In my early teen years, I adored my Sassy magazine subscription. It spoke to my newly developing feminist opinions and was way cooler than YM or Seventeen. Cue the Reality Bites soundtrack and bring on the flannel! I can recall a faded cut-out from Sassy that hung on the bulletin board in my childhood bedroom entitled The Top 5 Most Satisfying Things. This got me thinking, what would that list look like now 25 years, a husband, and two children later?
NUMBER 1: AN EMPTY LAUNDRY BASKET
This phenomenon may only last for a day (at the most) but when it does happen it is at the top of my list of pure satisfaction. An empty laundry basket means that the laundry is not only clean and folded but also put away! Double points if this occurs before the weekend is even over.
NUMBER 2: COMING HOME TO DINNER PREPARED IN ADVANCE
Whether it be delicious leftovers re-purposed into the current night’s dinner or a crock pot meal awaiting me as I walk in the door, this mom is ecstatic to not have to spend a precious hour of after school time slicing and dicing. This thoughtful preparation always makes future me incredibly thankful. Now if only prep for those darn school lunches could be easier.
NUMBER 3: THE FIRST NIGHT THAT YOUR CHILD SLEEPS THROUGH THE NIGHT
This one is a biggie. There is not a mama out there who doesn’t want to shout from the rooftops the first time she gets more than 3 hours of sleep after bringing home a newborn. Other milestones that foster independence, such as your child knowing how to use a barf bucket for the first time or being able to entertain themselves while you get a few more minutes of Zs in the morning, are also equally satisfying.
NUMBER 4: GETTING A REALLY GOOD BARGAIN
50% and free shipping? Yes, please! BYGO? Definitely! I don’t know about other moms, but I get such a high when getting really good deals on my children’s clothes and other online shopping. I know my key times of the year for saving big at Gymboree – hello, $10 jeans – and always remind myself to get something “free” using my Kohl’s Cash.
NUMBER 5: COMPLETING THE TO-DO LIST
Called doctor, check. Paid Target bill, check. Emailed Brownie troop, check. Nothing quite like the sweet victory of accomplishing a task (no matter how small). Sometimes when I realize that I’ve completed something not on the list, I add it anyway just so I can check it off. My completed to-do list almost always equals a reward of the sloth variety i.e. watching television or book reading. I need these lists for all aspects of my life so that I can celebrate rather than think I’m drowning in obligations.
Life has changed just a bit since the 90’s for me. Now it is your turn, mamas, – what are your sassy, top 5 satisfying things?
