We all face issues that try to rob us of our joy—anxiety, loneliness, and discontent—just to name a few. And with all of its expectations and contradictions, this world can take a major toll on us…
We’re supposed to be fit, but not too skinny. Work and hustle, but stay home and be a good mom. Be wild and free, while remaining tidy and pure. Be a good wife, but be totally independent.
It can be exhausting, can’t it?
A few years ago (ok, maybe like 10!), my family gathered around a large cheese pizza and I overheard a conversation between our son Clayton and his friend Brandon. “It’s hard to make flamingo’s happy,” Brandon sighed with resignation.
“I know,” consoled Clayton.
“What?” I asked. “How do your boys know about the emotional state of flamingos?!”
Sometimes I stumble into wanting things.
The checkout line is long, and inevitably, I’m in line behind the coupon queen. I like watching extreme couponers on HGTV, but in real life – not so much.
As I stand there, I find myself staring at the checkout line aisle, and all the sudden, I venture off my shopping list. You know what I’m talking about; under the mints and the gum are all the items I forgot that I needed. Like, floss picks, hand sanitizer, and Tide-To-Go sticks. And while I’m at it, I find myself picking up a lint roller, even though I never lint roll anything. Ever. My moment of weakness peaks when I grab peanut m&ms.
Thankfully coupon diva takes so long I’m able to knock some sense into myself and put the “things I didn’t know I needed” back onto the shelf where they belong.
Those checkout lines are strategic. We all know this. We’ve seen many a tantrum as the child lusts after Fun Dip candy at eye level, only to be told a devastating no.
However, I’m starting to realize I stand in that checkout line a lot more than just at the grocery store.
