
07 Nov Single Mama’s Favorite Things
Until now I have blogged mostly about single motherhood and divorce. I am however more than just a single mom. It is one of my most visible titles, but being a single mama isn’t the only important part of who I am.
Yesterday while driving in my car, listening to my beloved satellite radio, I heard my all-time favorite Springsteen song and immediately started to smile. In that moment it felt as though all was perfect and stress free. It suddenly struck me how little it truly takes to make me smile and feel good.
I, like so many other mothers, am constantly on the go. Life for me is always a non-stop ride. I wear so many different hats and play so many different roles (to so many different people) each and every day. I am a single mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and professional social worker. On any given day I can also be found playing the role of: chef, laundress, cleaning woman, taxi driver, sanitary engineer, psychologist, vet, nurse, tutor, telephone operator, handyman and dog walker. I am sure that I have forgotten a few, but as you can see it’s a never ending career-changing experience!
Amidst all of the non-stop craziness there are many moments each day which bring a smile to my face or cause me to laugh uncontrollably. It is so easy to think and talk about the moments that make us all mad or sad or frustrated. In doing so we often neglect the GOOD STUFF – the stuff that we are grateful for, the little things that pack a big punch!
Why not relish in the moments that cause us to feel happy and fulfilled?
Why not speak of the “roses” in our days rather than complaining about the “thorns?”
So, I have decided to share the list of the top 12 things that make me feel happy and fulfilled. Here goes…..
- My Daughters: They are my everything! They are both unique and special and I cherish every moment that I spend with them. Nothing makes me happier than when the three of us (and our dog Peaches) hang out on my bed catching up on our favorite T.V. shows, gossiping or playing cards. I also love our spontaneous dance parties which usually take place in the kitchen and result in laughter and extreme silliness!
- Bruce Springsteen singing Jungleland.
- Jim Cuddy (and Blue Rodeo) singing ANYTHING!
- Homemade Iced Tea with lots of ice in it. When there is no homemade available, STARBUCKS GREEN ICED TEA is a perfect option!
- Laughing until it hurts.
- Good Sushi
- Summers in the country with my girls. (ahhhh, the country air!)
- Making and eating SMORES with my daughters. When there is no fire pit available, wrap up the SMORES ingredients in heavy foil and place them on the BBQ. You can even melt your marshmallows over the stovetop when you are in need of a quick smores. Total yumminess!
- Breakfast dates with friends.
- Cozy socks! I have an affinity for ROOTS camp socks.
- The Sunday Crossword Puzzle. I love the Sunday Times Crossword, and love being able to take my time and work on it all week long.
- A great MOJITO or a cold CORONA
In the words of Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music, “THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS.”
I think it is so important to take the time to acknowledge and celebrate the stuff that makes us smile.
What are some of the things that make you happy?
Amy
Posted at 07:44h, 07 NovemberI love your blog and your perspective! Thanks for reminding me to put the ‘roses’ ahead of the ‘thorns’. I too derive great joy from family and music. Your blogs are great!
Susan Marks
Posted at 10:22h, 07 NovemberThanks Amy! Your feedback is amazing! Keep reading and enjoying the blogs!
Didi
Posted at 09:15h, 07 NovemberYou are one of my favorite things…as well as all the other beloveds. Keep blogging. You make perfect sense.xoxo
Susan Marks
Posted at 10:23h, 07 NovemberThanks for your support!!! It is truly appreciated!
Alan Marks
Posted at 14:50h, 07 NovemberSusi
You are the best and so are your blogs
Xoxoxo
Dad
Susan
Posted at 16:36h, 07 NovemberThanks! Xo
Connie
Posted at 15:19h, 07 NovemberEach and every one of your blogs make me smile! Thank you for sharing and being so honest. You make me smile!
Susan
Posted at 16:37h, 07 NovemberThanks Connie! Your support means so much to me!
Cheryl
Posted at 19:47h, 07 NovemberLove your blog Susan! I love hearing an oldie but a goodie song on the radio, it makes me sing out loud and look a bit crazy but I don’t even care!, oh! My kids love s’mores too 🙂
Susan
Posted at 01:08h, 08 NovemberHey Cheryl,
I love to hear that a great song on the radio makes you feel great too! Thanks for the great comment!
Shana Turowitz
Posted at 20:36h, 07 NovemberLove your blog Susan! Nice reminder to stop and smell the roses. Your blog reminded me of something that happened today. I was so stressed to give a presentation at work yesterday to the entire staff of the High School. Today someone came up to me and said, “Did you ever think of being a teacher? You were a natural up there”. It made my day! One little comment and it meant so much. We need to stop and connect to other people and remember that even the littlest compliment or feel good moment is enough to stop and make us feel grateful! Thanks again for sharing!
Susan
Posted at 01:13h, 08 NovemberHey Shana!
I’m so happy to hear that you connected to the blog on a personal level! It does feel great to get positive feedback from others, and it feels equally good to be able to compliment someone on a job well done!
Thanks for your feedback and support!
Lonni Prince
Posted at 08:38h, 10 Novemberyou write beautifully…thanks for reminding us all it’s the big AND little things that are important!!! xo xo xo xo
Susan
Posted at 09:21h, 10 NovemberHey Lonni,
Thanks for reading the blog and for your comments and support !
Xoxox