My mantra from today:
May I find joy in the chaos and love in the storm. May I find the strength to pursue my passions in this life. May peace overflow from my heart and may the beauty within guide me to do good for myself and others, always.
Do you have a daily mantra or prayer you say often?
Today has been one of those days. I have been ‘Owning then OMing‘ my way through motherhood this fine Thursday. What the heck am I talking about? I’ll explain. You know those days that go completely wrong? You can’t catch up (or a break) no matter how hard you try? Your babies (while so freaking cute) are driving you bonkers? You’re throwing together a healthy meal only to find out the chicken isn’t fully cooked (eeew) and your kids WILL NOT eat black beans or chicken anyways? (Who knew? They ate it last week.)
These are the times where instead of pulling my hair out, throwing things, and screaming at the top of my lungs – I remind myself to breathe. Yes, breathe. I bet you’re thinking, “Ha ha ha, yeah right loony toon.”
No really, I’m dead serious. When the world is against me (I swear it is sometimes!) I challenge myself to rise above the chaos that is consuming me, recognize where I am, then pull it together. In other words, “Own it then OM it.” Does this mean I never get angry? No. Does this mean I never raise my voice or get completely frustrated? Hell no. It means instead of sinking into the frustration, angst, and anxiety that seems to rear its ugly head routinely in motherhood – I try to own those feelings as they occur and then do my best to let them go. OMmmmmmmm.
It works, I swear. It also has the tendency to backfire in certain situations. I’m not gonna lie. Example: Sometimes my husband will see me on the verge of going ballistic and utter the words, “Own it then OM it Lisa.” I look at him in disgust. Really? Seriously? You’re gonna start with that right now? As our child is knee-deep in toilet water? Never mind why I was ready to go crazy before, now all I want to do is kick your ass. But then again, I know he’s right.
Some more ~Own it then OM it~ times in my life:
When my purse is overflowing with yogurt and goldfish and crayons and Lego’s and stray noodles and cheese sticks and pony tail holders and all I really want is to find my damn wallet and keys –
Own it then OM it.
When my little one thinks that 4:00 am is ‘wake up for the day’ time and my daughter “can’t” go to school because there might be sharks in the fish tank (thank you daddy for introducing our five year-old to Shark Week) and the house is a mess and all I want is the baby to go to SLEEP NOW –
Own it then OM it.
When I finally have date night and I forget how to carefully walk in heels amongst a houseful of toys and I trip and fall flat on my face in my pretty new dress –
Own it then OM it.
When my daughter goes in and out of the house 100 bazillion times in ten minutes and keeps asking me for the same thing and my fire alarm is going off because I’m a terrible cook and my little one is eating cake off the floor –
Own it then OM it.
You can read part 1 here.
Share some of your ‘Own it then OM it’ moments below.
lisa
I’m posting this family picture –
Just because when I found it today, it made me belly laugh and brought me to tears. Oh the memories.
Just because it spells d-y-s-f-u-n-c-t-i-o-n. Can you see the chaos?
Just because the only one who looks semi-sane and perfectly poised is Nick. Why is that? Is he really part of this crazy family? There has to be something that solidifies his bond to us. Hmmmm.
Just because Ethen with the butter knife is priceless. That look on his face. Please don’t call CPS on me.
Just because Ella is showing her “I will do what ever I want” side. Immediately following this shot she decided it would be more enjoyable to dine with another family (one we did not know).
Just because if I remember correctly my jubilation in this photo stems from sipping downing at least one two glasses of wine prior to being seated.
Just because it reminds me of how lucky I am to be me.
Do you feel ‘normal’ now?
lisa
Update:
Remember when I said there had to be something?
Mommy OM 