Makin' It
Bedmaking is controversial. Why make your bed? After all, you’re just going to mess it up again. For years this was my mantra. Sure, I thought it’d be great if I did make it, I just didn’t have the time. I’d had to make my bed as a girl, so it felt great to choose not to as an adult. Over time, that thrill grew old, but I remained convinced I was not a made-bed person. Those people were very together. I was not together, so I didn’t make my bed. That simple.
Many years of bad choices pass, finally I figure out how to own my life. Enter the man of my dreams who (can you even believe it?!) wants to marry me. The great news is he believes in me. He's an achiever. A guy ya have to admire for all he is & does. Why would he want me? I still don’t know for sure. He taught me the secrets of being a doer & not just an intender. Bedmaking is part of that philosophy. At first it was a pain, but I did it to prove I was no slouch (which I was). Over time, it hit me that it literally takes a minute to make a bed. Why had I always thought I didn’t have time? My own myth exploded on me. I even began daring myself to do it when I felt I didn’t have time. (Yes, sick!) Then after a couple years it hit me. I was a bedmaker! I finally made the connection that the bed represented my not justifying why I couldn't or cutting corners anymore. I just did the work. I'd always thought I needed to get it together on big issues & then get to the small ones. Turns out I had it backwards!
My oldest daughter, Clara Grace, makes her bed. Ava will begin soon. Clara Grace doesn't fuss too much although she's not wild about it. One morning she wailed, "But I don't WANT to do it!" I explained we don't always do just what we want. We do what needs to be done so we can move on to the big stuff. She's learning I'll trust her with bigger responsibilities as I see her handle the smaller ones. It's the broader lesson I hope stays with her.
You don't have to make your bed to be a together person, certainly. But doing mundane work often builds the musculature of self discipline & determination needed for overall success in life. I hope I can find the words over the years to help my girls understand the real value of a made bed. I don't want them to wait 30 some-odd years to realize you sleep easier in a bed that you made proudly.
Comments
I'm going to start making my bed each morning now!
Posted by: debn | June 23, 2006 10:04 AM
I like it! I have always thought of myself as too busy to make my bed. Phrasing it that way, I want to try it! Keep writing I love it!
Posted by: Tracie | June 24, 2006 08:40 PM