10 Things

It seems like the internet and social media are full of articles on how we can improve ourselves.  My Facebook newsfeed probably has an article like this 5 times a week.  Since FB knows I'm a parent, and many of my friends are parents, there are a ton of "5 ways you can make your kid more intelligent" or "8 ways we're ruining our kids' lives".  OK, I exaggerate.  But as a sensitive person, always thinking I need to improve, that's how I perceive them.
So, today, how about a "10 things you did RIGHT today" article instead?  I'll write this one for me, but feel free to adjust it or make your own.

1.  Congratulations!  You got out of bed within 10 minutes of your alarm sounding. 
2.  You gave your kids lots of hugs and kisses today.  This is good, because it reminds them how much you love them.
3.  You got your kids to school on time.  In fact, you took them to a school where their teachers love them and teach them things you might not know how to do or have the patience to do.  That's delegation, a great management skill.  Way to go!
4.  You provided your family with balanced meals.  Nevermind the pumpkin doughnuts that went along with the smoothies this morning.  It was a great way to save time since you had to rush out early.  Plus, special treats now and then make everyone happy.
5.  You spent special time playing pretend with your daughter despite the fact that it's one of your least favorite games.  Way to take one for the team!
6.  You scheduled "quiet time" for everyone this afternoon.  This is an important time for all to decompress and preserve potentially lost sanity.  It worked well.  Good job!
7.  You provided your children with tons of positive, specific feedback on their actions and accomplishments today.  What a great way to build their self-esteem!  It even lowered your own stress level by focusing on the positive and not the "needs improvement" aspects of the day.
8.  You made the first steps in forging relationships with the other parents in Jason's new preschool class.  This will make the year even more enjoyable.  Great!
9.  You talked to family and friends on the phone today -- a great way to maintain adult contact in your kid-centered world.
10.  When your kids needed space out time, you chose shows of appropriate length and subject matter. 

I bet you did just as many seemingly simple yet important things today of which you should be proud.  Think it over.  It's probably a better use of your time than reading those other articles.  Of course, I'll might be reading a self-help book on how to be a better parent tonight at bedtime.  But for now, I'll relish in my own accomplishments of the day.  Go me!