultant. She enjoys book club, and playing with her Blue-mitted Ragdoll, Percy and Golden Retriever, Rosie. She can be reached at melaniewlewis@yahoo.com.