My dad sent me this quote a couple days ago, and it really resonated with me. I even wrote it on a post-it note and stuck it on my wall at work.
I have a feeling it might speak to you as well.
In fact, I’m willing to bet that you, dear reader, wear a lot of hats. You don’t just go to work, come home, and call it a day. Nope. You do so much more than that.
You hold the universe together.
In addition to your “real” job as a teacher/writer/financial manager/graphic designer/full-time blogger, you are also a spouse, a sibling, a son or daughter, a friend, and a colleague.
You’re a support system, a listener, a bearer of wisdom, a shoulder to cry on, a warm hug, and an offer of reassurance.
You’re the washer of dirty laundry, the provider of nourishing food, and the loader of the dishwasher. You are the lawn mower and the driveway shoveler, the dog walker and cat feeder.
You do it all
You’re a defender of monsters under the bed, you’re the reader of endless bedtime stories, you’re the watchful eye ensuring that hands are washed and teeth are brushed. You’re the wiper of runny noses and the taxi to basketball practice.
You’re the one who notices when there’s only two slices of bread in the bag or a half bowl of Cheerios left in the box.
You take on these responsibilities like a champ and without prompting. And you know what?
Sometimes it feels like it doesn’t matter, because nobody notices.
Well I’m here to tell you that it does matter. It. Matters. So. Much.
It matters.
I think it’s easy for us to get down on ourselves. It is easy to feel like we should be doing more and being better. We feel we should be spending more time keeping the house clean. Or offer more time volunteering. We must be a better wife, friend, parent, sibling, or neighbor. And then to top if off, we often brush aside – or completely overlook – all of the invaluable things we do every. single. day.
Here’s the deal. We need to change this. We need to acknowledge and celebrate all that we do. What’s more, we need to support others who are helping us hold the universe together.
So the next time you’re feeling down, or feel like you’re not doing enough, having enough, or being enough, flip those thoughts around. Recognize all that you do.
Embrace your hard work, your dedication, your limitless love, and feel proud.
And when a friend shares her feelings of doubt with you, or when your sister throws another ball in the air without dropping the rest, help them see the importance of their accomplishments.
Because even if your efforts aren’t recognized, or it looks as if you aren’t “doing a thing,” you are.
You are “standing there leaning on the balcony railing, holding the universe together.” And the world is better for it.
So tell me – what are you proud of? What do you do everyday that deserves recognition? I want to hear it all! Celebrate with me below.
