You know those days that just line up perfectly? The hours flow together smoothly and both kids are sleeping peacefully for naps at the same time? Well, yesterday was pretty much the opposite of that. Seriously. What the heck. Was Mercury in retrograde or something?
Ok, Iβm being a little (a lot) dramatic. It was more like one little thing on top of anotherβ¦
Kailtyn and I couldnβt get in a rhythm all morning, meaning the morning was full of fussiness. Kaitlyn wasnβt very happy either.
I wore workout clothes all day with the best of intentions, but never broke a sweat.
5 minutes after leaving the house, Hailey informed me she had dirty undies.
Note: itβs always a good idea to keep scissors and plastic bags in the car.
The girls timed their meltdowns perfectly to sync up right at nap time which was a real gem.
And offered an encore on the naptime performance at bath time that evening.
Sometimes I get comments from people confusing my positivity with perfection. Though I do love my life, itβs not rainbows and butterflies all the time. Toddlers have accidents, babies cry, people screw you over at work, dogs run off when both kids are already in the car, surprise bills appear, husbands call to tell you they are working late, large appliances stop working without warningβ¦ sometimes all in the first half of the day. Those things arenβt fun, but they arenβt tragic either. Itβs just life.
The reason I donβt write about them often is because I donβt usually spend much time focusing on them. Instead, Iβve realized Iβm much happier when I focus on the good things. Like discovering that you can indeed freeze black bean burgers and bake them at a later date for lunch.
Or getting a giggle about having my 2 year old load my sangria into her cart.
Or focusing on the fact that once they are both in bed, I can pop open that sweet nectar.
I have my moments of wanting to pull my hair out, but I get over it and remind myself that one day, like all those guilt-i-fying blog posts about soaking up the moment, will ring true and Iβll long to experience just a few minutes of the days that I was so needed.
Worth a read: 10 Ways Youβre Making Your Life Harder Than It Has To Be
Would you consider yourself a positive person?
Have you always been that way?
I think Iβve always leaned toward the glass-half-full side of things, but have worked to refine that skill over the years.
Karen says
I so agree, it’s just life and it happens to us all. Today will hopefully be a better day for you all.
Can I ask what the scissors is for when accidents happen? I understand the plastic bag but scissors?
Kelli Haxel says
You rock Brittany! I love the posts you make that remind me of my life at times π I literally tear up at so many of your posts as my life is so much a reflection of yours. I’m a SAHM to a 2.5 yr old and a 6 month old with a daddy who travels and works long hours. I’m much like you and so thankful I can stay at home with my babes, but boy there are days!! Thanks for keeping it real. I love your blog and your recipes! We had the brown sugar glazed salmon last night and it was divine. Here’s to a wonderful Tuesday!
Brittany Dixon says
Karen- the scissors were for cutting her undies off of her- I’ll let your imagination run wild with that – haha π
And Kelli- thanks so much for the sweet comment! You have no idea how helpful it is for me to hear that others are in the same boat as me- grateful but flat out exhausted some days! All part of the journey π Thanks for reading!
Tina Muir says
I LOVE this! Not that you had a bad day, not that nothing aligned (I am sorry to hear that), but that you STILL remained positive, and continued to see the silver linings, and look on the bright side. Everyone has challenges, and everyone has unexpected things come their way, but it really annoys me when people let those rule their lives and just whine and whine. I love that you get on with things, and look ahead. That is the way to be, and the way to attract more good into your life. Keep it up π
Erica { EricaDHouse.com } says
I also had to condition myself to become a more positive person over the last few years. I finally realized focusing on the negative was getting me nowhere, and making my life way more difficult, so I quit.
Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family says
I am 100% with you on this! I don’t always share the tough times because they pass. Instead I try to stay positive and keep on keeping on π
Marjorie says
Amen sister! Yep, I know all about those weeks. I had one of those last week. Husband left town for work, sick baby, leaky toilet flooded the basement, broken air conditioner. Plus a few other things…all over the course of about 24 hours. That is life, though.
Gratitude is life-changing, and it totally changes the way your brain works, and the way you perceive the world. It’s not about being a Pollyanna, but about savoring those positive experiences. And it doesn’t mean that you ignore negative feelings at all, either. You just try not to dwell on them. It just makes life SO much more enjoyable.
Brittany Dixon says
Beautifully said, Marjorie! Yes, sometimes I feel all Pollyanna, but really it’s more about focusing on gratitude. It really is life changing.
Sarah@creatingbettertomorrow says
Absolutely love this! Someone once asked me if I was just always happy and smiling and if nothing ever bad happened to me…nope exactly opposite – but we are what we focus on…focus on the good and do it long enough and you’ll begin like you to see the positive side of it all (like the hilarious sangria in cart pic). Hang in there – I am betting today is better for you all today!
Tiffany says
Yes! I love this! I’m in complete agreement. Life with two little ones can be HARD sometimes…especially when for whatever reason everyone is out of sync. I would be miserable if I focused on THOSE times instead of the days that run smoothly and we all have fun. Good for you for focusing on the positive. I consider that a good way to live life in general.
Jaclyn @ BumpSweat says
Love it! I’m a pretty positive person who tries to find the good in circumstances and people. That’s not to say that my life’s been easy or that I’ve always felt hopeful 24/7, but, yeah, the world’s not out to get me, life happens, and there will be brighter days.
Brittany Dixon says
Love how you mentioned that the world isn’t out to get you. I used to think that way sometimes (ah, the teenage years!) and realized I was putting way too much focus on me. I wasn’t the center of the world and no one was trying to ‘get me’ – it really helped put things in perspective.
GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth says
I’m generally a pretty positive person because it takes way too much energy to worry and dwell on the not so great things in life. Yep, I’m too lazy to worry. It works haha
But that definitely doesn’t mean that my life is all rainbows and sunshine.
Glad I’m not the only one π
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says
there was def something going on yesterday… my little one had a DAY yesterday. I’m working on the glass half full thing….
Jane T. says
I’m totally impressed with your ability to focus on the positive! I try to do that too but it’s sometimes a challenge…
Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers says
“Life Is What You Focus On.” <– This could not be more true. Yes, sucky things happen, but I try to keep everything in perspective and remind myself that, on the whole, my life is pretty great and there's ALWAYS something to be thankful for every single day. <3 this!
Jen says
I appreciate your positivity and genuine personality! There is so much negativity in the world and you are a breath of fresh air. Keep up the awesome work you do!
Brittany Dixon says
Thanks so much, Jen! <3
Heather says
I definitely appreciate a positive outlook. Life happens, but does it help to dwell on the less than ideal things that happen? I don’t think so. Sometimes I write about the rough days, but more often than not, I’d rather focus on the good that happens. Sure, it’s nice to commiserate with other moms when “those” days happen, but I don’t think it’s helpful or productive to focus on just how bad a day was. You take a deep breath, you have a glass of wine, and you hopefully chuckle about how ridiculous it was before moving on.
Brittany Dixon says
Oh yeah, commiserating with other moms on the tough ones is lifesaving! Just hearing you aren’t alone makes a world of difference π
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Absolutely! I couldn’t agree more with you. When I’m feeling tired and/or overwhelmed, it’s definitely more challenging for me to keep that “glass half full” mentality, but I really do try. Life would be no fun if I got worked up about every little negative thing that happened, ya know? I think you’re doing an amazing job!
Kimberly @ Healthy Strides says
Very true … and reassuring to hear. I don’t like to write about terrible stuff, or even talk about it at length, because it’s often tiresome and unproductive. Yes, there are times when venting is necessary but to do it regularly is self serving and whiny.
Wow, I don’t sound very nice.
BUT, I can very much relate to your day. Here’s to a better one!
Karen Cassidy says
I think it’s always good to hear that other mom find it’s sometimes hard to stay positive. I like to think I am a positive person most of the time but negativity will sometimes show it’s ugly face…LOL
Paulina says
Hahaha I love this. Sorry you had such a bad day, but focusing on the positive is the best way to cope! I work with a bunch of nice ladies who also tend to get into gossipy woe-is-me antics. I don’t have time for those games and, while I love talking about fun stuff, as soon as the bashing and bitching starts, I’m heading back to my desk. I may not be up-to-date on the latest office gossip, but I’m also way happier in general.
Brittany Dixon says
Oh my goodness yes! I don’t feel like it’s good for my “chi” when I’m surrounded by negative gossip. It makes me feel all sorts of uncomfortable. Just like you, I join in for the fun chats, then silently back off when it turns south. Ain’t nobody got time for that! π
Brittany from CountingMyCupcakes says
I was not always this way, but ever since I’ve joined the real world post-college, I am definitely a glass half full, positive person. I’ve been told it by my bosses and don’t know what else to say except it truly does make life so much better. Being around negative people brings others down so quickly, and being positive can do just the opposite. Sometimes I feel like I may come off like I just don’t care about certain things (i.e. getting disappointing news or something like that), but really I’m just always trying to see the bright side.
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers says
Thanks for sharing! I consider myself a positive person. Well, I did until I had a kid…. π
Jillian @ Baby Doodah! says
I’ve often struggled with the positive side of things, frequently looking at all the “negatives” in my life. Recently, however, things came to a head and I just couldn’t take it any more. People at work were coming at me from all angles and I just couldn’t handle their negativity any longer…. so I stopped.
I’m a supervisor, so I will ALWAYS have people coming and complaining to me about their job, or their co-workers BUT how I deal with it is what will make the difference. For the last 2 weeks (or so), I have taken to listening to them, offering them feedback, and recommending that they go back and speak with the co-worker that is annoying them, directly. I can’t keep absorbing their negativity.
Either they will stop coming to me with every little thing, OR they’ll confront the person and come to a resolution together.
The past two weeks I have noticed a shift in myself and my happiness. I need to keep this momentum going!
I love your blog, I love reading it…and seeing all of the honesty that you share. Keep on sharing!!!
Leah says
I really needed this post today after having an extremely challenging day with my 6 and 3 year old. I have to remind myself that this to shall pass and tomorrow is a new day. Love your blog! Thanks for being real.
Giselle says
I agree 100%! I’ve dealt with some major hardships this past year and always try to remain positive. I’m constantly hearing people ask me who I am able to do so and my one response is always it could be worse. Sure my problems might suck but dwelling on them only makes them seem worse for a little longer. There are too many positive things in this world to let the negative take over π
char eats greens says
I actually really needed this because something has been off with me yesterday and today. I’m on the verge of tears and just really easily agitated. I think it’s just from not having a day to myself in a looooong time. I do try to remain positive and happy, but every once in a while (read: today and yesterday!), I just can’t fight the darkness. This sounds so bad, and I even was going through my head last night saying, what’s wrong with me! I think it’s good that you’re a glass half full type of person because life IS what you make of it! I’m a work in progress, but I think I’m getting better at seeing the beauty!
Terry says
Wow, you really hit it with “Itβs just life”. Those three words are so powerful.
Thanks for the great post!