One thing I've been reminded of lately - simple things make a difference. They really do.
For a while now, I've offered my kids a menu each morning. Although they predictably choose the same items, having a menu to choose off of brings them joy. Recently I printed out new menus using a new font and fall borders and you would have thought I told them they could eat ice cream for breakfast. They were so excited.
I also changed the colors and stickers of our Help Wanted sign and our Kid's Day signs. (My girls alternate days - when it is their day, they get to choose what music we listen to during breakfast, get the mail, practice violin first, set the dinner table, etc. It was a simple solution to daily conflict!) I was shocked that something as simple as changing the colors and stickers was so exciting to them.
Another recent example of simple things making a difference....my youngest celebrated her birthday a couple weeks ago. We do simple birthdays in our family (so far), and this day was no different. Except I took a few fun decorations to our favorite local coffee shop and asked the owner to decorate a bit.
When we arrived and my daughter saw the "throne" made out of streamers, she was elated. She said over and over, "This is the best birthday ever."
And just yesterday I served their soup in pumpkin mugs.
Simple things. They take very little time or effort, but they do make a difference.
What simple things have you done lately?
I really had to pick my brain to answer this question but it's so timely because I can get very wrapped up in the complicated stuff (especially at work). Last week, we threw a bday party for a coworker who likes pink. I made very simple napkin flowers to encourage her and they were a big success! Today I voted and it made me really thankful for all the people who have fought for my rights as a woman to even be able to vote. The only other thing that came to mind is that I'm wearing my favorite organic socks today and they feel great! haha
ReplyDeleteHey, just wanted to let you know I am linking to this post on my "loving your family" post tomorrow :)
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