Appreciation

At the basic root of our being, we want to feel appreciated. Whether it's at work, at home or with our friends, we want to feel that someone notices how much effort we are putting into whatever it is that we do.

Something cracked in me this afternoon. I all of a sudden felt completely unappreciated by my husband and children. I don't expect an award or trophy for the hundreds of things I do for them daily, but I would love the occasional heart felt "thank you".

If I wrote out a list of all that I do in a day for them and asked them to fulfill the same tasks, it would not only take them 10 times longer, but they would also give up halfway through. Running a house of 5, and a dog, is a lot of work. Even basic tasks, such as laundry and dishes, are time consuming...especially since I do it all while keeping my 18 month old out of trouble. I also do our banking, bill paying, grocery shopping, all cleaning, homework with the kids, all cooking, pack school lunches,any necessary (and some unnecessary) shopping, chauffeuring to extra circulars and/or playdates and/or appointments, etc,etc, etc. To top it all off, I am reentering the workforce on Monday and I guarantee I will still do all of the previously mentioned tasks.

It is 2014, but in many ways, we still live like it's 1950. Women get paid less than men, in the same jobs. Women are often expected to take care of the home, the children and with what little energy they have left, take care of their husbands and themselves. I'm telling you, IT IS EXHAUSTING!

Whoever said that being a stay at home isn't a real job...well, I challenge you to try it out for a day and see if I can change your mind.

Finally, make sure you show your loved ones the appreciation they deserve. Even the smallest comment or gesture will let them know you care and that you appreciate all that they do for you and for others. Don't let a day pass without making someone feel special.