Tuesday, April 27, 2010

The Happiness Project: In the Eye of the Beholder

It doesn't matter how much we donate or sell.  It doesn't matter how strategically Checkered finds new ways to store things.  It doesn't matter that periodically we all get frustrated because we can't get to the things we need.  It used to confirm my fears that housekeeping isn't my greatest strength.  It used to have me apologizing to anyone who saw our garage.

But then a neighborhood family lost their child in an accident.

Now I look at this collection of stuff and I see a family of living, active people.  I see a dad and mom and four kids juggling a gazillion things.  I see time for board games and badminton tournaments, camping, bike riding and fishing. I see hugs and togetherness.  And that never-changing, impossibly crowded garage?  It's just not such a big deal anymore.

For more happiness, go here.
Photobucket

18 comments:

Evansmom said...

Great post. Something we all need to remember.

Mental P Mama said...

Perspective--amen. Love the new look in here;)

Unknown said...

Somthing we all need to remember from time to time..even though its hard!

Teddy Started It said...

I see someone who has their priorities just right.

I think that's just the attitude I need to adopt about the every growing mountain of stuff on my dining room table.

Secret Mom Thoughts said...

Definitely gives you some perspective.

I Am Woody said...

My first thought in seeing that pic 'Wow - they have lots of fun stuff!' so I love your change in perspective.

MommyLovesStilettos said...

This is a really awesome post :)

monica said...

a boat and a camper - that looks like good memories!

Busy Bee Suz said...

WOW. I never thought someone talking about there overcrowded garage could make me cry.
Thanks for the wake up call!

claudia said...

Yes, embrace those that you love...to heck with the piles of stuff.
You and I have almost identical garages. I started going through mine yesterday in the hopes that someday I will appear organized.
I'm thinking that just isn't in my nature.
Have a wonderful week!

My Mercurial Nature said...

I don't know that I can have such a positive attitude about my garage...which looks remarkably like yours.

Lucy and Ethel said...

I'm going to go look at our storerooms, all of which look like targets of a tornado, and try to be appreciative.

I AM appreciative of a lot of the 'stuff' but was glad to read your post as a reminder. Maybe that's why I never freaked out over housework. Or cooking. Or exercising and losing weight. Because somewhere in there, there's bound to be a connection of sorts. Maybe.

Great post.

Lucy

One Photo said...

Look at all that fun stuff in there - boat, bikes, playthings galore - how can that make you anything but happy and thankful for the life you have. Lovely post.

Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. said...

Looks like a whole lotta love in that garage to me! We have one just like it! Great post.
<><

Katherine said...

What a great way to think about it. I'm going to have to remind myself of this next time the boys' room is a mess.

Actuary Mom said...

It is all perspective...

Checkered.loves.Caution said...

I always liked that Steven Curtis Chapman song, Signs of Life. He's got a verse that I have always loved.

Now, I've got crayons rolling around in the floorboard of my car
Bicycles all over my driveway, bats and balls all over my yard
And there's a plastic man from outer space sitting in my chair
The signs of life are everywhere.

Love it...

leigh hewett said...

Wow...this was a powerful one. Enjoy all of your family treasures.