Madigan made... a new monthly chalkboard quote.
It is important for you to know that I share a new quote on my chalkboard at the beginning of every month. (for a recap of prior months, read this post.)
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." - Theodore Roosevelt
One might interpret this quote to simply mean: "be content with what you have".
But I also see that first part: "Do what you can" as a call to action. I see it as a call to make the most of things, where ever you are. (Life gives you lemons... etc)
- If only we had the time/money/skills/tools to finish __________ (insert dream house project).
- If only I had a ____________ (insert a cool tool or crafting material) I would be able to _______ (insert cool craft).
- If only I knew how to ______________ (insert cooking technique) or had ___________ (insert neat cooking appliance or utensil) I would be able to make more ________ (insert fabulous/complicated dish).
- If only we had a bigger house/yard, we'd be able to do more __________ (entertaining, gardening, etc).
But this quote reminds me to stop worrying about the "if only's" and focus on the "what can I do now".
We might not have the money, tools or skills to complete a dream project, but there may be little things we can tackle bit by bit to reach that goal. And it is equally important to know our limits and when to ask for help, too. We know our DIY limits and call in the professionals for the jobs beyond our skill level. And money can be a limitation, too. It may take a little more time, but we try to wait and save up before moving onto the next big expense.
A great example of this attitude is our kitchen.
Sure, I wished the layout was more open.... and I wished we could replace the cabinets...etc. But we worked with the layout we had. We brightened the cabinets ourselves with paint. We called the pros for help with the floor installation... but tackled changing the lights by ourselves. We slowly replaced the appliances. We did these things bit by bit as we had the time and money. And there are still things we'd love to do in that room (countertops). They will happen in time, when we are able to do it.
(For more about our kitchen, please read this post)
And I love that Teddy Roosevelt's quote transcends just homemaking/DIY, too.
It could apply to your family life, your health, your finances, your career, etc.
Work with what you have.
Know your limitations (be it skills, physical, health, financial, location, time etc).
Know where you can grow.
Push yourself to see what you can do with what you have.
Make the most of it, right now.
Are there little things you can do today with what you have to work toward achieving your dream project/home/career/family/life goal?
Make the most of it, right now.
Are there little things you can do today with what you have to work toward achieving your dream project/home/career/family/life goal?
