My name is Liu Xiao, I have just turned 30 years old, I am a stay-at-home mom living in the busy city center of Shanghai. My life is like a fast-** movie, and I am constantly running around every day. My husband is a middle manager of an IT company, and he is often busy with work, and overtime has become his daily routine.
Although my married life with my husband was relatively uneventful, it was generally harmonious. However, since I welcomed our first child, the focus of my life has completely changed. Aside from taking care of the children, there is hardly any time for yourself. When I felt exhausted, my mother realized my predicament and generously gave me 30,000 yuan to ask my sister-in-law to help.
Xiaoxiao, don't work too hard, I've saved this money for a long time, and I should treat it as a gift to my grandson. My mom said gently.
I am grateful for her generosity, however, this decision has caused ripples in the family. My eldest sister, Aunt Li, is my dad's younger sister and has a straightforward personality and prickly words. After learning of this decision, she immediately objected: "Xiaoxiao, what is your idea?".Wouldn't it be better to leave this money to your mother-in-law?She's also getting older and may need it in the future. ”
I felt a little uncomfortable, but it was not good to refute in front of my eldest sister, so I could only listen silently. My mother-in-law, Mrs. Zhao, is a traditional Chinese woman who emphasizes family harmony, but she has a very traditional view of money, believing that money should be spent "where it is". After learning of this decision, she also said with a displeased face: "Xiaoxiao, your mother's money is about the same for me to keep." Please confinement lady, what a waste of money!”
Sandwiched between my mom and mother-in-law, I felt more pressure than ever before. My husband always chose to avoid this family strife, which made me feel even more helpless. At this time, my friend Xiaoling came out with her cheerful personality and comforted me: "Xiaoxiao, don't be too entangled, every family has unspeakable secrets. The most important thing is to take good care of yourself and your baby. ”
I tried to communicate the issue with my husband: "Ming, what do you think I should do?Do you listen to your mother's advice and invite the confinement lady, or give the money to your mother-in-law?”
My husband was silent for a moment, then said, "Xiaoxiao, this decision is still up to you." I will support your decision. ”
I felt that this decision would affect the harmony of the whole family, but I also knew that I could not escape it. Whatever choice I make, I have to confront my family's opinions and evaluations. It made me ponder.
On this tangled night, I sat alone on the balcony, gazing at the bustling streets, with mixed feelings. The child's cry came from the bedroom, interrupting my thoughts. I quickly returned to my room and gently soothed the child to sleep. Looking at his peaceful sleeping face, I felt a surge of strength in my heart. For the sake of my children, and for my own sake, I had to make a decision.
Early the next morning, I decided to communicate with my mom first. My mother has always been a strong pillar for me, and I am sure she will give me the most sincere advice.
Mom, yesterday the eldest sister and mother-in-law both raised opinions that I should not use this money to invite a confinement wife. I said tentatively.
Mom frowned and replied firmly: "Xiaoxiao, this is the money I gave you, you can use it however you want." What you need most right now is rest and take care of yourself. It doesn't matter what others say. ”
Mom's words gave me courage. I decided to communicate openly with my eldest sister and mother-in-law to clarify my thoughts. I invited them to my house and prepared a delicious meal, hoping to solve the problem in a harmonious atmosphere.
Eldest sister, mother-in-law, I invite you here to talk about inviting confinement sisters. "I got straight to the point.
Aunt Li frowned, but still listened to me patiently. "I understand your thoughts, but I really need help right now. This money was given to me by my mother, and I want to use it to hire a confinement lady so that I have time to rest and recover. "I try to keep my tone calm.
The mother-in-law was silent for a moment, and then said, "Xiaoxiao, I know that you are very hard, but you also have to consider the family's financial situation. Give me the money and I'll keep it safe. ”
Mother-in-law, I understand your concerns, but this is my mother's heart, and I want to respect her decision. "I try to stay calm.
Aunt Li suddenly spoke: "Xiaoxiao, don't you think it's a bit of a waste to do this?"If there are elderly people at home, do you still need to invite a confinement lady?”
I took a deep breath and said firmly, "Auntie, I know you are for our good. But each family has its own way of working. I do this to take better care of my children and myself. ”
The atmosphere was a little awkward, but I knew I had expressed my decision. At the dinner table, everyone was silent, only the sound of chopsticks and dishes.
After the meal, the mother-in-law and the eldest sister left without saying anything. I know that this matter may not have been fully resolved, but at least I expressed my position.
Over the next few days, I started looking for the right confinement lady. There are many options on the market, and after careful comparison, I finally found an experienced confinement lady with a good reputation. Her arrival immediately relieved me of a lot of burden, and I finally had time to rest and recuperate.
However, the conflicts in the family did not dissipate because of this. My decision seemed to leave some tiny rifts in my family's hearts. My mother-in-law's attitude has become more cold, and my eldest sister has come to my house less often.
During this time, I began to think seriously about family and personal relationships. I knew that as a wife and mom, I needed to find a balance between family and personal. But at the same time, I also realized that only by taking care of myself can I take better care of my family.
My husband noticed the change in the family environment and started to be more involved in household chores. On weekends he would take the kids out to play and buy me some alone time. I am deeply grateful for his understanding and support.
Xiaoxiao, I know that the atmosphere at home has not been good recently, but I support your decision no matter what. He said in a gentle tone.
This gave me some comfort, but I also knew that the conflicts within the family had not yet been resolved. I needed to find a way for my family to understand my choice while maintaining family harmony.
A few weeks have passed, and with the addition of the confinement lady, my life has become a lot easier. I have more time to take care of myself and my children, and I have even regained my long-lost interest – painting. However, tensions in the family have not been alleviated by this, especially the attitude of the mother-in-law and the eldest sister is still cold.
One day, I invited my friend Xiaoling to my home. Xiaoling always brings me positive energy, and her words always soothe my emotions.
Xiaoxiao, you look much better. Xiao Ling smiled while sipping tea.
Yes, with the help of the confinement lady, I can finally take a breath. But my mother-in-law and eldest sister still didn't understand me. I sighed.
Xiao Ling put down the teacup and said seriously: "Xiaoxiao, you have done a good job." You need more than just their understanding, but more importantly your own well-being and health. Time will tell. ”
Her words warmed me. Yes, I need more than just their understanding, but more importantly my own happiness and health.
A few days later, an incident occurred in the house that changed the atmosphere in the family slightly. My husband accidentally sprained his foot and needed a few days of rest at home. This gave him the opportunity to get an up-close look at the daily life of his home.
One night, when I was preparing bath water for my child, my husband sat on the sofa and looked at my busy back, and suddenly said, "Xiaoxiao, I really understand what you are doing every day." You're really hard. ”
I stopped what I was doing and looked back at him: "Yes, with the confinement sister-in-law, my burden is a lot lighter." Still, I want harmony in my home. ”
The husband thought for a while, then said, "I'll talk to my mother and eldest sister tomorrow and try to make them understand your decision." ”
The next day, Ming really invited her mother-in-law and eldest sister to come to the house. He expressed his support for my decision and explained in detail the positive impact of having a confinement lady on our family.
Mom, eldest sister, everything Xiaoxiao does is out of concern for the family. She has put a lot of effort into this, and we should give her more support and understanding. "Speak in good faith.
The mother-in-law was silent for a moment, and then said slowly, "I'm just thinking about the future of this family. Xiaoxiao, if this is helpful to you, I have no objection. ”
Although the eldest sister still had some reservations, she didn't say anything more. The atmosphere has finally eased.
That night, Ming and I sat on the balcony and looked up at the stars. Ming held my hand and whispered, "Xiaoxiao, thank you for everything you have done for this family. I will fully support you and face the future together with you. ”
I held his hand tightly, tears glistening in my eyes. I understand that the road to family will not be easy, but as long as there is mutual support, there are no difficulties that cannot be overcome.
As time passed, my mother-in-law and eldest sister gradually accepted my decision. There are still some reservations, but at least the atmosphere at home has become more harmonious.
I started to handle family matters with more confidence and learned how to find a balance between taking care of my family and focusing on myself. I learned that as a wife and mother, I have a responsibility to care for this family, but at the same time, I cannot ignore my own needs and happiness.
Life is still busy, but I've learned to find joy in the busy. Whether it's playing with my kids or having the occasional time to paint, I can find my own little happiness in it.
My husband and I have also become closer. We plan family activities together and share daily laughs and worries. I am grateful for his understanding and support, and I am grateful that this experience has strengthened our relationship.
Family harmony is not the absence of contradictions and disagreements, but finding balance in these contradictions and disagreements and growing together. I began to cherish this home more and cherish every moment I spent with my family even more.
As time went by, my life gradually got back on track. With the help of the confinement nanny, I can not only take better care of my children, but also have more time to focus on my interests and health. I re-enrolled in yoga classes and took at least one day a week out to paint, which made me feel very fulfilled and happy.
As I started to focus on myself, I found that my attitude towards my family became more positive and patient. My relationship with my child has become closer, and I have been able to listen to his needs more patiently, play and learn with him.
On a sunny weekend, we went on a picnic together as a family. On that day, my husband and I prepared a sumptuous meal and brought a drawing board and paint. The child was chasing butterflies in the grass while I was quietly working on the sidelines. The husband was in charge of taking pictures to record the beautiful moment.
Xiaoxiao, what are you drawing?The husband asked curiously.
It's our home, the sun is shining, and you and the kids. I replied with a smile.
My husband looked at my painting with tenderness in his eyes: "You look really happy now. ”
I nodded: "Yes, I feel like I'm getting happier and more content." ”
At that moment, I felt like I had found balance in my life. I am not only a wife and mother, but also an individual with my own interests and dreams.
As the days passed, the family atmosphere became more and more harmonious. The mother-in-law began to volunteer to help take care of the children, and the eldest sister occasionally came to help with the housework. Our relationship gradually became more harmonious.
One day, my mother-in-law said to me, "Xiaoxiao, I began to understand why you invited a confinement lady." You need time to take care of yourself so that you can take better care of your family. ”
I looked at my mother-in-law gratefully, "Thank you for your understanding. ”
My eldest sister said to me at a party, "Xiaoxiao, you seem to be more energetic lately. It seems that I was worried about it before. ”
I am very pleased with these changes. I know that all of this has changed because I stuck with my choices and kept trying to communicate and understand.
My life no longer revolves around my family. I started to have my own space and time. After joining the painting group, I made many like-minded friends. We painted together and discussed art together, which greatly enriched my life.
Sometimes, I take my child to these activities in the hope that he will develop an interest in art from an early age. Watching him scribble on canvas made me feel very happy and proud.
I also started sharing my paintings and life on social media. I received a lot of positive feedback and encouragement, which made me even more convinced that everything I did was worth it.
My husband has recently started to pay more attention to his health and personal interests. He joined a basketball club and played basketball with his friends every week. These changes have made our relationship healthier and more vibrant.
Family life is no longer a heavy burden and stress, but a source of joy and mutual growth. I have come to understand that a happy family does not simply require individual sacrifices, but that each member of the family can find their place and work together to create a harmonious environment.
Over time, I found myself running an art of living rather than just taking care of the family. Every small change, every attempt, is gradually making our home more warm and beautiful.
Life, like the scene in my paintings, is full of waves but also full of rich colors and infinite hope. I have learned to cherish every day and be grateful to every family member who has given me support and understanding. Along the way, I learned how to find balance between family and personal, how to find joy in busyness, and how to paint a beautiful picture of myself in life.
With the passage of time, I have come to realize more and more deeply that life is not only a series of daily trivial things, but also a picture scroll outlined by various colors and emotions. Each character, whether it's a close family member or a friend they meet by chance, has left a unique mark on this picture.
Because of these colorful experiences, my life has become more colorful. I pay more attention to the education and growth of children, not only to impart knowledge, but also to guide them to have a positive attitude towards life and correct values. I expect them to be compassionate, creative, and grateful people.
In the process of educating children, I find that I am also constantly learning and growing. I learned how to communicate better and how to set an example in front of my children. As a result, my relationship with my children has become closer and more harmonious.
At the same time, my relationship with my husband was deepening. We began to share our thoughts and feelings more and plan our future together. We learned how to make time out of our busy lives to care for each other and how to show deep love through small gestures.
One evening, we went for a walk along the beach as a family. The sea breeze blows gently, the afterglow of the setting sun is reflected on the sea, and everything becomes peaceful and beautiful. We sat on the beach and watched our children frolicking on the beach, and my husband held my hand and whispered, "Thank you, dear, for making this home so warm and wonderful." ”
I snuggled up on his shoulder and responded gratefully, "This is the result of our joint efforts." Thank you also for your continued support and understanding. ”
In my family life, I took the initiative to expand my social circle, participated in several interest groups, and made some like-minded friends. Together, we participate in events to share life experiences and insights. These new social relationships have injected new energy and ideas into my life.
I've found that when I am more open and active with the outside world, my thinking becomes broader. I began to better understand and respect different perspectives and lifestyles, which not only enriched my personal life, but also enabled me to deal with various issues in my family more tolerantly and understandingly.
As my children grew older, I began to think about my career plans. I wanted to find a job that would bring my interests and expertise to work and balance family and work. After a lot of exploration and hard work, I finally decided to become a part-time art teacher. This job not only gives me the opportunity to share my knowledge and passion for the arts, but also gives me enough time to take care of my family.
In the process of working as an art teacher, I found that I was not only teaching students painting skills, but also conveying a life attitude and values. I encourage students to explore their interests and be brave enough to express their thoughts and feelings. Watching them grow and shine in the art world makes me feel very fulfilled and happy.
Life is like a well-drawn painting, and every stroke is full of meaning and value. I learned to switch between different roles, being both mother and wife, artist and teacher. I began to cherish every encounter and experience even more, as they formed an important part of my life.
I also cherish the time I spend with my family even more. Whether it's cooking together, watching a movie, or traveling together, these simple and ordinary moments become precious memories together.
Over time, I have come to realize that the true meaning of life is not about striving for perfection, but about finding one's own happiness and joy, both in the family and in the process of personal growth and pursuit. I've learned to appreciate every moment in life, whether it's joyful, challenging, or mundane.
The story of my life, like every painting I paint, is full of color and emotion. They document my growth and change as a wife, mother, artist, and teacher. These experiences, these characters, are part of my life and are important elements that make me who I am.