PRESENT CONTENTMENT take 1
Last fall I picked up several copies of Donna Otto's "Finding Your Purpose As a Mom" as Christmas gifts. I'm glad I also decided to buy a copy for myself! (Am I the only one who does that?!) Even though I don't feel particularly purposeless as a mom, it never hurts to be reminded of the point to all this hard work!
The book consists of brief chapters (ie readable between the call of the timer, doorbells, rides and the phone) each followed by a thought provoking and encouraging exercise. Like a quick breather with a cup of tea (which I rarely do!), I loved doing these exercises. But one in particular is still resonating ...
Donna suggests taking two folders and labeling one 'Present Contentment,' the other 'Future Hope.' Then comes the brainstorming and recording in its folder ... the things that are right ... at this very moment. And the dreams you have yet to fulfil in life, the things you'd like to do before you die.
What a great concept ... Instead of complaining about the present, look at what is being fulfilled. And instead of letting weeds grow over those dreams, launch into them from a content present, into the possibilities of the future.
I decided to summarize each month what I was content about.
Well, at first, doing this way back in November, I was scraping the barrel, feeling under huge pressure with the upcoming holiday and some heavyweight concerns, not to mention grueling morning sickness. I did it anyway. But really I was saying thankyou through gritted teeth for things that were actually driving me crazy. Nice try.
Present contentment for December? Well that was way easier ... because our van caught fire ... the day before my parents flew in from England, with me just after dawn at the Skating Club of Boston dropping off dear eldest daughter and with a list of errands as long as my arm to accomplish ... with a van on fire!
Afterwards, though, I could't wait to pull out the folder and write down the story because it was just overflowing with things to be content about!
When we'd got in the van that morning, still dark outside and way below freezing, I'd turned to my daughter and exclaimed (ever trying to be cheerful!), "Isn't it a miracle that the car starts in weather like this and we can just drive off without a thought! Boy, if we had a horse and cart we'd have to feed the horse and groom it and so much more." Yes, and not take it to the mechanics.
Oh, I forgot ... this is a 'present contentment' story!
It was rather comical that the car started ... but that when we arrived and I turned off the lights, smoke started billowing out of the light switch. I guess you can't have everything. (Never heard of a horse catching on fire, though.)
"Run! The car's on fire! Get out of here quickly!" Well, dear daughter had the cell phone in her sock, don't ask why, and she quickly grabbed her skating bag and scooted off. Since the cell phone wasn't in my purse, I thought we had forgotten it. No cell phone.
More smoke. Visible red and yellow inside the switch.
Leaving all the doors wide open, I ran into the Club and asked for a phone. The receptionist, carefully untangling the cord so the phone would reach me, was exhibiting commanding patience for that time of the morning. Now, you need to remember my polite English upbringing.
"Um, excuse me ... but my van is on fire by the entrance. I NEED THE PHONE RIGHT NOW!" That got results.
Called 9-1-1.
Ran back outside to see black billows. And remembered my laptop (Was planning on writing while dd skated); and bulky picture frame (to be dropped off to be mirrored at a glass store); and big sack of library books (yikes ... what's the fine on 60 burnt books?!) and more. Dragged these out and stumbled with the whole lot at once (don't forget that I am also pregnant) back into the building.
Out came the janitor, running with a fire extinguisher ... to the amazement of the elegant ice dancers peacefully practicing for Nationals.
"It's ok." I must get extra English in moments of drama, "I called the Fire Brigade."
This burley Bostonian looked at me like I was the one on fire. "Who?"
"Oh I mean, the Fire Department." Then trying to make light of my faux pas I added, "Don't worry, they'll be here with their bell ringing and the horses galloping at any moment."
Now he was really looking at me sideways, seemingly thinking, "We've got a real fruitcake here." (Except in Bostonian of course).
...
What happens next and why on earth are there so many hidden blessings in this story? Stay tuned!
Comments
Feb. 14, 2006 - contentment
Posted by Anonymous
It is always refreshing to hear reminders to be thankful and content! You excell in both, Michelle. Thanks for sharing your thoughts in this blog....now that I know what a blog is, will be visiting this one often :)