“Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down…in the most delightful way.” Wise words from Mary. I have plenty of “medicine” in my life. Meaning things I know need to get done but I just don’t want to do them.
For me the worst dose would have to be cleaning. That is something that I really don’t enjoy. There are so many things I want to do with my days and spending it with a mop and a bottle of Fantastic just isn’t on my list.
So I have a choice to make, several options actually. I could:
- Hire someone to do that for me
- Complain and grumble while cleaning
- Not clean and live in a pig sty
- Find a way to make it less awful
I’m on a mission to pick #4 until the day I can convince my hubby to agree to #1. By the way, if you are in the #1 category, I’m a teensy bit jealous. Hope you are counting that as one of your blessings in life.
Let’s take a look at how I could carry out #4 Finding a way to make it less awful, that would prevent me from doing #2 Complaining and grumbling while I clean. Finding a way to make it less awful is my goal, not to be Martha Stewart.
So, what does a spoonful of sugar look like when applied to cleaning toilets. Here are some suggestions:
- Play music or a book on tape while you work
- Enlist your children to help with a treat planned when finished
- Use a timer: Set it for 15 minutes, quit when it goes off. More than likely I will want to finish up what I am doing, but I am CHOOSING to continue at that point rather than feeling forced. The main point is: GET GOING
- Touch things only once. For example, sort mail near the recycler then either toss it, file it, or put it in an action box.
As I mentioned before, I do not ever desire to win a Good Housekeeping award. But I do want to do what God has given me to do with the best attitude possible. He loves a cheerful giver, and your family will too.
For more tips on getting your house in order, check out this great website http://www.flylady.net/ It is full of information to help you organize your home.
So two questions for you:
#1 What is the “medicine” in your life?
#2 Would you share a tip on how you can sweeten the experience?
This is my second entry of what I learned while watching Mary Poppins with my little girl. If you missed the first one, “Enough is as Good as a Feast” read the previous blog entry.
Check out Leigh Ann's bio at: http://www.ibloom.us/associates/leighann.htmlClick here to leave a comment.
7 comments:
oh great blog! my suggestion would be to always use positive or action words... this will help 'lift' the attitude of both yourself and others around you!!!
Leigh Ann--
Thank you so much for reminding me that I have choices and for breaking up the seemingly monstrous tasks into bite size, and digestible bits !
Also, I LOVE Fly Lady. I have my cleaning zones all set up, just like she describes and it has been helpful for the Smith household to stay on top of things.
I look forward to mor eposts and all your insight.
Love, Erin
great job leigh ann! you are so right--it is all in the attitude, and aren't we supposed to do all things to our best ability to honor God? unfortunately, even housework! thanks for your insight and re-direction!
tonya
Well said, Leigh Ann. Cleaning is not one of my favorite chores either so I will take your suggestions to heart!
Well said, Leigh Ann!! Cleaning is not my favorite chore, either, so I will take your suggestions to heart! Blessings to you!
Wonderful Blog! I too share your dislike of cleaning and I definitely need a better attitude about it! What a good reminder that there are so many other options than complaining!
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