Small Successes

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

I hope no one thinks this is an exercise in back-patting. It's more about encouraging myself (and maybe others) to see that there are bright spots among the failures (speaking harshly to a child, staying up late enough to affect the next day). It's easy for some of us to feel gloomy, especially about our own worth/behavior, so "small successes" is about making myself look on the bright side.

I think that over time this can lead to a real change in how I view myself. I am reminded of how Len would not let me speak disparagingly about my figure, especially once Lauren was born. The practice of not saying bad things about my body eventually changed my attitude as well.

Enough nattering; here are three goodies for the week:

1. I met with some other moms and began planning an IEW writing co-op for next year. I've used the program before (it's excellent!), but never finished it. Accountability is probably the biggest benefit of a co-op for me. It feels good to take even a small planning step in June.
2. After too much time off, I've begun going to daily mass again. I made 3 of 5 days so far (mostly alone, but with one volunteer one day), and will be heading out in a few minutes for today's.
3. I made two spontaneous pool visits this week, including a last-minute decision to drive an hour to my sister's house to drop off Joe and stay for a pool & pizza party. Two pool days may not sound like much, but I tend to focus on my own tasks. Spontaneity is not one of my gifts, so deciding to "go for it" without much planning is good practice for me. Today Joe has a play date, and we're inviting three friends (one for each of mine) to go to the pool with us.

What are your small successes this week? Look for them--they're there somewhere! Find more words of encouragement here.