What is it that makes me happy? Seriously. On a daily basis — What?
- A clean kitchen.
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| I threw out several recipes that can as easily be found online. |
It’s true. Give me a clean kitchen first thing in the
morning or right after breakfast, and I’m like to be inspired to actually make
use of it. To enjoy myself in it.
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| Some of yesterday's accomplishments, on their way out to the deep freeze |
Conversely, let those dishes pile up and the counters fill,
and there is a weight of distaste on me till everything’s clean and tidy again. The more
they pile up, the harder it is for me to get started; I may ignore the job
altogether until there is no choice.
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| I decided to use up the tomatoes and peppers in the deep freeze by making salsa. |
It would be wise to wash the dishes often, even when there
aren’t many, so that there is rarely a buildup. Then I would be happy more
often, wouldn’t I? And happiness breeds more happiness.
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| And then I outdid myself by making oatmeal squares for my sweeth tooth. |
Sometimes it’s the simplest habits that are the most
difficult to undertake, to establish and stick to. Even when
they are essential to my happiness, or at least contentment. What the hell!
***
Somewhere lately I read this advice for when you're feeling down or even a little depressed: Get out the broom and sweep a floor.
I decided to remember it because of its practicality. Who doesn't feel better after sweeping a floor? Even if it's only the floor in one small room, it's one step toward putting a place in order, and doing that changes my mind.
Those of you living with clinical depression — feel free to ignore the above. I do not mean to suggest I know anything about that condition, or presume to advise. I'm talking about your run-of-the-mill, everyday crappy mood, not the I-don't-want-to-get-out-of-bed state of being.
***
first thing tomorrow, I'm going to ask myself that question. I hope that I can work it out. Lately, I've been noticing how the things I thought were important to me are slipping away. I need to get a grip
ReplyDeleteWhat is important to us probably does change over time. I have long fought the idea that a clean kitchen is essential to my sense of wellbeing ... sheesh, am I really such a domestic? Do I not have more important things to care about? Is it all so basic? Why is it up to me? ... And it's only now, when I'm willing to accept that I am what I am, that it has become clear that yes, there is a big part of me that is "just" a homemaker and satisfied to be one. There are other happiness contributors too, mind you, and they're not always so obvious. I'll be interested in hearing what conclusions you come to.
DeleteActually, that advice is excellent for those with clinical depression. Uplifting your environment works positively on any negative state of mind. Years ago I worked with folk that were in and out of institutions for mental health issues. The first thing our team would do was to spark up the environment the client lived in, with or without their help.
ReplyDeleteIs it! Good to hear ... that something so simple can make a difference, even for the hard cases. I've noticed it has a definite effect when I take Flylady.com's advice to make the bed as soon as I get out of it, and wash and dress and eat and brush my teeth as if readying myself to leave the house ... it changes my attitude toward myself and toward the world; it changes my energy.
DeleteIt sure does make me feel good when the house is clean. Your cooking looks yummy.
ReplyDeleteWhen I win the lottery, the first thing I'm going to do is hire a cook and housekeeper.
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