Do as I say, not as I do.
I tell them to examine how they feel when they are with someone. If the energy feels good, pursue that relationship. If you feel icky or drained, re-think whether you want to spend time with that person.
They see me foster relationships that leave me depleted.
I say, “It is up to you to make yourself a priority. Make time in the day for your passions – for time to read or think or just be.”
They see me crash at the end of a day. They hear me complain that I didn’t have time to read or work on a project.
I tell them that they are in charge of where they will go and that they should plan accordingly.
They see me succumb to the whims of others and put my plans on the back burner.
I tell them to avoid negative talk, gossip or pointless chatter. “It doesn’t feel good,” I say. “It isn’t productive,” I say.
They hear me indulge in gossip while in the company of others.
I tell them, “Believe in yourself!” I tell them nothing can stop them. I tell them they are capable of so many wonderful things.
They hear my critical self-talk. They hear me doubt myself and my writing.
I tell them to go out in the fresh air, let the sun warm their bones, feel their blood move as they pump their legs.
They see me parked on the couch, too tired to move.
I say, “When you are warn out, it’s good to be kind to yourself.” “Eat some comfort food,” I say. “Grab your cat and crawl under a blanket.” “Hide from the world for awhile,” I say.
They will see me grab their cat and crawl under a blanket.
This morning, Pinterest served a wake-up-call with my coffee.
Tags: a girl can dream, cuz I am Woman, gentle reminders, in search of self, life, Parenting
They see you occasionally being human. Give yourself a break! (That should be in the list somewhere (o: )
Pat,
I’ll add that to the list.
What we want for our loved ones is always harder for us, the giver of such wise information, to receive ourselves. It reminds me of the saying, “easier said than done.” Maybe it’s better to say, “easier said than done, but not impossible.” I will give myself the same advice I give those I love so dearly. In the rare cases we feel ourselves slipping into the “gray zone,” this post can serve as a good reminder.
love & light
Kira,
Interesting you should say that.
Life has been complicated lately. I feel that I’m not dealing as well as I would like. Recently, a friend suggested that I reread some of my old posts to relearn lessons in order to get back the “calm”.
I’ve got to make taking my own advice a priority.
Soon……
Thank you for the gentle nudge. :)
Hi Jesse,
What we strive to do and what we can do day to day are two different things often. At least that is my experience. You are an amazing mother and woman. By showing Will and Jen what it means to love and to pull all of you out of a damaging situation, you have given them an immeasurable gift. I know it is easy to see the shortcomings. Try to think of all the progress.
By all means, grab the kitty and take a rest. It is good for all of our kids to see we are human and need time to restore our spirits.
I absolutely love this photo!!! It makes me want to curl up too! : )
Warm wishes for some serious pampering there . . .
Lynn,
Thank you, and I do hope you take your own excellent advice on pampering. ;)