A few days ago, I was in a local boutique chatting with the owner and a rep from Gorjana. The jewelry company has a new line coming out with beautiful pieces that can be personalized. Naturally, we started tossing around ideas of what we would engrave onto a bracelet or a necklace, if given the opportunity. After listening to some sentimental suggestions (and a few entertaining wisecracks), I shared 3 tiny words with the ladies that drastically altered my mindset for the better not too long ago … and would fit perfectly onto a piece of jewelry …

I get to.

I can’t quite recall where I initially heard this simple yet powerful message; undoubtedly it was in a blog or an article somewhere on some social media outlet. (I can’t remember what I had for breakfast, so expecting me to name the source is asking WAY too much.) While it doesn’t really matter where I heard it, what does matter is that those 3 little words had a huge impact on how I look at my life on a daily basis … and this message is certainly worth sharing.

I wrote “I get to …” on a post-it note and hung it on our refrigerator for the times when I need a reminder. Here it is:

How does it work? Simply, I aim to replace the words “I have to” with “I get to”. Swapping out “have” with “get” can completely change your perspective on (almost) everything. Just watch …

I HAVE TO go to the grocery store. / I GET TO go to the grocery store.

I HAVE TO pick the kids up from school. / I GET TO pick the kids up from school.

I HAVE TO go to work. / I GET TO go to work.

It’s all about perspective. Simply looking at things that you “have” to do as an opportunity – a blessing even – as opposed to a burden, is life-changing. There are people out there who wish they could go grocery shopping. There are people who wish they had a job – yes, even your job – or wish they had children to pick up from school. YOU ARE SO BLESSED. Embrace the little things.

In fact, I caught myself just this morning staring at a pile of laundry that needed to be washed thinking, “UGH! I have to do laundry.” I glanced at my post-it note, quickly changed that thought to “I get to do laundry,” and started washing and whistling. Just kidding … I absolutely realize that I’m so fortunate to have a washer and a dryer, but I’m seriously beyond sick of laundry. How the hell is it possible that 3 little people can dirty that many articles of clothing in such a short period of time?! And does my husband throw everything he brushes up against into the hamper?! Ok – so it doesn’t work for laundry with me (I tried. I really, really tried.), but swapping out that one word sure changed the MAJORITY of my thinking on a daily basis.  😉

I’m so glad that I GOT TO write this blog tonight … and I hope it inspires you to look at life a little differently.

XO, L

P.S. I’ve spied Gorjana pieces locally at Kristin Dahl Ladies Boutique (Midland Park), Bloomingdales and Nordstrom. Follow me on Instagram (@stylishmama) to see a few of my favorites!

My website: http://stylishmamablog.com

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