do ur eyes light up?

I don’t watch Oprah too often, usually the TV around here is on Nickelodeon or Disney Channel, but I did manage to catch one of her new shows called Oprah’s Life Lessons that is on her OWN network channel now.  She was discussing some of her most memorable guests that taught her and the world about validating our loved ones.  And that truly the one thing in life we all want, is to feel validated, appreciated, loved and valued.

Oprah talks a lot about “a-ha” moments and I feel almost cliché’ saying I had one watching her show this afternoon while grudgingly folding laundry.  She was talking with a women who said, usually when her kids come into the room she was looking at them wondering if there hair was messed up or their clothes were on right or they had cleaned up what they were asked to clean up.  SO, she thinking she was being a loving mother, being concerned about them this way, but then realized what they were seeing was a critical face…all the time.  She was letting them see what was in her head, not truly what she was feeling in her heart which of course is unconditional love and joy because they’re your children.

So she said, “do your eyes light up when they enter the room?”

That was my “a-ha” moment.

I sit here typing with a lump in my throat cuz I know I’m not always the best with letting my sweet girlies KNOW through my eyes just how HAPPY I am that they’re here. I love them so much, but i'm a mom and I do get irritated with them a lot and frustrated and all the things that build up and happen day to day,

BUT what better thing can they receive every time they’re in my presence, then for my eyes to light up and know that I’m happy to see them, no matter what!

That they’re not invisible.

That they matter.

That I find joy in them.

That I validate them, and find value in them.

That doesn't mean i have to have rainbows shooting out my booty all day long, 

cuz life is life and you still have to be the parent, etc..

BUT

I can let them see my eyes light up when they come into a room,

I can put the phone down

Step away from the computer

Stop loading the dishwasher,

Whatever it may be…and just let them know instantly how happy I am that they’re in my life.

I think it’s the same for our spouses and friends and those we love and come in contact with,

People want to feel that they matter,

And if you’re excited to see them…then they know they matter to YOU.

My goal for this week is to really make a conscience effort to let my eyes light up when I see my children or spouse.

I have a feeling that this will not only make a difference in their attitude and self-worth,

But mine as well.

So hug your kids/spouse/loved one a little more this week.

Give more kisses.

Know how you would feel receiving undivided, happy attention from a loved one even if it’s for a moment.

And let your eyes light up  when you see them this week.

Happy Sunday!