Browsing through Instagram sometimes makes me feel bad. Seeing other moms looking fab and so well-taken care of or fellow moms still being so close to their parents bring feelings of sadness, self-pity and envy. I know I shouldn’t feel that way, but I can’t help it — especially on tough days.
Why can’t I go to the salon as often as they do? Why can’t I splurge in a luxurious spa experience? Why is it that, until now, a long-running issue with my family still cannot be resolved?
As I was opening my laptop earlier today, I noticed that my once very smooth hands are now dry and flaky. I also have small cuts on my fingers from constant washing — I really need to find a laundry detergent that’s gentle to the skin, but can still remove stains! I realized I haven’t gone to the spa for a much needed hand spa and manicure for the longest time.
I can’t say that married life and motherhood has been a breeze. There are days when Daddy A and I would fight over the smallest things; when I would snap at the kids because they won’t stop crying; days when the laundry basket overflows and the dirty plates pile up in the sink.
There are times when I wish I can go to the gym every day like I used to; relax at the spa every week; to have my hair done every month. I miss shopping like crazy, too, as well as hanging out in my favorite coffee shop and going on road trips whenever I want to.
I was about to complain about how difficult it is not to have a maid that does everything for me like when I was growing up; about how I miss having my money to myself… when my eyes turned to the bed where my two angels were sleeping.
I always say that The Minis can be a handful. They really have this way of pushing my patience beyond my boiling point and making me feel like I’m not doing very well in this mothering thing. Daddy A’s line of work doesn’t help, too, since he spends most of his time at the station and leaves when an emergency in his AOR arises (even when it’s family time). But all these do not stop me from feeling blessed — because I am blessed.
When you are grateful — when you can see what you have — you unlock blessings to flow in your life. (Suze Orman)
I am blessed because I have a husband who, despite his work, tries his very best to be with us. He helps me with chores when he can, provides our needs and supports me with whatever makes me happy. He constantly reminds me of his love, respects what I have to say and is, altogether, a good husband to me and an amazing father to our children.
I am blessed because I have two angels whose every hug, kiss (in the Little Man’s case, licks) and “I love, Mommy!” replace my fatigue with love and joy. They remind me to see and appreciate simple things and to be — as my Philosophy professor calls it — continuously astonished about life.
I am blessed because despite not being able to afford all the luxuries I used to enjoy, we have a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs and meals that fill us up.
It can be difficult to recognize little blessings, especially now that our eyes are constantly fed with images of the perfect life through social media platforms, but we should always try to be grateful… because being grateful, seeing the wonderful in every single person, thing or situation, can really change your life.