Laundry to the Rescue?

Note to Heidi.
From: Heidi

A few years ago while figuring out life with 3 small children, Alisha found a fantastic article about how the monotony of folding laundry (and other "meaningless" activities) can teach some great life lessons. Maybe it was sleep deprivation or lack of adult interaction, but it struck a chord with me and I have reflected back to it over the years. (Don't get me wrong, I am not giddy to do laundry each week.)

This weekend as I sorted, washed, folded, found more clothes hidden away, sorted, washed, and folded at least 20 loads of laundry, I thought of that message. Through the monotony of sorting socks I had the time to think about each owner. I thought of the experiences they had in those clothes. I realized those experiences involved me at some point. And then it hit me about our current reality.

It has taken a while to acclimate to each other. To assimilate (as the Borg would say) into the collective. To absorb the physical belongings and organize the remaining space. To understand each other's moods and whims. To know when to give space and when to follow up instead.

In many ways I feel like the parent of a newborn (except with a 2 week gestation rather than 9 months). Not that the kids are helpless. But that I am learning things about myself and the world. Some I anticipated. And some are a complete surprise.

As I thought of the support and love of our family/friends (meal-in-a-bag, the sharing of furniture, the desire to meet the kids, birthday wishes shared to those not even met, the check-in for our mental health, the physical labor of clearing out space, and even offering some temporary distance). I couldn't help but think of the similarities to having a new baby.

And I now feel like I can move forward. I know challenges are in our future. They would be either way. But I am ready. And I have the laundry to thank for this awareness.