Standing in my closet looking at the shirts that needed ironing I could feel my stomach knot up. I've been putting off the inevitable for way too long - the shirts must be ironed today. There's no way around it. Oh how I loathe ironing.
With the ironing board and iron ready to go, a feeling ran through me that actually took me by surprise as I began ironing the first shirt - gratitude. Gratitude that I had shirts to keep my family clothed knowing that there are millions of people in the world who don't. Gratitude that I had the electricity to heat up the iron knowing that there are millions of people in the world who don't. Gratitude that I had a home to allow this ironing to take place knowing there are millions of people in the world who don't.
In the moment I started ironing, my Genie woke me up and gently reminded me that my ironing was not a chore, it was actually a gift and something I get to do. And, of course, this got me thinking about anything we do in life that are our least favorite things to do. All of us, at one time or another, find ourselves doing certain chores that we don't look forward to but in reality, it's truly a gift that it's even there for us to be involved with.
No matter what the chore may be, there's a place for gratitude toward it. House cleaning, washing the car, gardening, washing clothes, folding clothes, cooking, or chauffeuring your kids around. Every chore can be transformed into a pleasant experience when we open our hearts and allow the Genie within to remind us to see the gift in front of us.
Visit www.awakenthegeniewithin.com/wisdombook and maintain an attitude of gratitude through my new book; Stories To Awaken The Genie Within.
Hi Tina,
I'm glad you enjoyed this post and found it inspiring for you!
Thank you for doing your part through your blog, www.thinksimplenow.com to make a difference in the world.
I look forward to reading it now that I know you're out there!
Blessings,
Linda
Posted by: linda | November 02, 2007 at 04:20 PM
Great Post! Thanks for inspiring me. I really enjoy the content of your blog.
Love & Gratitude,
Tina
Think Simple. Be Decisive.
~ Productivity, Motivation & Happiness
Posted by: Tina Su | November 02, 2007 at 02:26 PM
You're so welcome, Mary Anne. And good for you for taking the message to heart and applying it into your life. It's one thing to read something and it's quite another to do something about what you just read if it's going to create a shift for you!
Blessings,
Linda
Posted by: Linda | October 31, 2007 at 12:25 PM
Thank you, Linda--I needed this today. I was throwing my own little pity party before I read your message. Thanks again!
Posted by: Mary Anne | October 31, 2007 at 06:17 AM