Lather, Rinse, Repeat

June 19, 2019

During my first year of college English class I was asked to write a step by step essay on "anything". That was the assignment, literally, write about anything we wanted.  My chosen subject was the steps on how to wash and condition your hair. I received my inspiration from the shower and my research came from the back of the bottle. I turned in my essay and waited for my professor's reaction. Low and behold, he raved about it in front of the class. Wait, what? See, back then, when I was a youngster, I was hip, I was cool and my hair showed it. The professor told me that he was impressed that a mundane chore such as washing hair could be made to sound so extravagant and exciting and that my hair showed it. If we had computers back in the olden days I would have loved to post my essay for all to read. 

(circa 1987 actual first year college hair that earned the professors praise. LOL)

So, what is the point of this blog, you ask? I'll tell you. It is finding joy in the mundane, everyday routines that we do. How can we embrace the simplicity in our lives and make each day enjoyable? 

Mundane task can be repetitive and boring. Take laundry. It needs to be done its something we all must do but at times seems daunting and never ending. Especially when you return from a week long vacation. 

Some ideas that I found to make these tedious tasks more delightful: 

1. Combine the humdrum task into a game, personal challenge or something enjoyable. Be creative. One thing I have liked to do is see how many steps I can get in when doing laundry. Running up and down the stairs and trying to beat a personal record. Not only am I getting the laundry done but I'm getting exercise. 
2. Change your mindset. Maybe this is just me but when I am cleaning, cooking and doing chores I like to pretend that I am the only one who can do what I am doing. " My family would be naked if I don't do laundry." "If I do not put this cup away our lives will never be the same." What we do is important no matter how small the chore.  
3. Ask for help or someone to join you. If you are lucky enough to have friends who will join together in tasks like painting, yard work or even grocery shopping, embrace that. Sometimes having another person around can make all the difference.  
4. Reward yourself. Go get that Dr. Pepper, dive into that stash of chocolate hidden in your drawer, heck, even treat yourself to lunch. Nothing wrong with a little splurge after a tiresome morning of sorting through 50,000 mismatched socks. 
5. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done. You did it. Who cares that you will be back at the same chores again tomorrow. Bask in the light of today's accomplishments and go to sleep knowing you were magnificent! 

Dr. Seuss said it best, "It's not about what it is, It's about what it can become." Just as the shampoo bottle in my college dorm turned into an essay I was proud of, the monotonous, ordinary daily tasks we do can turn into something satisfying and possibly something delightful. 

Love Much,

Heather

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