Will it add to, or take away from your life?

On Sunday afternoon, my 5 year old daughter, Anika, decided to paint my nails.  Those of you who know me will know that I usually stick to natural, rather dull colours – but Anika on the other hand… Needless to say, I ended up with very bright pink nail polish – only on the front end tips of my nails 🙂

She was very proud of her “artwork” – so proud that she made me promise that I’ll keep it on for a whole day… and Sunday didn’t count, I had to keep it on till Monday night!

That evening when she went to bed she reminded me not to take it off.  And Monday morning she checked to make sure that I was an obedient mommy!

I then realised how important this is to her.

So I went to drop her off at school, did some grocery shopping, saw two students for support sessions, delivered certificates to clients and went to a meeting at church with my bright-pink-toddler-painted nails.

At first I felt a bit self-conscious and embarrassed and explained the situation to everyone I saw (even before they asked), but then after a while I decided not to.

I asked myself “Will it take away anything from me or my life if I keep my nails like this” …and then I asked myself “Will it add anything to Anikas’ life if I keep it on.”

Bottom line is I won’t loose anything, but she will gain so much.  And her face when she saw me after school was priceless… she couldn’t believe that I actually kept the nail polish on for a whole day, and when I told her that I love my nails like that, she gave me a huge hug and thanked me for not taking it off.  Something so small meant so much to her.

So next time you want to throw your toys out of the cot over something – ask yourself – will it add to or take away something from your- or someone else’s life!?