More than a year has passed since I wrote about the unexpected perks of being a mommy. But yesterday, on my way to pick up theBABY from the sitter’s house after a particularly annoying day at work, I finally discovered the fourth unexpected perk.

You see, pre-baby, annoying days at work led to annoyed drives home, annoyed workouts and annoyed evenings. I’d contemplate all the annoying things that happened and dumb things that were said that day at work. I’d continue to think about these things until something signficant enough happened to interrupt the thoughts.

Sometimes, I’d still be thinking about the day when my head hit the pillow.

Not so anymore.

Now I have approximately 15 minutes to process my annoyance and get over it. Why? Because theBABY doesn’t care about all the dumb things adults say and do. In facts, she’s got a pretty simple take on life at the moment that I can learn from.

theBABY doesn’t base her happiness on how she feels about others or what they may think of her. She doesn’t get lost in thought over what someone has said to her. Right now, her happiness is pretty much based on three simple things.

1) Her physical needs being met (the right amount of sleep, food and shelter) 

2) Getting enough attention and affection from family and friends

3) Being allowed to spend her time doing something she enjoys (think coloring, blowing bubbles, picking flowers)

This unexpected perk is a daily dose of reality and perspective after a long day of office politics, gossip and plain old adult silliness.  And I’m enjoying it while I lasts. I’d be naive to think that this one will continue past theBABY’s fifth birthday. By then I’ll be exposed to kindergarten politics, gossip and plain old 5-year old silliness.