I’ve taken to whistling.
“Just whistle while you work
And cheerfully together we can tidy up the place
So hum a merry tune
It won’t take long when there’s a song to help you set the pace
And as you sweep the room
Imagine that the broom is someone that you love
And soon you’ll find you’re dancing to the tune
When hearts are high the time will fly
So whistle while you work.” (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs)
“Cheerfully tidying up the place”, “Hum a merry tune”, “Hearts are high”. Mock and jest if you wish, but I’m singing and I’m whistling. I’m loving the broom, the washing machine, the clothes line, the dishes; time is flying and my heart is high. Liberation through domestication. Domestic bliss! Who, ever would have thought? The mundane transformed to victory, to progress, to satisfaction! Pass me some stain remover!
It is indeed true that absence makes the heart grow fonder. A phrase I never would have formally attributed to domestic chores. For three and a half months I have watched my family complete the household tasks with “domestic envy”. (Well if I’m honest I may only have become envious after one month of not being able to do them!) Yet in the winning back of mobility, I embrace the victory of the mundane. Thankfulness builds in the sock basket, the dishwasher, the washing machine. It builds in correlation with movement and flexibility. Energy directs to outcomes and productivity once more. Steps are taken. Steps earned with pain. Steps solidified with tears. Steps with a story. Steps embodying achievement. Past steps shaping the new destination. One foot and then the other. Slowly, safely, excitedly. Overwhelming satisfaction.
Visualise: an out of control laundry, a messy kitchen, a child’s bedroom upturned. Reframe to: Opportunity for victory, joy in the mundane, satisfaction in the obscure.
Love your broom, your clothesline, your dish mop. Embrace your “inner house-keeper”. Thank you Snow White. “When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love”. Marcus Aurelius (Thanks Olwen!)
Dear Jarka, so true!! I recognize this totally. Great to see this household task in a new, different and positive perspective :). Xx
Thanks Grietje. Glad you can relate. We get so busy looking for the “big wins”, we forget to see the small ones. We can encourage each other and ourselves with these achievements too 🙂
Love this one Jarka!!!
I can imagine you whistling!!! Good on you!
Now for my mundane housework- I have a completely different outlook!!! Brighter!!! Thanks to You! Now Off to housework I go!!
Xxxx
Thanks Wendy! Yes, off you go! It is amazing how much satisfaction can be found in the small things. Especially with housework, there is an instant impact! Look for the quick gains to give you energy for the longer term ones 🙂