After dashing out that tongue in cheek Spring Cleaning post yesterday, I realised its high time I had an attitude adjustment about this house cleaning gig.

It occurred to me that below the surface of my jesting, there lurked some resentment (ever a true word said in jest) - and sadly, its my incredibly wonderful, helpful husband who lands up bearing the brunt of my frustration.

This results in petty arguments about who does what & whose job is more important - so typical of married life, but truly not necessary or fair, especially in this instance.

So its time to reframe it. I think if I recall correctly, reframing is an NLP tool. Simply put, it's a way of taking something you currently view as negative and drawing out the positives, until you no longer view it as a negative experience.

A classic example of reframing: Dolly Parton's gorgeous quote:

Another example is the Be Thankful poem... I've seen a number of variations of it over the years - am sure you have too.

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary
Because it means you’ve made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
and they can become your blessings.

Author Unknown

I have sooo much to be grateful for, I have a WONDERFUL life!

So... I'm reframing it for myself right now.

I am thankful for the housework I do every day because it means that I am home with my gorgeous boy instead of having to be out working 9 to 5 (Which just happens to be another Dolly Parton song!).

I am thankful to be packing the dishwasher because it means we just ate yet another delicious meal cooked by my wonderful husband.

I am thankful to be unpacking the dishwasher which magically cleaned away all the grime. I didn't have to walk miles to fetch cold water like half of Africa & use elbow grease to scrub the pots and pans.

I am thankful to be hanging out the washing because it means we have lovely clothes to wear which, again, were magically washed in an automatic washing machine. I didn't have to scrub... ooh, that reminds me of another Dolly Parton song!! Washday Blues!

Just rubbin' and a scrubbin' and a raisin' 'em out
I gotta hang 'em out early I hope the sun comes out

Oh - sorry... have to cut myself short.... can't wait to pop on some Dolly Parton and get to work!