Why "Done" Should be Eliminated From Your Vocabulary

A parent’s job is never done. And yet, I cannot help but try to get everything done. I bet you’re the same way.

Laundry piling up? Let’s get it done. So I (and likely, you) huff and puff to get it done until there’s not one single dirty item of clothing in the house. For exactly 43.8 seconds.

Not even one minute of respite from dirty clothing.

Floors messy with crumbs? Let’s get it done. So I (and likely, you) huff and puff to get it done until there’s not one single crumb in sight. For exactly 12.7 seconds.

Not even thirty seconds to enjoy your nice, clean floors.

Bathroom sinks showing more toothpaste than at the dentist? Let’s get it done. So I (and likely, you) huff and puff to get it done until those damn sinks are gleaming like freshly polished diamonds. For exactly 3.9 seconds

Not even 10 seconds of happy shininess.

See the pattern?

It’s ridiculous. It’s actually worse than ridiculous. It’s complete and utter bullshit.

But you know what the real problem is? It’s the fact that we can’t stop trying to get it done. Face it, we’ll never be "done" again.

Adults have an unrelenting preoccupation with getting everything done that is completely unrealistic in the world of parenting.

I just need to vacuum the carpets and then, I’ll play with the children. I just need to finish these dishes and then, I’ll snuggle with the baby.

That’s the reality of our lives. We’re always trying to get things done so we can then enjoy ourselves.

But how’s it working for you? I bet it’s not.

I know, because it’s not working for me either.

Done needs to be eliminated from our vocabulary.

Completely and irrevocably abolished from our lives.

Floors will always have a crumb or two or thousand. Laundry hampers will always be overflowing. Toys will always be right underfoot.

But your home will be filled with your children’s sweet giggles. Your arms will be wrapped up in the warmest, tightest hugs. Your face will be smothered with a thousand tiny, soft kisses.

Your house might never be as clean as you want but if you just stop long enough to pay attention, you’ll realize that your heart is exploding with more love than it can contain. More love than you ever thought possible.

Your life has never been so full of living and that is our new reality, yours and mine.

And you know what? It’s pretty darn great. Messes and all.

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