Practically perfect in every way.....or close enough!

Okay ladies, I am going to be very real right now.This is mostly because I have been overwhelmed at my messy house.When I vent this feeling to friends they immediately compliment me on what I do right.This gets me through the day or week until I let the mess get to me.So what is causing this feeling of inadequacy? I cannot pin point the origin exactly,but I know so many of us search for ways to improve ourselves,our home and ANYTHING to feed this hunger of perfection. Are we trying to be like Marry Poppins?
She says she is "practically perfect in every way."

But how do we measure perfection?

I was talking with a friend the other day,actually more like venting how my kids never want to pick up,or do thier chores. I came to find out that she had a similar problem!It is nice to know I am not alone!The idea popped into my head to have a girls night and ask what other mothers do in these situations.Hmmmm.......maybe we are all more like Marry Poppins in a way, after all .We all have our bag that we want to fill with tricks and things we need.We need ideas to pull out when the last idea doesn't work out!As long as there is enough ideas and ways of handling things we can keep pulling it out right?First in my bag of tricks is:

1.Each thing we do takes time.How much time does each task take?
The biggest problem I see is we have too much to do and not enough time.How do I know that?

• Are you always rushed?
• Are you hardly home?or your kids?
• How do you feel when you are at home?

Think about these questions.What makes you feel rushed?You?Your commitments?Feeling like your kids and house need to look perfect?

2.What will your kids remember and what do they want you to remember?

3. Another conversation comes to mind I had with a very mature 10 year old.She offered to watch my kids so I could clean my house!I replied
"I wish you could rub off on my kids"
She replied
"I am sure they have other talents"

Her answer blew me away!If we are not strong in one area,there is something or other thing(s) we are GREAT at!
We can't be the best at everything. There is someone who has strength where you have a weakness!
Why can't we give ourselves a break?You are you,not your friend or neighbor or even your Mom.We were made special and unique.
If we did it all,something would take the back burner.This is where our goals and what we value the most comes into play!

4.What physically can we offer?You want to offer your best self?

5.Searching for the better way to do something?

6.Nagging is a waste of time and energy.

7.Teaching takes time too!

8.What works one day,week or month,may not work the next time!

9.Decide what area of your home is bothering you the most.Set a timer,turn off your phone or t.v. and go to work! No more excuses!

I grew up in a home that was always a mess.It bothered me then and it bothers now!The pain and reality of it all is I know it bothers my friends and my kids friends.

I have cried and been angry and it feels as if this mess and feelings will consume me.

Another quote by the great Marry Poppins that I love is:
"A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down"

So does a bowl full of ice cream :-)

It is time to get started.Start filling your own bag of tricks, just START!