Page 21 - The Villager May 2021

Lifestyle

MOTHERHOOd

– don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

BY JUSTINE

Motherhood is one of advises boils down to attitude and, as pretty foliage will do just as well – to
life’s richest blessings. a starting point, preparation is hugely make the space feel welcoming and

It can also stretch one’s important, so first things first – make friendly. Even pretty scatter cushions
endurance to the limits! sure everyone understands the ground and warm throws for the sofa can add
rules (that everyone agrees to) to make
a sense of comfort and love for family
your family life pleasant and smooth time together.
hen my fiercely sailing – these rules could include such Put a ceiling on your desires.
independent adult son issues as noise levels, helping to clear 3. Have a stopping point at the
Winformed me that he was away and clean up after an activity, and end of your Bucket List. Sometimes,
moving back home along with his having a regular plan to spend quality appreciating that you have ‘enough’ is
school-going kids, I invested in a time together. enough. As Richard says, without this
lifesaving (second-hand) book written Fill your home with evidence stopping point, happiness will be elusive,
by Richard Carlson back in 1998 – 2. of love. Every now and then something that you keep striving for, just
Don’t sweat the Small Stuff with your rotate your family photos and add out of reach. There’s certainly nothing
Family. It’s been a great help in saving some photos of friends, and activities wrong with having goals and a wish
some tense situations. that you have all enjoyed together. list, but happiness should be something
Here are some of Richard’s tips that Frame your kids’ art works and have a that you experience ‘along the way’ and
are particularly relevant and helpful shelf displaying medals, trophies and getting to a point where you can take
for Moms, as we celebrate our second memorabilia that remind your family of a break from always wanting more will
COVID-19 Mother’s Day. special occasions. Put flowers from your take the pressure off you so that you
Set a Positive Emotional garden in your entrance hall – if you can relax and simply enjoy life and the
1. Climate. A lot of what Richard don’t have any flowers worth picking, people in your life.

The Villager • Issue 5 2021 • 19