Isn’t it interesting how our ideal does not often reflect our reality.
For example, ideally my kitchen would always be spotless. The dishes would immediately be done after every meal or baking experiment. My car would never get low on fuel. My toddler would never throw a temper tantrum. My family wouldn’t have medical bills and a student loan to pay off.
It can be easy to get caught up in the “wouldn’t it be nice if…” mindset. But that’s a dangerous place. A place that breeds envy, regret and hard-feelings.
“This post contains affiliate links which means I receive a commission, at no additional cost to you, if a purchase is made by using the link. Read my full Disclosure Statement here.”
That’s where the mindset shift comes in. Because as Joy from Inside Out says, “There’s always a way to turn things around.”
Forgive me for the random film reference…it’s Little E’s favorite. And yes, I could probably recite the whole movie script.
The point is, there’s wonder in the reality. There’s enjoyment, memories and growth.
It’s a gift to yourself and those around you to be able to find those positive thoughts and emotions in times of hardship or uncertainty. And remember, you’re not alone. Everyone is going through their own hardship or uncertainty.
And here’s even more good news.
We have the opportunity to create our ideal. Our ideal gives us something to strive for. Without something to work towards or something to look forward to, we would be robbed of that wonder and enjoyment. The memories and growth.
Even though we have a dishwasher, there are times when some of the dishes need to be done by hand. I dread those times. But once I get started, I realize the task is not that bad. It’s a time when the creative and wisdom-filled part of my brain is activated. In fact, the words for this post came to me while I was doing dishes. If I had magic kitchen fairies that took care of my dishes for me, I would be robbed of the sense of peace and the new ideas that come to me during that time.
Even though I wince every time I make a payment towards our medical and student loan debt, there’s fulfillment in knowing that The Farmer and I work hard for what we have and we’ve been able to provide our family with the medical attention we have needed and the experience of a higher education. Certainly things to be grateful for because, unfortunately, we all know those opportunities are not available in all parts of this world.
RELATED: Blessings Come from Glitches
So cherish the splattered counter tops, the piles of dishes, the low fuel gauge, the uncalled-for tantrums, and yes, even the debt. And remember, you don’t have to look that hard for something to be grateful for.
What wonders do you experience in your reality?
Leave a Reply