Spring cleaning isn’t just about washing your windows and cleaning out your closet. It’s also about your attitude. The way you think affects every part of your daily life AND everyone around you.
A positive attitude makes you happier and more resilient, improves your relationships, and increases your chances of success and efficiency. Having a positive attitude can help you be more creative and make better decisions. Acting positive toward others creates hope and enthusiasm. You cannot share what you do not have.
Here are 3 easy steps to create and preserve a good attitude:
- As spouses, parents, and busy homeschoolers, we do not have a lot of time to ourselves so grab what you have. When I was much younger and had two preschoolers, I remember attending a women’s seminar. I must admit that I was so tired that I didn’t get too much of what the speaker said but I walked away with one important nugget that I’ve hung onto my whole life. It was a simple statement that I related to: “Make sure that your shoes are on before your children wake up.” She was speaking literally about maintaining control by being ready for the day before your children got up. But the meaning is really much deeper: get up early, drink a cup of coffee, read your Bible, watch the sunrise or just sit in silence for a few minutes before your children wake to get yourself in the right attitude for the day.
- Nothing can ruin a day quicker than feeling out of control. Staying organized is critical. Create a schedule that will work for you. This entails being honest with yourself. You are only one person. There will be some things that you cannot do. Make a list of the priorities and note how long it could take to accomplish them and then decide what to do from there. Remember that the best managers are those that delegate! Even very young children can be good helpers. Make a chore list for them too!
- Life is short. Don’t stress over every little thing. Put it all in perspective. Tomorrow is another day. Our main goal is to grow happy children into thriving adults and for us to survive the ride. Some days will be served best by putting the schedule down and going to a movie or to the beach or curling up all together with a good book.
Whatever you do have fun and make memories!
