Who's Teaching Who? Life with a teenager

Those of us with teens know how challenging - at times - these years can be for both parties; two days ago I made a silent promise to myself to go on a negativity diet - no more focusing only on the messy room, the wet towels on the floor, the constant stupid BBM chimes or even the occasional smartass comments. I decided that even if she did or said 100 "negative" things and only 1 positive, I was gonna focus on the positive. I began to thank her for any and every little thing. And yes, at times I really had to reach to do this. "Thank you darling for putting your dishes in the sink (well, NEAR the sink) and not on your floor; "Thank you honey for helping with the laundry"; "Thanks for being nice to your sister"; and so on. Remember, the "diet" began just two days ago. Last night I went out with a friend and came in around 11:00. Went to the kitchen, opened the fridge and shrieked - OMG who put this ginormous Cadbury Fruit & Nut bar ( my absolute favorite) in here?? Then shrieked again - OMG who put this tub of Haagen-Dazs Rum & Raisin (another fav) ice cream in the freezer? My teen's casual voice floated in from the patio - "Those are for you Ma, I know you like that stuff." Moral of this story - at times I suck at this parenting shit and hate it, but when I let go and allow the divine to be my guide - oh how sweet it is! In life,you really do get back what you give out.