5.20.2009

a picture's worth a thousand lessons


i consider myself to be a pretty high strung person.

i care about little baby things that i really just shouldn't.

and it's a quality about myself
i am currently, and forever have been
trying to change.

[and i'll tell you why:]

basically:
i want life to be perfect.
{and it isn't.}

i like things to be orderly and super-controlled.
[rarely happens.]

i believe in bed times,
matching bows,
inside voices,
diets that start on mondays,
paying bills on time,
and
organized living quarters.

{so naturally}

things like:
toddler potty accidents,
endless laundry piles,
conflict of any kind,
and
unexpected circumstances/events
*kind of drive me crazy.

and it even bugs me that those things bug me so much.

truly:
i am high strung about my high strung-ness.

it's sick.

***

but let me tell you,
the above little picture of my chloe illustrates to me the opposite of all that.

it inspires my soul to be free.

to let go of the weight of the world & bask in the sunlight from time to time.

to not worry so much about messes, schedules, and self-created expectation.

to stop and read stories, sing primary songs, & cuddle with my girls.

to be proactive instead of reactive.

to seize my days.

to cut myself some freakin' slack & feel happy more often.

to relax and be content with my blessings.

to swing on the swings, take walks, and "waste time" with the peeps i love most.

it even inspires me to look cute in a halter swim suit.
{haha}

***
i am forever in awe at how
just watching my three year old
can teach me
{an almost 26 year old}
so much
about life.

*she's a good teacher, that chloe.


{happy wednesday!}

20 comments:

heather said...

She's a cute one too. I love her little swimsuit. :) Angie, you completely ROCK. Cut yourself all the freakin' slack you need. :)

Kaelene said...

Ya, that girlie and her swimsuit . . . they are pretty cute!
And you are amazing, so you better be nice to yourself!

Vicki Johnson said...

FREAKIN' SLACK!!!!

Priceless!

You are the picture of Chloe for so many, more than you know.

granny said...

Um, we're related. Love ya.

Marilyn said...

I am happy you are learning this at your tender age-I still have issues with this at my....ahem...older age!

The Roberts Family said...

i think most of us are that way! your so cute :)

The Wizzle said...

I.get.it.

I love spontaneity, but when you add the kids into the mix it's like I suddenly become a drill sargeant, because I feel like I have to or else it all goes to hell in a handbasket.

Learning (trying to learn) to RELAX a little, every day. Maybe when I'm 80 I'll have it down.

(I have a halter suit this year too! We can rock it together).

runningfan said...

Maybe I'll hang that Chloe picture on my fridge so I can remember your wisdom always!!! Great post, girlfriend!

Nikki said...

She is so darn cuute in that bathing suit. Where did you get it from?

Lori said...

I read your blog and I thought to myself . . . are we related? Nope (unfortunately), just women. We have all "been there, done that" Angie my dear. I wish I had realized it sooner and done something about it back when my children were little. I think I started giving myself some slack and gentle hugs in my 30's. I'm now . . . 50 something and I have to tell you, when I was able to realize that the important things in life were not "things", but "family & friends", I truly became happy. I have no regrets that my laundry is never done and that I'm not as organized as I would like to be. You are one smart woman Angie . . .

Beth Curtis said...

word sister. I am totally the same way. We are always our worst critics. We need to learn to take a chill pill sometimes. Miss ya!

Unknown said...

Hey..you don't know me..but I often frequent your blog and feel like I need to say that I think you are awesome!! I love your writing...you really have a way with words not to mention the two most adorable little girls ever.

Thanks for sharing..I LOVE to read what you have to say. And you just might be one of my favorite blogs to visit. Your awesome!! :)

Cody and Lexie said...

AMEN!!! I feel the same way!!!

Kaytie Brown said...

I freaking LOVE you girl!!!

Unknown said...

Oh I Wow, that is a great educational post.
well, with me, I am too relaxed, slack off, unorganized, well just say the opposite of you in a good way but, ya know that is ok too.
I think whatever works and I maybe you should organize houses for a living, that would be fun and $$$. I am organized in a sense to know where things are but, not super picked up, kind of clutter bugish. LOL

take care and try yoga, that is the best. I walk 1 mile per day and do yoga sometimes. It is the best, adds so much peace in life!
take care!

rachbechep said...

thanks for that post. seriously. i think we're a lot alike ang! which makes me want to see you!...and not in another couple years!

J-mama said...

I love reading your blog! I feel so close to you in our sometimes ocd-tendencied sameness. You express it so cute and in so many fewer words, though!

angiedunn said...

dendi!

i can't get back to you...but thanks for your nicest comment...made my day!

*cute name btw.

Mom2BJM(Amy) said...

You are one awesome Momma!

Jenn said...

Thanks for reminding me not to be so "high strung" either... A fault I am seriously trying to fix... if you figure it out, let me know!