Being Grateful For The Things That We “Have To” Do…

Do you ever get stuck in that cycle of “having to do” all of the things? 

I know that I sure do.  Whether it’s...  

“I have to do the washing” 

“I have to cook dinner” 

“I have to pay the bills” 

“I have to walk the dogs” 

The pile of things that I “have to” do seems to get bigger and bigger, I get more frustrated and, somehow, less motivated to get everything done.  I see a list of chores in front of me, none of which I want to do, and that all seem mundane and annoying. 

But I’ve made the commitment to myself this year to stop this thinking, to change it so that I can feel more fulfilled when I accomplish something and to be grateful for the opportunity to do these tasks.  My new dialogue is... 

“I get to do the washing” - I am fortunate enough to have clothes and the means to wash them. 

“I get to cook dinner” - I am lucky to have access to food and can provide meals for my family. 

“I get to pay the bills” - I am grateful for the luxuries in life that I can financially afford. 

“I get to walk the dogs” - I have healthy dogs and my mobility that allows me to enjoy this activity. 

By simply modifying a couple of words, my dialogue is changed and reflects a person who is lucky to have the opportunity to do these tasks, who is grateful to be able to do them, and who feels accomplishment once completed instead of annoyed at the never ending to do list.  Self-talk is so important for our mental health and productivity, and it can change the way that we see things and our days ahead.   

How do you talk to yourself? 

How can you change your dialogue to be grateful for those daily tasks? 

~ Lauren