Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1909-12-24
GREAT DEAL IN MENTAL ATTIT
A WOMAN SHOULD NOT ALLOW HER
HOUsETASKsT TO BECOME DRUDGERY.

A WOMAN SHOULD NOT ALLOW HER
HOUsETASKs TO BECOME DRUDGERY.
So much is said and written regard
ing "mental attitude" taken toward
this and that, especially toward sick
ness and trouble in'general. But very
little is written in reference to the view
women take of duties they are called
upon to perform in the house and home.
A little woman in mind has a great
deal to do; she has good, kind hus-
band on moderate salary, two small
children, and four-room apartment
to care for; this misguided creature has
| large ideas and feels considerable jeal
ously; in consequence she is making
herself a miserable slave, the children
are losing their respect for her. Why?
Because she is always fussing and wor-
rying over what she has to do and what
she cannot do; the youngest child, a
beautiful boy of 2 years, is not trained
in any way; his personal laundry is
never less than two dozen pieces day;
this, combined with the other wash,
keeps her cat the tub" the best part of
the morning: then comes the ironing
(which she insists upon doing, as maids
slight it, she says,) meals and other
work. When IS she to read or sew?
Not at all, so she worries some more.
"Qulte natural,' hear some say.
No it is not; if she and others would
pause, take survey, start fresh, with
little good management, how differ
ent their lives would soon become, as
well as the lives of those around them.
This woman at the age of 20 is get
ting old and decidedly sour of face, and
her expression has lost its sweetness,
which is such a charm in a mother.
Her meals are hideous, the table man.
ners are unmentionable; she is so tired
mentally and physically she does not
teach the little ones, and emery correc-
ton is made by ''slap" on the fingers,
or "I'll whip you if you do. that again."
then more crying is the result. The
smallest thing well done, may be made
a Joy, when a real woman puts love
and life into every act, not making
drudgery of it.
"How many say, 81 hate dish wash
ing, scrubbing and so on" These and
other remarks disturb the husband who
is doing his best to provide living!
Women should not feel so in their own
homes; if the work is to be done, it
should be done with a good grace, un-
complainingly, and when possible
made uplifting.
Work becomes .irksome and difficult
when it is fought against. Women
who deserve better things will not COM
plain and grow angry over the disagree
ableness and monotony of life; they
should overcome the unpleasantness;
make disagreeableness agreeable; the
uninteresting interesting. Each task,
no matter how commonplace, if per
formed in the right spirit will become
pleasure and stepping stone to high
er things. 1t is not work alone that
Injuries and wearies. 1t is more often
the view we take of it. Treat youl
calling as divine, keep your standard
up and your ideals high; no one can dc
good work while they consider theil
occupation a bore.
Try to cultivate sweet thoughts, they
are real things; your thoughts will
bring happiness or unhappiness sun
shine or shadow, just as you tralr
them.
AS an aid to a broader view of life
suppose you bring little science a.
we'll as art into the home, and rISt
above the commonplaces and ordlna
ries; try new ways of doing things
eliminate nonessentials; bring origin
ality into play; there are advances il
domestic science as we'll as in medicine
or surgery; try to combine usefulnes
and beauty. Do not get into ruts ant
4 think your habits cannot be changed
rules are one thing, ruts another
Women who are on their feet grea
deal will find high chair in the kitch
en- valuable, much better than a stool
on account of the back, it can be lean
ed against occasionally, and is restful
). Every one needs little time to herself
/. and no matter how much woman ha
to do, or thinks she has, she shoul
arrange to take at least half an hou
out of "a to be alone, to rest mind an
body; if this is not your way, try it a
an experim ent, especially those VIII
cannot take vacations. Subscribe to
couple of good magazines; do not neg
lect to read the newest books you ca
procure, as we'll as a paper, so g
to keep in touch with the outside worlt
Do not neglect to take some dee
draughts of fresh air and friendl
chat with neighbor; do no fuss an
worry, do not neglect your work, bl
at the same time, try to simplify an
modify it. "What's the use of maxim
discord in the family by working ever