We have probably all heard the K.I.S.S saying before. I don’t like what the last “S” usually stands for. I don’t like to throw in derogatory or demeaning names just for the heck of it. (ok – personal soap box is over)
The K.I.S.S. idea and motherhood has been a struggle for me to keep things simple. Ten years ago, when I started staying home I decided to become Martha Stewart. Literally. I put her up on a pillar of what was right, expected and needed by my family of 3 at the time. I would make meals from scratch, stay up on all laundry and ironing and I would set ridiculously high expectation levels that robbed my life of JOY.
Until one day I stumbled on a show hosted by Martha Stewart’s grown daughter, Alexis. It popped my self-imposed and society-imposed bubble of Martha Stewart goodness immediately. OUCH! I felt different after hearing another side of the perfection saga of Martha Stewart. Alexis shared that as a child she couldn’t live up to expectations, she didn’t have fancy treats or meals, and rarely a Halloween costume. Seriously?? And here I was trying to be Martha! The construction, expectations, and appearance boiled down to a pretty poor relationship with her only child. No thank you that is not the legacy I was after.
I knew I had to learn the greatest lesson that Martha could teach me. I needed to learn and live K.I.S.S. – – K.eep I.t S.imple S.ister. I still enjoy a craft or 12, but I don’t want perfection. I still enjoy cooking, but a meal from Costco to warm up is ok by me. By keeping it simple, I can keep up. My kids can depend on me to sit and listen. They know I would rather read with them then have a clean and empty kitchen sink or sparkling bathroom counters. And I am focused on the simple things. It pours into how we live, how we celebrate and how we can do more for others.
I highly recommend in this time of out-doing yourself, your neighbors, and society that you K.I.S.S – K.eep I.t S.imple S.ister. Trust me the impact is worth it.
Blessings at Christmas to you and your family.
Kristin Wooldridge
A Recovering Martha Stewart Poser
boldlyblessed 
Good for you, I, too, figured that out a long time ago, life is short, kids grow fast and the mess will still be there next week