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
I really enjoyed reading this blog and will absolutely use those three little words from now on. Thank you for sharing!!
Thank YOU for always supporting me! Love you XO
Love this! Going to hang up a post it in a few places around the house. Even my kids can learn from this…how blessed we are.
Awesome! Thanks, Erin! We certainly are. XO
Omg I love this!!! 💗
Thanks, Dawn!!! <3
Wow . Love this blog . I’m going to start using this mindset . Love you!
I’m so glad! Thank you, Jamie! Love you, too XOXO
Love it. One little word truly can make a difference!! Now let me know when you find that little word for laundry 😉
HA! I think that word is “lottery” – when I win, I’ll hire people to do it for you and me 😉
Love it! I get it for sure. Thank you for an awesome first blog. Best to you!
Loved this message so much and at a great time of year when we’re so busy. ❤️❤️❤️
I needed this badly today and everyday. We take for granted lil things in life. Love this. Great read. Feeling inspired.
Love everything about this! Thanks L for the inspiration! -xo