The Secret to Having a Good Day at Work

On this Monday morning, as many of you are dragging yourselves to your job, wouldn’t it be nice if you had the secret to making sure that most days would be good days? Well, I found that secret.

To make sure that most of your days are good you have to be grateful to be there. Now, I can see you rolling your eyes and thinking that you were hoping it would be some miracle answer that would solve all your problems. You may now feel disappointed that the secret to having a good day at work is simply being grateful, but don’t be disappointed, be grateful for the reminder.

At the risk of sounding preachy, gratitude really is something that most of us, myself included, need to practice more. I will use myself as an example. Not long ago I had a good job that paid fairly well, had good benefits and I worked with mostly good people. Then out of the blue with no warning, I was laid off along with other people. The shock of that never has completely worn off yet and I still feel the sting of it from time to time. The thing is, like you I often complained about my job. The work I did, the clients we serviced, the people I had to work with, management, etc. I even complained about the long drive to work and the traffic I faced everyday. If I had only known.

I think back about all those days I wasted complaining. If I had just changed my attitude about work I would have had a lot better days. I also would have improved the days of my coworkers. See, when you are happy, you are pleasant to be around. You help lift up those around you and people enjoy having you around. On an other note, if you are dreading going to work, are constantly complaining about your job, your boss and your coworkers, then you start to not only poison yourself, but everyone around you. You become one of those people that others dread to see coming. You not only make sure your day goes bad, but you also make others have a bad day just by your very presence. No one wants to be that person.

Funny how such a simple shift in the way you think can have such a powerful impact on not only your day to day life, but it even significantly impacts the ones around you. You see, there are so many people who would love to face that drive to work, put up with your boss and tolerate the people you’re stuck with in the next cubicle just to have a job. When you are wishing to get out of that place, be careful what you wish for, you just might get it. I did.

So, now that you know the secret to having a good day, what kind of day are you going to have?


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I Enjoyed the Day

I took today off. I had one doctor appointment late morning. Since the person who was going to watch my 2 year old became ill, I ended up having to take him with me. It turned out alright as the doctor I had to see was my OB and he says he likes to see the kids. Kind of like seeing “the finished product” so to speak.

Since my son was exceptionally good I asked him where he would like to take me to lunch. Without taking any time to think, he answered, “Manwhich and fwries”. His interpretation of a hamburger and fries at McDonald’s. So off we went to pick up lunch, then to the park for a picnic and playtime.

Today was one of those nice fall days, where the sun is shining, the skies are a pretty blue and the leaves are turning their beautiful golden and auburn colors. The only thing slightly annoying was the wind. It was a little stronger than usual, the kind that makes for bad hair days. All the wind did though is making a long sleeve shirt necessary is all. Not too bad.

After our stint at the park we came home and rather than go inside to do some task that always needs done, we decided to stay out and play. So I ran in and grabbed my book. I didn’t bother to get the mail or listen to the messages on the answering machine. I didn’t take the wet clothes out of the washer and I didn’t even clear the kitchen sink of dirty dishes – something I almost always do before leaving the house in the morning. I just decided to let it all go.

Maybe the book I’m reading, The Gift of an Ordinary Day by Katrina Kenison may have something to do with my laid back attitude. Maybe it’s the feeling of I’d better enjoy these last few warm days before the dreaded winter cold sets in or maybe it’s just God saying to me, “Take a break, enjoy what I have created and all that I have blessed you with, you deserve it.” Either way, I’m taking that advice.

While watching my son ride his bike, push his wagon and playing with balls on a slide, I am reminded of how blessed I am to be able to be here in this moment with him. I am not at all concerned of how knotted my hair is getting in the wind, I just enjoy the freshness it brings. I am not concerned with a house full of work waiting to be tackled, a long to do list or even what I’m going to make for dinner. I just enjoy being in the moment. I see my dog sniff the air earnestly as he filters through all the different smells and comically I try, too, wishing I had his sense of smell and wondering all that I’m missing out on. Then I rethink that wish and am grateful for my lack of that ability.

I take time to take in the sky, something I haven’t done much at all lately, maybe not even this year. I sit amazed at how beautiful the color blue it is, how the few wispy clouds look so brilliantly white. I gaze at a vulture and wonder what he sees from his lofty position dancing on air currents. Though they may not be the most beautiful looking birds up close, when watching them expertly navigate the wind currents and soar like no other, you can’t help but be a little envious.

I believe every morning we are given the gift of another day to, “Get it right” so to speak. I believe that this day was given to me to remind me of the simple things in life – the laughter of a child, the chatter of a squirrel searching for that nut he buried, the warmth of the sun on your face and not worrying if you have enough sunscreen on, the sound of a tricycle bell being rung by a little boy and the wind in your hair. My batteries are recharged, my soul refreshed. I feel I can handle the rest of the evening with a lightness I didn’t have the previous day.

So, the total cost for the day - $20 copay for the doctor; $8 for a lunch that gave me indigestion; taking time to enjoy the day, you guessed it – priceless.




~Begin to Dream Again

Quote:If Life Knocks You To Your Knees....

"If life knocks you to your knees, you might as well pray while you're down there."
~Julie

When We See Children Acting Up in Public, Do We Judge?

When you see a child acting up in public are you quick to judge? Do you judge the parents for raising an unruly, selfish child? I used to.

I don’t so much anymore and it isn’t all just because I now have a child who is a toddler and I am entering into my own danger zone of public tantrums. It is more because I have read a story about a little boy with autism and how proud his mother was when they had a whole day out in public without much incident. They ran what appeared to be ordinary errands, completed ordinary tasks and went ordinary places. They accomplished something most of us do every day and this mother was so excited about her son’s accomplishments that she decided to share their day in a post.

I felt happy for her and sad for her as well as a little guilt all at the same time as I read about their long day. Things I take for granted were made important and my prejudice and misunderstanding melted away as I read her words.

When we see other children’s odd behaviors or children acting out we jump to conclusions about why they are behaving that way. We judge without knowing the real reason that public display of behavior is taking a turn for the worse. We judge harshly and unfairly. Rarely do most of us ever get a glimpse into the world of autism and other behavior issues. We have no idea what those children and their parents have to go through just to get out the door.

I now have a better appreciation for what these parents and their children have accomplished and I hope I will not judge too harshly the next time I see a mom struggling with her child’s misbehavior. Even if that child may not have autism, I may not know the whole story and therefore should never judge.

I only hope that the next mom will extend that same courtesy to me when it’s my turn to handle the public meltdowns my son will have.

You can read her story here: I Wonder If You Can Really See My Son



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Kids Are Brutally Honest

In the kitchen during the early morning rush, my 2 year old reached his little arms up high and said, “Mama, up?”
As I picked him up and hugged him tight I said to him, “I love you so much, Baby.”
I then said, “Who do you love?”
And without missing a beat he said very plainly, “Apple juice!”
I laughed as I begged for a kiss and received a quick peck as he squirmed down.
I couldn’t resist his sweet face as he was asking for a juice box.
His brutal honesty still made me smile almost as big as his smile was while sipping his apple juice.

Fisher Price’s Huge Recall

There is yet another huge recall this time from Fisher Price. This recall includes over 10 million tricycles, high chairs and toys. These items are being recalled mainly due to design failure that has caused injuries.

To see the full list you can check out US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) page here: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerelsep10.html

Please check to see if these items are in your home and click on the links on the CPSC’s website for instructions.


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Why Can’t I Parent More Like God?

I wish I was just a fraction of a good parent as God is to us, His children.
When I screw up, He doesn’t yell at me.
When I get dirty, He doesn’t insist I go and clean up right away.
When I make a mistake, He doesn’t point it out.
When I act mean to others, He doesn’t make me apologize.
When I am stingy, He doesn’t force me to share my toys.
When I am bad, He doesn’t yell and scream at me.
He just shows me, gently, how His way is ultimately the better and more satisfying way.
He shows me through His ultimate wisdom, His remarkable patience and His never ending love, the right course to take.
He teaches by example and with gentleness.
He loves me and lets me know it all the time even when I don’t think I deserve it.
I must learn to parent like that.
Why can’t I parent more like God? I have the perfect example to follow. I must try my hardest to follow that example.
Maybe if I ask Him, He will help me.

I Must Recycle My Explosives

Our township is having a special recycling day where you can bring items to recycle that aren’t usually accepted like batteries, paint cans, tires etc. I was looking over the list of accepted and not accepted items to see if we had anything that we needed to clear out. I couldn’t help but notice the odd things listed as not accepted. But I guess they have to draw the line somewhere.

I couldn’t believe what was on the list of items that they wouldn’t accept. Keep in mind, this list of non-acceptable materials probably came about as people brought these odd things with them to recycle. For example:

• Explosives – It makes me wonder if at some point someone showed up on these special recycling days and said, “I don’t think I’ll ever get around to using these grenades and sticks of dynamite, so I think I’ll just have you guys take them and recycle them into something else.”

• Ammunition – I guess if you sold the gun and you later found the ammo that goes with it you might think it can be recycled into a different size of ammo.

• Business or Commercial Waste – Now I never thought about that being a problem. I guess if you’re in the business of say servicing portable potties or a hog farmer then maybe they might not take your business’s waste.

• Radioactive Materials – This was my personal favorite on the list. I wouldn’t even know how an individual would accumulate radioactive material. Maybe it wasn’t meant for individuals. Maybe it was meant for other countries trying to develop nuclear weapons and they don’t have special recycling days like we do. Ironically this list did come out the same time that Iran’s president was visiting. Maybe it was meant for him so he didn’t inadvertently bring their radioactive waste with them in the hopes that our special recycling day might take it. Then again they’re the type that would probably just leave it by the dumpster anyway.


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Today Is Brought To You By The Number 30

Today is brought to you by the the number 30.

A 30 lb. little boy,

in a space of 30 square feet,

can create 30 lbs of mess

in less than 30 seconds.

Amazing.

I Recommend: The Gift of An Ordinary Day

I must recommend watching this little piece of video where the author Katrina Kenison is reading an excerpt from her book The Gift of an Ordinary Day. I like this website and I am so glad they shared this with us, so I am sharing it with you. You can see the video here:

Hearts at Home : What I've Been Reading

It brought tears to my eyes and made me hug my little boy so tightly. As I silently fear that future of letting go, it reminded me of how I need to cherish every moment now.

If you have small children, it reminds you of what lies ahead and reminds you to enjoy each day they need you as they will need you less and less as the days go on.

If you have teenagers, it reminds you to enjoy the few times they still need you and to enjoy your children's transformations.

If you have grown children, it reminds you to enjoy watching your children become parents and how you can once again hold little ones. You enjoy it when your children come to you once again for advice and questions. They still need you after all.

I think I'm going to get the book, The Gift of An Ordinary Day. I think it may be $10 well spent for the reminder of the gifts we have.