14 or 15 step program that may work for at least one person in the world

1.  Start getting some exercise.  Buy a DVD and get up early if you have to, but just do it.

2. Wash the middle window in the set of bay windows in the living room.  Boy, you didn't know how much gunk toddler hands and dog and cat noses had gotten on there, did you?  You didn't really know how bad it looked until you cleaned it, and now every time you look at it, it sparkles and shines.  You should really wash some windows more often.

3.  Eat more salad.

4. Think about doing something new.  Think about acupuncture.  Request an appointment for acupuncture, then get by turns excited and nervous about it.

5. Read a book, something that puts you inside somebody else's head and takes you out of your own.  If you are picking up something at the airport, I recommend Water for Elephants.

6. Stop bitching about how you never write.  Write.  Even if it's only a list.

7. Take more pictures.

8. When your daughter asks you to play with her, go. 

9. Keep your home clean(er).  Every time you walk into a clean room that was formerly a mess, it will make you happy.

10. Cheer for your daughter when she puts her poop in the potty, even if the way she did it was to clench it between her buttcheeks as she maneuvered herself onto the toilet seat.  Accept it as progress, since it is, after all, less poop that you have to manipulate.

11.  Notice, and appreciate, how blue Lake Michigan is on lovely fall days like today.

12.  Think about how Katie talked to you on the phone this morning when you were at work - how she spontaneously told you, "Mommy, I love you so much" and then "have a good day at work!"  Smile.

13. Make sure you recognize, at least once a day, that your life is good as it is, even without more.

14. Try, and hope, for more.

(15. And kill those goddamn fruitflies in the kitchen.  Again.)

Comments

[Cassie]

Your blog is a gentle lullaby next to my profanity induced ramblings. Feel free to read it if you're feeling angry.
goodtries.typepad.com
You're a lovely writer.

[jana]

Hee hee! Number 10 made me laugh. Great list! Many of these items are on my list as well.

[Beth]

Thanks, Jessamyn, I needed to read this list today.

[Leia]

Jessamyn, You are such a good writer! I am so glad to check out your blog and see that you are writing again. You are really a great painter, story teller and writer because that is how your words read. . .like moving pictures. Thank you for sharing your truths (you are a real artist!) -L

[mimi smartypants]

Keep the acupuncture appointment. Acupuncture can be wonderful (I know a really good therapist if you ever need a recommendation). You don't even need a "problem" to go---I'll go get "tune-ups" occasionally. Hooray for taking care of yourself!

[Laura]

Fruitflies! I have some in the kitchen *and* in my car, because I often eat fruit on my commute. . . how can such tiny things be so frustrating!

I love your list.

[Erin]

I picked up Water for Elephants at the airport on our way back from our honeymoon a few weeks ago. I finished it that very day and absolutely loved it! :)

[Erin]

I picked up Water for Elephants at the airport on our way back from our honeymoon a few weeks ago. I finished it that very day and absolutely loved it! :)

[Jessie]

Oh my god number 10 HAHAHAHAAAAAA!!!!!!!!

[michael jones]

I have to say that acupuncture is something great! It has so many benefits for the body! Each one of us has to try it!