Not a big deal

I realize I make things too much of a big deal. Did you pack your toothbrush? Crap, no one ate the chili, now it’s wasted. I need new brakes and tires, how will I get a thousand dollars? I don’t have any outfits to wear to that party, now I’ll have to go shopping. The cat threw up again? I hope he’s ok, I might have to change the food. Why does everyone leave a drop of milk and not throw out the container? It’s going to rain on the day of our outing, now it’s ruined!

And on

and on

and on.

Luckily I have 3 kids in their 20’s who point this out to me. Daily. Yes, that’s said with sarcasm. But it has also been an eye opener for me and my ways. I skew to the negative and the worry. (I do want to change that and here I am working on it)

So really in the course of life, most of the things are just not a big big deal.I don’t need to stress over the little stuff. Some of it is silly. I remember that saying , it goes something like ask yourself if it will matter in a year and if not, don’t give it more than a minute thought.

I’m going to remember that,

My son is leaving for college and I’m panicked and anxious ! Like millions of other kids haven’t done this?! ( not to mention he’ll be 20 and he is capable albeit lazy and disorganized) and I’m making such a big deal of my worries.

This does all lead back to mindfulness doesn’t it? Being aware of our feelings, words and reactions. Then taking steps, no matter how tiny, to make a change for the better.

“It’s not a big deal” will be my go to phrase to get me through the overthinking.

I’ll be ok. You’ll be ok too if you’re like this.

We’ll be fine, just minding our business, taking in the sunsets, the flowers, the laughter with a loved one, walking the dog, petting the cat, picking vegetables, singing in the shower, taking a drive to a farm stand…

Life goes so fast. When you’re young, 60 was old. When you’re 60, it’s been the blink of an eye. Kids grow, people leave. The awareness of it all is more front and center.

So I’m sitting here with a bit of a messy house and a to-do list a mile long, and I think I’ll just pet the cats for a while, take a walk and cook some dinner.

Enjoying life! Now THAT’S A BIG DEAL!!