As I was walking into my son's middle school on Tuesday, about to partake of the dreaded "curriculum night"---forced to endure boring lectures by school administrators, bumble around trying to find Room 205, and experience unwanted algebra flashbacks---I got hit with a thought. (That happens to me sometimes). I didn't feel sorry for myself. I didn't mind that I had 2 and 1/2 hours of boredom ahead of me. What I thought was....
This is all good. I'm alive. It's the "Bonus Round."
And I realized, as I walked behind a mom with low-rider jeans meant for a 13 year old girl, that this is the new way I view my life.
Everything after my heart attack is The Bonus Round. I could have died, but I didn't. So even boring, mundane, irritating, exasperating, horrifying, difficult, emotional, and painful experiences are all good. Because I'm still here. I can't get too worked up about the bus always being late, glitter all over the house, and the dog peeing on my pillow. Because my daughter has fun on the bus, my house sparkles like a Britney Spear's costume, and I can switch pillows with my hubby and he'll never know. Stuff that used to bum me out is now viewed with more humor and good grace.
I'm not sure if that means I'm older and wiser. Definitely older. But I still listen to High School Musical, so maybe not wiser or necessarily more mature. But I like this new attitude. The Bonus Round is good. It makes you appreciate stuff you used to take for granted. It makes you less likely to complain. It makes you laugh when you realize your husband has glitter on his ass just as he is about to go to work.
The Bonus Round is all good. I'll take it.
Penelope
14 comments:
Awesome post!! I'm going to try to look at everyday as my bonus round. And thanks for making me spit on my monitor with the pillow switching trick. omg LOL.
When my MS got so bad I could no longer work, it somehow flipped a similiar switch in my head. Due to limited energy, I have to pick and choose what activities in a day are important. I began to appreciate everything I could for and with my kids. I treasured every day of their last years of high school.
Now, I'm just grateful I can walk well enough to spend time with friends or go out to dinner with the hubster. Or even schlepp my way to a college hockey game to spend time with my son.
It's the little things that make life worth living. Interesting how a life altering disease or health crisis brings that into focus.
I try to live life as if there were no tomorrow. Sometimes it's difficult, but you're right most stuff isn't worth the stress.
The glitter on the ass had me rolling. :) Glitter drives my DH crazy.
You're right. I need to get off my annoying self-pity horse because I know better. That's for damn sure. Even the boring, sad, irritating moments are precious.
Thanks, FV! So far my hubby hasn't noticed. ;^)
Nina...I am so impressed with your awesome attitude. Prioritizing what is important every day is the way to go!
Amber....our house looks like a glitter factory exploded in here. All it takes is one little jar and it gets everywhere! I don't mind, but my 13 year old son and my hubby aren't too keen on the stuff. hee hee!
Julia....Isn't it strange how we go through these up-down cycles? I usually have an upswing in the fall...I love the fall weather and Halloween, etc. But I have troubles in the winter...being house-bound really kills my mood and attitude. I'm going to try hard to find ways to avoid that this year. (Can you say Florida?)
Best attitude evah! Love this post!
Thanks, Julie!
Great attitude!
Hi Juju! Maybe I should go on Wheel Of Fortune or something. I'm feeling lucky! :^)
I swear, I am going to be just like you when I grow up. <a href="http://fangswandsandfairydust.com”)> Fangs, Wands and Fairy Dust</a>
@fangswandsfairy
steph@fangswandsandfairydust.com
Steph....I haven't grown up yet either!
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