I wanted to take a day to post something besides just my photography.

Something beyond my art- something more mundane/ everyday life stuff.

Being mindful is something I strive for, and its no easy task-

especially when you are managing a household full of boys and pets.

This morning, I remembered I had said I would begin Mindful Monday.

A post documenting my journey in being aware and present.

I’m not gonna lie to you- today started off completely chaotic and crazy.

I woke up with a sore throat, my hubby ran out the door early for work,

leaving me to deal with the family, as well as my throat.

While brewing coffee, I managed to make the kids breakfast, and pack lunches before it was even done.

But as I went to get a soothing sip of the hot liquid to help my aching throat…

the dog barfed all over the living room floor.

I cleaned it up, went on with just 1 sip of my coffee before I realized I had only 15 minutes to spare for a shower.

I managed to do a turbo wash of my hair, jump out,  frantically get dried and dressed,

and rush downstairs with my tangled, wet hair-  at least all was still on schedule!

BUT I found a puddle of puppy pee awaiting me.

I cleaned the puppy pee, and then saw D’s bus drive by- D missed the bus…

OK, keep moving! I managed to get the dog put away in the crate,

kids into the car, along with lunches and jackets,

and drove to the G’s preschool with soaking wet hair pulled back into a bun.

I dropped G off after the sign-in and meet and greet process with teachers and other parents

(looking like I had just jumped out of a pool),

then headed to D’s school.

On the way to D’s school he began to complain…

Why did I take so long in G’s class?

Why wasn’t he dropped off first, why did G get dropped off before him ? (insert pout face)…

I reminded him, he missed the bus and I was driving him to school- a little gratitude was in order…

Then we chatted about being grateful and the importance of a positive attitude:

If we concentrate on the positive things we do have, rather than what we don’t, we will be happier in life,

and in turn attract happier people in life, and have many more great experiences.

I dropped him off, drove home to take the puppy out for another bathroom break,

looked at the datebook and realized I had about 1o minutes to get to my Dermatologist appt!

As I looked around the house on my way back out the door, I felt defeated.

It looked like a disaster!

Dishes all over, puppy toys, kid toys,

and Christmas storage boxes waiting to go back up into the rafters of our garage.

I finally brushed my hair and made it to my appt. on time.

As I sat in the quiet waiting room, I thought about my feelings about the house, and the chaos of the morning so far.

As I observed these thoughts,

I then realized: rather than feel defeated and “not enough”,

I could choose to take my own advice that I gave D.

Yes, the house was a wreck- but at least I had a home,

and love, and things that fill my home…

I chose to change my own attitude and perspective and be grateful.

Also, I realized how I was beating myself up for not doing “it all”

and doing it all perfectly.

Why wasn’t I grateful for everything I did accomplish?

kids had lunches, were at school on time,

dog was fed and happy, all were safe, I was at my appt. on time,

and I even managed a shower in the midst of cleaning up dog barf and dog pee!

 I left my appt. and realized I had a little time left before I picked up G from school.

I also noticed the weather was althought rainy, it was drastically warm. Rather than 20 degrees, it was in the 5o’s!

I decided the house could wait a little longer.

I decided to go on a jog and breathe this lovely day in and all it had to offer.

Giving myself this gift of being present, being alone,

and breathing outside will calm me and restore me

making me pleasant for the rest of the day,

and in turn rub off on anyone who crosses paths with me.

We have the power to change our day,

by changing our reaction to our day,

and in turn, our attitude and perspective.

I am grateful for that.

*****

Was the rest of  the day mellow?

Heck no!

Puppy playdates,

kid play dates at my house,

laundry, dishes,

dinner prep,

basketball practice,

kids baths,

sibling arguments,

kids homework.

exhausting.

But being a bit more mindful got me thru the mania!

whew!

I did not intend this post to be this long,

so thank you for being along for the ride.

~Wishing you peace and harmony this week~

xoxo Shell