Lesson from a Ceiling Fan

When it comes to cleaning, I love telling other people what I want and then going for a pedicure while they do it.

But with so much to do to get our house ready to sell, I've recently found myself with a dust cloth in my hand. I even sponge-mopped the deck with a cleaner that brings out the gold highlights in the wood. I love seeing that dry, dusty wood quench its thirst and glow.

But the ceiling fan on the deck--that's a different story. I pretend I don't see the dust, even though I know it's there. I asked the cleaning lady to clean it, which she happily agreed to do. Then she forgot. By the time I remembered to check it, she was gone.

For two days I did nothing. Then our realtor scheduled someone to see the house. All I could think about was that dirty ceiling fan.

So early in the morning on the day of the showing, I climbed onto the stepladder to reach the dreaded fan. To my surprise, the dirt lifted easily. In a very few minutes, I had a clean ceiling fan.

More importantly, I had faced a dread and completed a simple task. For the rest of the day, I had a sense of accomplishment.

Then I went for a manicure.

You write it: What are you dreading?