Candles in Chaos

Each Tuesday evening I go into work after navigating a quick changing of the guards with my husband at home.  Starting around 4 I begin working towards a goal.  To be out the door at 5:30 in time to get to the office with time to spare in spite of it being the witching hour at our house.  Two kiddos cling to my knees, see me start the preparations and begin to wail that they 'want to come with me,' or that I should 'stay at home and never ever work again!'  This is not made easier by the fact that at least one of them is groggy from waking from an afternoon nap and they are both hungry.

I say all this with a bit of hesitation, because I know pretty much all the women who read my blog are probably thinking right now how lovely this all sounds... how much they long for children to whine and cling and fuss.  And I can honestly say I know how blessed I am that my Tuesday evenings are such a stress.  I am a lucky girl.

But I also want to share how stressful it is because it's a really great example of a little thing I commonly do that is a big help.

I light a candle.

(not sure why I find this picture appealing or an appropriate representation for this post?  I don't actually light a huge candle... just a cheap little IKEA tea light in a little glass jar and I don't walk around holding it... hard to get dressed and cook dinner even without kids hanging from each ankle)

When I light a candle amidst the chaos and the tears I can be rushing around and frustrated and frazzled, but at least I feel like the place I'm feeling these things is a little bit pretty.  And that makes me happy.  And that makes me breathe.  And that makes me remember that I am lucky and things are good and there's nothing really worth getting worked up about.  And if I forget that somewhere between sautéing something and looking for a clean pair of socks, I'll likely see that candle again and the whole thing starts over again.

This is just one of the many reasons I burn candles, but one I hope you'll try.  When you are cramming for an exam or presentation, cleaning the house frantically for guests, staying up late to get something urgent done.  Light a candle.  Make it a tea light in a safe and secure place so if you forget about it in your frazzled state it will be okay (try your best NOT to do this) and see if it helps remind you to be mindful and breathe.  I hope it works for you like it does for me!