That's exactly what kids think of the last two weeks of school. Everyone is done with homework, assignments, papers, and tests. They have worked hard all year, completed what the teachers gave them, and now that Spring is officially here, they could care less where the finish line is. But there's still the issue of two weeks left.
And it's kinda how I feel about finishing anything in life. Somewhere along the line I have become the world's greatest starter of all things.
I can start books I'll never finish reading.
I can start projects that will never get done. (I secretly believe this is why God created Pinterest).
I can start diets and 'healthy life changes' only to be sore, hungry, and pissed off.
And the Mother of all things unfinished... I can start writing projects that are avoided when the going gets tough.
Procrastination is my middle name, and I have no time is my mantra.
It's no secret that A.A. Milne is probably my most favorite for the best quotes ever, but this one takes the cake. It's almost as if one of my friends made this quote up and pasted his name on it just so I would find it .... on Pinterest... while not writing that next scene.
I have a vague recollection of things that I have finished...
Ratings
Various 5K's and walking a marathon
My first book
... and the thing that I remember the most about any of these accomplishments is having the most amazing feeling of pride when it was all said and done. It was a feeling that I could do or be anything I wanted, and it was all true. I think if I could bottle up that feeling I would make millions. Most of us walk around with a slight feeling of inadequacy... a symptom of motherhood.... and I just think life would be so much better if we could see all the good we do, all the time. The daily stuff is finished sometimes without even thinking. Making lunches... getting kids to school on time (or early like today)... getting stuff done at work... making dinner when there's nothing in the house.... sitting through endless games...balancing the checkbook. These are all things we finish every day and don't even realize that out there, somewhere, some people don't do this stuff. Every mom I know goes above and beyond what is expected.
In the Land of Motherhood, we are the finishers. When it comes to our own lives, we need some work. Some will argue that once you become a mother you give up your own life, and I will kindly disagree. I think when you give up on your hopes and dreams, a little thing called resentment creeps into your life, and makes for a really cranky mom. Take a moment and see if you know a mom like that... one who appears to be super-mom, but you know she is seething on the inside.
A marathon is finished one step at a time.
A school year is completed one class at a time.
And a book is written one word - one letter - at a time.
None of it has to be perfect, but I think it's important to have something to work towards other than the next lacrosse game. It could be cooking or photography. Reading or even blogging.
Take a moment this long weekend to check in and see if there is something missing in your life, and how you can start taking steps.
And then take that first step....
Happy Friday Y'all!
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