The other day my friend made a comment online that she loves to clean. I know this to be true. She keeps a fabulously clean home and is a domestic goddess. But, her comment made me stop and think, "That is not me... and I am not ashamed."
So there it is world. I am a house wife who does NOT love to clean. I bare my true colors. That does not mean my house is a mess. I love having a clean house, and I do clean, I just don't love cleaning. I say this not for sympathy, but for all of you other cleaning-loving-deficient women out there to know that this does not make you a bad person.
What this really means for me is that I have a constant battle with myself to keep cleaning, keep picking up the toys, keep wiping down the kitchen, etc. I married a man who also appreciates clean. He has learned that commenting on anything concerning the cleanliness of the house results in me spewing all of my insecurities about how I need to do better and I'm so sorry and such. Luckily, he is not scared of a mop or a broom. So now, instead of commenting, he helps me clean which I appreciate very much.
I am glad to say that as time goes by, it does get easier. Things become more habitual, like making the bed as soon as I get up. Along with that, the general state of my home is becoming more and more clean. I know it's important, especially because I want to have the Spirit in my home. That is one of my greatest motivating factors.
One consolation I have includes my son, Baylub. He has recently become very obsessed with messy things. He is almost immobilized with worry over messy hands at dinner time or messy cars, meaning cars with snow on them. Here is almost a daily conversation we have in our car.
So there it is world. I am a house wife who does NOT love to clean. I bare my true colors. That does not mean my house is a mess. I love having a clean house, and I do clean, I just don't love cleaning. I say this not for sympathy, but for all of you other cleaning-loving-deficient women out there to know that this does not make you a bad person.
What this really means for me is that I have a constant battle with myself to keep cleaning, keep picking up the toys, keep wiping down the kitchen, etc. I married a man who also appreciates clean. He has learned that commenting on anything concerning the cleanliness of the house results in me spewing all of my insecurities about how I need to do better and I'm so sorry and such. Luckily, he is not scared of a mop or a broom. So now, instead of commenting, he helps me clean which I appreciate very much.
I am glad to say that as time goes by, it does get easier. Things become more habitual, like making the bed as soon as I get up. Along with that, the general state of my home is becoming more and more clean. I know it's important, especially because I want to have the Spirit in my home. That is one of my greatest motivating factors.
One consolation I have includes my son, Baylub. He has recently become very obsessed with messy things. He is almost immobilized with worry over messy hands at dinner time or messy cars, meaning cars with snow on them. Here is almost a daily conversation we have in our car.
Baylub: Oh no! Car's all messy. (pointing out the window)
Me: Oh no! What should we do? Should we clean it up?
Baylub: Yeah, clean it up.
Me: You know what, we can't clean it up right now. Let's just say, 'It's ok car.'
Baylub: It's ok car!
And that solves the problem every time. This is a consolation to me because in today's world, mental illnesses seems to touch everyone's lives in one way or another. Now I'm not worried that Baylub will start washing his hands compulsively, but it does make me happy to know that he has seen the messy with the clean in his own home, and he knows that it is ok. Balance, if you will.
Now, some of you may not agree, and that's ok. We all have our own strengths. But, I gotta tell you, some days when I'm tired or down or just whatever, I say to my messy house, "It's ok house. It's ok to be messy for just a minute." It works on moms too.
Now, some of you may not agree, and that's ok. We all have our own strengths. But, I gotta tell you, some days when I'm tired or down or just whatever, I say to my messy house, "It's ok house. It's ok to be messy for just a minute." It works on moms too.
4 comments:
Amen Sister!
You've got just the right attitude, especially with young children. Do you ignore your children to clean the house, do you ignore your house to play with the children, do you ignore both to do your own projects? There is not a right answer - balance and moderation.
I am exactly the same! I am just now beginning to realize it is okay if my house isn't as clean as I want it. That is just how it goes! Thanks for the blog, it helps to know I am not the only one who feels that way.:)
I don't mind cleaning, the problem seems to be that keeping things clean requires constant care! And dishes, vacuuming, etc are all good but you have to do it over and over and over! I loved the picture. My mom used to use the phrase "Who's your maid?" Mom's should not be maids!
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