How's Your Demeanor?

I consider myself a fairly even-tempered person (except for those moments when I completely lose it). However, it has been a long-time goal of mine to be happier. Not so irritated. Not so quick to snap. And having 5 kids seems to have become a BIG reason for this. But not like you might think. Not because they irritate me (although I must admit that sometimes they do) or because they require loads and loads of patience (although, again, I must admit that sometimes they do). Nope. It's because having 5 kids is not the norm. I really didn't think it was that big of a deal until I had 5 and started getting "the look" or "the comments." And I know people are looking at me and watching my 5 little duckies following behind and they are making judgements. And for this reason I need to be happy. I made this choice and I wanted these kids. It wasn't an accident and I am in no way stuck in a situation that I did not create nor want to be in. So I need to paste a smile on my face and let the world know that I find joy in motherhood. Cuz I do. It just doesn't always show and I need to be better at it. So this week I have been workin' on my attitude and my demeanor. After all, I can tell my kids to clean their room nicely or like a raving lunatic. Either way it's gonna get done. This week I choose nice. Today I choose happiness. For this moment I choose a smile. What about you?