Letting Go

I admit, I tend to be a perfectionist. And I admit, I struggle at
doing so. There just aren't enough hours in the day somedays to wash,
fold and put away all the laundry, do the dishes, clean up the endless
toys, play with my daughters, exercise, prepare meals (I seriously
slack in this department, but I still put pressure on myself), teach
my children, read countless books aloud, and the countless other
chores and responsibilities I pile on my plate.

Some days I tackle a lot of these chores, only to have them like up
again the next day, or even minute. I struggle with guilt when I fail
to accomplish these things and struggle with guilt when I put too much
attention or focus on these things. Today, however, I let all of that
go. I ignored the pile of toys, the shopping bags that needed to be
put away and the folded baskets of laundry that are awaiting me. I
ignored the room after room of clutter and the trash that needed to be
taken out. I overlooked the piles of crumbs on the floor and the
sticky kitchen table that needed to be wiped.

Today, I stepped over the toys to get to the couch and cuddle my baby
until I rocked her to sleep. I took in the look in her eyes as sleep
overcame her and her breathing relaxed into a sleepy slumber. I took
the time to play doctor with my three year old for the umpteenth time,
creating new scenarios and laughing out loud at her creativity. I
cherished a special lunch date with Daddy, and our two girls and
didn't once worry about the money involved.

Today, I let go of the things that just aren't that important and am
relishing in the things in life that aren't things at all. My family.