Messages from the Universe

This time last week, I was waiting to meet my sister for our much-anticipated shopping trip, and pondering just how lousy I felt. I'd been SO looking forward to this time with her (and also the chance to nab a couple of gorgeous Summer dresses) and suddenly found myself overcome with irritation.

Was I slipping back into my pre-New York fug? Why had I been so annoyed by my little 'un all morning and snapped at her? Why was I composing in my mind terse conversations with my Mum (who would be meeting up with us) about my weight, the way that clothes looked on me, the size of dress I would purchase? Why was I anticipating losing my patience with my sister and snapping at her, just because she liked to take her time over cerain things or talk at length about others? Why hadn't I spent much by way of quality time with my husband over the past week, and why did it feel so much harder to prioritise than when we were on holiday?

Why, came the litany, was I such a horrid mother, ungrateful sister, defensive daughter, selfish partner? And what was with the victim mentality already?

Then I spied these little gems, lovingly painted onto an electricity box. And I knew the messages were perfectly timed, and absolutely spot-on. A trip to the chocolate store and coming out armed with lovingly chosen treats for my all favourite people helped. That, and remembering that it was OK to do it all badly, but to show up and do it anyway.