the happy mom lives again

OK, many of you read my recent post about my "Happy Mom" shirt. If you haven't, you might want to go back a few posts and take a look.

Anyway, it began to really bother me that I could be so controlled by this threatening, but oh' so fashionable pink t-shirt. Many times, I looked in my closet for something to wear, reaching for the "Happy Mom" shirt only to talk myself out of it. I would refuse to put it on because I felt that I could not handle the pressure involved in wearing it. Could I really be happy all day long? .....about everything? I would find myself surveying the upcoming events of the day and then think- can I handle the guilt involved today if I am not successful? Nine times out of ten I would cower and decide not to risk it. The shirt would go back into the closet. It was all motivated out of a fear of failure, which by the way is my choice of kryptonite.

Now, after a week or two of avoiding the shirt, I began to get a little bothered. Remember, I don't like to fail :-)Why should I feel the need to perform or meet the standard of "The Happy Mom." Why can't I just be myself- allow myself to be honest with my emotions?

(I apologize if you are now reading this and thinking, "Good grief, Michelle, Do you have a life? Do you have anything else going on right now that you could stress about besides this? You sure are obsessing over a t-shirt. Just wear it for goodness sake!") To answer your question, YES!!!!!!!!!, I DO - I have life changing, crucial, affect the rest of your life kind of drama decisions going on in my life right now! This is precisely why I decided it was time to conquer the evil powers that lurked behind this t-shirt.

So, I wore the shirt a couple of days ago, determined that I would be victorious. Let me tell you, it was a great day! No guilt and no condemnation came from this shirt. I feel I have won the battle! The photo you see is a victory dance performed during our evening meal when I realized my huge accomplishment. Dance-offs are quite common in our house and enjoyed by all with the exception of my 14 year old, who is too cool. But Bo, my 11 year old, is my constant dance partner and can be seen dancing with me in the photo. He is even quite impressed with my dancing ability. Side note - I find that 70s music brings out my best moves.

So celebrate with me- Pat yourself on the back when you don't let circumstances control your mood. Congratulate yourself when you manage the roller-coaster of emotions that are thrown at you in a day. Do a little dance right now in honor of all the "Happy Moms'" and happy women out there who have conquered the little things in life.......like the evil powers of a cute, pink t-shirt.

Comments

[Beth]

Totally LOVED this post! You are such a good writer�I think you ought to put your skills toward a book and actually make money having the fun you're having.

I'm glad you conquered the pink t-shirt. Really all of us should have a shirt that helps us keep a right heart.

Maybe mine should say something like, "Nine months: No complaining here."

[aliirenee]

Your posts are hilarious! I love it! The pictures of Lily in the tu-tu are adorable also. I love how you are so girly and you are allowing Lily to be the same way-I think that is important :-)

[Christina]

Haha! I was just thinking the same thing Beth wrote...you should publish your stories!!

[karenkool]

I love the dinner time dancin' idea. Terry dances while cooking. I should find him a Happy Dad T-shirt. I, on the other hand, ALWAYS FORGET to turn music on while I'm cooking. WHAT IS THAT??? Here I am a musician and all...??? It's just weird. Maybe while you are finding major victory with your t-shirt wearage, I will find my way to the dance floor around the dinner hour.

You are so encouraging, Michelle!

[zanderfam]

I hope this post is part of your published writing! It's great!

[Jennifer Pendley]

I love ready your posts. It makes me want to be a better mom! Not that I am bad but it makes me realize that you can deal with all the stresses of the day and still let your hair down at night and be a kid again. I have really gotten to know some things about you just by your post and love it. Thanks for being an inspiration to us all!

[Shanygne]

You ROCK!

[lulu]

oh my gosh, so funny. being a bit perfectionistic myself i could feel the pressure of the happy shirt oozing thru the first half of this post!

[Sheri]

Michelle, You truly are absoluately wonderful!!! Thanks for all of your humor and sharing it with other Mom's who struggle to be the best they can be no matter what else is happening in their lives.

Sheri