As I navigate this chapter of my life, I find myself wrestling with the daily grind of repetitive tasks. I cherish the larger rhythms: the seasons changing and the comfort they bring, the familiar pulse that comes with a new calendar month, and the assurance that, despite an uncertain future, certain things will remain constant—weather patterns, holidays, birthdays, school terms, and the ebb and flow of nature.
Recently, I stumbled upon a thought-provoking excerpt from Ursula K. Le Guin’s Voices:
“I always wondered why the makers leave housekeeping and cooking out of their tales. Isn’t it what all the great wars and battles are fought for—so that at day’s end a family may eat together in a peaceful house? The tale tells how the Lords of Manva hunted and gathered roots and cooked their suppers while they were camped in exile in the foothills of Sul, but it doesn’t say what their wives and children were living on in their city left ruined and desolate by the enemy. They were finding food too, somehow, cleaning house and honoring the gods, the way we did in the siege and under the tyranny of the Alds. When the heroes came back from the mountain, they were welcomed with a feast. I’d like to know what the food was and how the women managed it.”
There’s little glamour in washing the morning dishes or feeding the pet. It seems absurd to expect praise for folding yet another stack of laundry or cleaning up a spilled snack. The tasks of housekeeping and cooking are often relegated to the background—the unsung heroes of life’s big moments. They’re the unnoticed aspects that set the stage for the grand narratives we often hear, yet they are just as vital.
While some might joke that “a clean house is a sign of a misspent life,” the reality is that these chores are necessary. Dishes must be washed. The laundry must be done so my family has clothes to wear.
For a long time, I’ve been driven by a desire for more. This ambition has its pitfalls; it can turn mundane tasks like mopping the floor into emotional burdens. Yet, I’ve come to realize that the quiet labor we undertake—often without recognition or reward—is what truly keeps life moving forward. In this light, maybe even mopping the floor can be considered significant work.
As I reflect on this phase, I seek satisfaction in the everyday. Yes, laundry and meal prep are constants, but with three young children, those tasks become even more demanding. There’s an avalanche of daily needs—whether it’s playing, fetching milk, fastening a superhero cape, or locating a misplaced glue stick.
In a humorous yet bittersweet manner, I know I will eventually yearn for these moments.
My son, Leo, enjoys helping with the laundry. It may take longer, but I welcome the time spent together. He shares stories about school and asks profound questions about life while sorting through clothes. All three of my children love to assist in the kitchen. Their excitement over pouring ingredients and their fascination with the aromas of baking create memories that are richer than any dish we prepare. And when I cook alone, there’s a special joy in the rhythmic sound of chopping and the enticing scent of garlic sizzling in oil. Lighting candles for a meal shared with loved ones brings me pure happiness.
Still, embracing the necessity of these small tasks amid the chaos of life can feel challenging. Yet, I find comfort in the thought that these seemingly trivial actions form the sturdy foundation for our lives—like the blank canvas for a masterpiece or the organized outline for a grand novel. These reflections are what I carry with me as I empty the dirty water down the drain.
“You’ll come to learn a great deal if you study the Insignificant in depth.” —Odysseus Elytis
This story originally appeared on my personal blog.
In conclusion, while the daily tasks may seem insignificant, they are, in fact, the threads that weave the fabric of our lives together. For more insights on home insemination and parenting, feel free to check out Intracervical Insemination and Make a Mom. If you’re looking for valuable resources on fertility and conception, IVF Babble is an excellent place to start.