How to Be Ordinary and Happy: 7 Inspiring Ideas
How to be ordinary and happy is the desire of many in our day. These inspiring examples will guide you on the path to a more ordinary and happy life.
The Desire To Be Ordinary
I long to be ordinary.
That’s right.
Ordinary.
In a world where it is popular to be in the spotlight, seeking aggrandizement; in a society where money, looks, and fame are deemed essential; in a culture where climbing to the top is the norm; I long to be ordinary.
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Mothers and Grandmothers
Ordinary like my mom, who spent her days raising seven children. With no cell phone or social media to connect her with friends and family, she did her daily routine, day in and day out, alone in her thoughts, working hard, living righteously, leading by example.
My grandmothers, too, lived ordinary lives. Raising families, working, serving, loving–day in and day out.
Faithful to the end.
An Ordinary Movie Moment
One of my favorite movie scenes is in the movie Miracle on 34th Street when Dorie, the single mom and main character, sat curled up on the sofa in front of a roaring fire. Deep in thought, under the light of the lamp, she sat with a notebook in hand and a mug of hot tea on the side table.
When her daughter Susan appeared from out of her bedroom, Dorie set her notebook aside and gave Susan her full attention. They shared a meaningful mother/daughter moment together addressing one of Susan’s concerns, and then Susan was sent back to bed with a kiss and expression of love from her mother.
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When Susan was out of sight, Dorie paused for a moment, smiled, then returned to her curled up position on the couch to enjoy the luxurious stillness of the evening.
Zero social media.
Complete silence.
The examples of these women, both ancestral and fictional, show me how to be ordinary and happy.
The Best Mom Ever
Sometimes, when I feel like being the “best mom ever”, I put my phone down, and curl up on the sofa with a book. Under the soft light of a lamp, with a warm cup of tea nearby, I enjoy a quiet, ordinary moment where I’m not out trying to conquer the world.
In this ordinary moment, I am able to give 100% attention to my children, if needed.
In such ordinary moments, I can listen for the promptings of the Spirit.
Children need access to more “ordinary” in their lives.
I long to be the ordinary mom they long to have.
No Need To Turn Heads
Referring to her mother and grandmother, Sheri Dew said, “They didn’t turn heads when they walked into a room. They were ordinary. Yet to me, they were extraordinary.”
In a world that demands Instagram-worthy perfection, I long to follow the example of my women forebears—to live an ordinary life in an extraordinary way.
Seven Inspiring Ideas
When pursuing an ordinary and happy life, consider incorporating the ideas shared in previous examples, namely:
- Unplug. Limit phone and social media use. Need a little extra help in this area?
- Spend more time turning your house into a home with this wonderful resource.
- Spend regular time with God through prayer and the reading of His Word.
- Express gratitude for opportunities to serve others.
- Spend more time listening to the voice of the Spirit. Learn more
- Journal about the ordinary women in your life, both ancestral and fictional, who have influenced you for good.
- Create a cozy space for quiet time. Keep a pen, notebook, and tea cup nearby. Dress up even the most quaint of corners with this sunflower teacup.
Conclusion
As we exert our best effort on our journey towards a more ordinary and happy life, we can be assured that God will make up the difference.
“Perfection is not a standard He requires of me as a mother, for His grace extends to me as well as to my children. My heartfelt trust in Him will be the fuel that energizes my days as I see Him draw my children through this gift that will serve them their whole lives.”
Sally Clarkson
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Motherhood Quotes
Inspire more happiness in your home, and in your role as mother, with the following quotes:
Happiness in Motherhood
“If our calling is to be mothers, let us be mothers with all our hearts–gladly, simply, and humbly.”
Elizabeth Elliott
“Motherhood is a choice you make every day, to put someone else’s happiness and well-being ahead of your own, to teach the hard lessons, to do the right thing even when you’re not sure what the right thing is… and to forgive yourself, over and over again, for doing everything wrong.”
Donna Ball
“Being a mom has made me so tired. And so happy.”
Tina Fey
“Let mothers labor to make home the happiest place in the world.”
Charles Spurgeon
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Heroic Motherhood
“I can imagine no heroism greater than motherhood.”
Lance Conrad
“I always wanted to be a hero–to sacrifice my life in a big way one time–and yet, God has required my sacrifice to be thousands of days, over many years, with one more kiss, one more story, one more meal.”
Tina Fey
“You are as much serving God in looking after your own children, and training them up in God’s fear, and minding the house, and making your household a church for God as you would be if you had been called to lead an army to battle for the Lord of Hosts.”
Charles Spurgeon
“It is so tremendously important that the woman of the church stand strong and immovable for that which is correct and proper under the plan of the Lord. They must begin in their own homes. They can teach it in their classes. They can voice it in their communities. They must be the teachers and the guardians of their daughters. When you save a girl, you save generations. I see this as one bright shining hope in a world that is marching toward moral self-destruction.”
Gordon B. Hinckley, “One Bright Shining Hope”
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Image Credit: Mrs. Robert Shurlock (Henrietta Ann Jane Russell, 1775–1849) and Her Daughter Ann, John Russell, British, 1801
