This post was originally published on October 19, 2009.
Photo by Alex Proimos
What is it that makes Monday mornings so stressful?
I woke up late, and while still tired, pondered my extensive to-do list for the day.
Eagerness to welcome a new week didn't exactly wash over me.
I stayed in the comforting shower too long, and little voices from down the hall rang out like warning bells - letting me know that my getting-ready time was limited.
My favorite sweater was nowhere to be found, piles of laundry covered the floor, and the bathroom sink needed to be cleaned - again.
Checking my email didn't relieve any stress, as I only found more problems to solve later on, and oh-so-many blogs I wanted to read but didn't have time for.
As I continued my frantic morning rush, Jonathan poked his head out from his bedroom.
"Mommy, come look at the birds!"
"Wait in your room, please, sweetie. Mommy needs to get ready."
"Okay, Mommy, I'm just gonna stay here and look at the birds."
As I walked past, I saw my little guy peacefully looking out of his window. Pausing for a second, I went in to see what all the fuss was about.
Several sparrows had congregated on the roof of our garage, basking in the sun and preparing slowly for another day. None of them looked anxious, but went about their business with a steady and deliberate focus.
Jonathan, too, knew how to start the day. Grateful, observant, purposeful, trusting.
What exactly was my problem?
Rushing can be one of a mother's greatest enemies. It gains us nothing, and only leads to further anxiety. No good can come of it, but oh the opportunities it can cause us to miss.
Like the beautiful chance to look at the birds.
**This is an important message this week, especially for those of us preparing for American Thanksgiving on Thursday. What strategy do you use to slow down and remind yourself not to rush through life?**
