SMALL SUCCESSES OF EVERYDAY LIFE.

Evening Post, Volume LXIV, Issue 47, 23 August 1902, Page 2 (Supplement)

SMALL SUCCESSES OF EVERYDAY LIFE.

Minnie L. Dowie says :—lf: — If the average woman was asked at the close of the day which was more noticeable, the successes 4 or tho failures, which had marked the events of the last twelve hours, I think she would at once say the latter, and would commence enumerating each little thing that had gono wrong. Perhaps it was wet to begin with, and a large washing had to be got through somehow by the maid, who was in a bad temper. I confess that these "two things combined would prove rather trying to one* spirits, especially whore there is a young flock to provide breakfast for, and to send off to school. Then, perhaps, the grocer or the butcher had forgotten to send some particular article ordered the day before, and wanted for the midday dinner. A disappointing post has been another crumpled leaf, and, to end the climax, a friend called unexpectedly in the afternoon, and that, with preparing tea in a more elaborate style than she would get it for herself alone, prevented her completing some special task she had begun, and altogether she felt that the day had been & failure all through.

Now, let us see what a foolish mistake* this all was. Of course, it was unfortunate that the day began wet. # But towards noon it cleared up, no doubt, and the linen was dried all right. The girl's temper would have improved under the influence of a few kind, cheering wordj, combined with practical assistance, and the work would have been done all the sooner. This alone would prove a big success in auy ordinary household. Now, think of the children. Although the breakfast had to be a somewhat hurried meal, they went off to school in "good health and spirits, well shod, and comfortably clad. I cannot see where tnere can be a failure in this either. Your husband, too, the brave, uncomplaining bread-winnor for you all, left home for his daily business with a cheery word of farewell, and a request that you should keep in the house all day, as it was too wet for you to go out. Another bit of sunshine you tee.

We all kn6w that thero are little frictions in everyday housework, but you will find it fnr better to pick up each duty cheerfully, and 5f accidents (of a trifling kind) do occur, make a joke of 'them. I assure -you 'that : •each- time you gain a mnstery over your temper, or nerves pjpihaps we had" bettor term it, you may count it a success. It is really worthftrying.