Catch it here in 11 Steps to Radical Personal Change:
http://meanttobehappy.com/11-steps-and-11-quotes-to-radical-personal-change-a-tribute-to-stephen-r-covey/
Enjoy your week and stay present.
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
11 Steps to Radical Personal Change
Catch it here in 11 Steps to Radical Personal Change:
http://meanttobehappy.com/11-steps-and-11-quotes-to-radical-personal-change-a-tribute-to-stephen-r-covey/
Enjoy your week and stay present.
Do It Yourself - Beautiful Personalized Plates
I'm always looking for new gift ideas - ones with a personal touch.
I love 24/7 Moms' idea - personalizing plates. It is an update on our children's plastic plates they decorated when they were in kindergarten. These new ones could be done from one adult to another! Or get your kids involved:)
For the full article, click this link: http://247moms.com/2012/06/diy-personalized-plate-its-a-cinch/
I love 24/7 Moms' idea - personalizing plates. It is an update on our children's plastic plates they decorated when they were in kindergarten. These new ones could be done from one adult to another! Or get your kids involved:)
For the full article, click this link: http://247moms.com/2012/06/diy-personalized-plate-its-a-cinch/
The Language of Energy
note: this is a guest post by author Elaine Seiler
What is Energy?
Energy
doesn't communicate in human tongues, but it does speak clearly. It speaks
through the metaphors of our lived experiences, the hurricanes and earthquakes
of nature, the expressions of the body’s symptoms, or the whispered message of
a randomly chosen passage in a book.
Energy
communicates through colors, geometric shapes or symbols, as well as through
the dreams and the events that occur unexpectedly in our lives. This language,
like any new tongue, is challenging. Learning it begins with paying attention
to the ways in which the invisible world communicates. Whatever the situation,
there is a message. It just takes a little exploration to uncover its meaning.
Personal Story
At
a party some time ago, I had some insights into the way nature gives us
messages. The conversation turned to the weather – how “unseasonably terrible”
the rains had been, and whether that was a sign of climate change or just
another rainy season.
Nurturing Death
A beautiful soul, Annie Burnside, describes her friend's last moments with her mother. A beautiful story.http://www.chicagonow.com/soul-to-soul-perspective/2011/11/my-dear-friend-nurtures-her-mom-in-last-moments/
Lessons in Motherhood: A Tribute to My Mom
This weekend I am traveling home to help my mother celebrate her 70th birthday. She and my father are also celebrating over 30 years in their house. They move at the end of next month. There is much to celebrate and I'm thankful to be part of it.
My mother is a role model and and a source of strength and support. Along with my father, she provided a secure childhood, and I know I was fortunate to have that. It is a foundation I learned to cherish, and now try to provide for my own children.
As a child I took my mother for granted. I expect that my own children take me for granted also. And so it should be. They need to know I will always be there for them. They need to feel safe and secure, and if they question my presence then they question their own security. As a child I had no questions. I knew I could rely on my mother for anything.
I believe this came from very clear rules and boundless love. My sister, brother and I knew what our limits were. We knew we were doing something we'd get in trouble for, even as we did it.
As an older teen, I remember coming home late on a Saturday night. It was past the time I was allowed to stay out, and cell phones didn't exist yet to let my parents know where I was if I was late. So as I walked up to the door I rehearsed my words. "We got a flat tire. I'm sorry I'm late." Once it was the truth. Once it was a convenient excuse. Of course, now I know that two flat tires don't hold much weight with a parent.
However, I recall feeling scared for the consequence, but not for my safety. My mother might take away a privilege, but she wouldn't kick me out of the house, and she would always love me. I never questioned that. Ever.
As a teenager I was also keenly aware of the level of choice I was allowed to make. When it came to new boyfriends, college choices, job choices, or other decisions that would affect my future, I was allowed to make those myself. I laugh now as I remember that if my mother was unhappy about my choice, she was eerily silent. (She doesn't often have nothing to say.) Silence was enough of an opinion that I weighed my decisions carefully. But I still made those decisions myself, and lived with the consequences, positive or negative.
Knowing clearly what my mother expected of me (hard work, care for others, respect for rules and inner strength), helped me to establish myself in the working world and into adulthood.
My children are growing, though they seem a long way from adulthood. Nevertheless I know it is important to set clear rules and provide infinite love. My mother helped me to grow into the person I am today. I learned alot from her. I hope I am giving my children the same positive, nurturing environment she gave me.
I grew up in the house we will celebrate in this weekend. People have asked me if it is difficult to see family time in that house come to an end. Maybe a little, I reply. But mostly not. When the foundation of my childhood were my strong and loving mother and father, I can help them celebrate anywhere, even across distances, as what they gave is always with me.
My mother is a role model and and a source of strength and support. Along with my father, she provided a secure childhood, and I know I was fortunate to have that. It is a foundation I learned to cherish, and now try to provide for my own children.
As a child I took my mother for granted. I expect that my own children take me for granted also. And so it should be. They need to know I will always be there for them. They need to feel safe and secure, and if they question my presence then they question their own security. As a child I had no questions. I knew I could rely on my mother for anything.
I believe this came from very clear rules and boundless love. My sister, brother and I knew what our limits were. We knew we were doing something we'd get in trouble for, even as we did it.
As an older teen, I remember coming home late on a Saturday night. It was past the time I was allowed to stay out, and cell phones didn't exist yet to let my parents know where I was if I was late. So as I walked up to the door I rehearsed my words. "We got a flat tire. I'm sorry I'm late." Once it was the truth. Once it was a convenient excuse. Of course, now I know that two flat tires don't hold much weight with a parent.
However, I recall feeling scared for the consequence, but not for my safety. My mother might take away a privilege, but she wouldn't kick me out of the house, and she would always love me. I never questioned that. Ever.
As a teenager I was also keenly aware of the level of choice I was allowed to make. When it came to new boyfriends, college choices, job choices, or other decisions that would affect my future, I was allowed to make those myself. I laugh now as I remember that if my mother was unhappy about my choice, she was eerily silent. (She doesn't often have nothing to say.) Silence was enough of an opinion that I weighed my decisions carefully. But I still made those decisions myself, and lived with the consequences, positive or negative.
Knowing clearly what my mother expected of me (hard work, care for others, respect for rules and inner strength), helped me to establish myself in the working world and into adulthood.
My children are growing, though they seem a long way from adulthood. Nevertheless I know it is important to set clear rules and provide infinite love. My mother helped me to grow into the person I am today. I learned alot from her. I hope I am giving my children the same positive, nurturing environment she gave me.
I grew up in the house we will celebrate in this weekend. People have asked me if it is difficult to see family time in that house come to an end. Maybe a little, I reply. But mostly not. When the foundation of my childhood were my strong and loving mother and father, I can help them celebrate anywhere, even across distances, as what they gave is always with me.
How To Make the End of School Memorable
*This is a guest post by author Diane Johnson
As the school year winds to a close, children and parents get excited for the approaching relaxation and fun of summertime. With visions of swimming pools and popsicles, who wouldn't look forward to the end of school? But before you pack up the backpacks and school supplies for good, take a moment to help make your child's end of school time a cherished memory by making it special!
As the school year winds to a close, children and parents get excited for the approaching relaxation and fun of summertime. With visions of swimming pools and popsicles, who wouldn't look forward to the end of school? But before you pack up the backpacks and school supplies for good, take a moment to help make your child's end of school time a cherished memory by making it special!
Visualizing Success: The Movie
I'm a big fan of visualizing success. When that picture is clear in my mind, I know exactly what I have to do to go after it. I'm still working on the timeline part (for example, I know my current vision requires alot of focused work, but sometimes I just want to visit with friends, play hide 'n' seek with our children, or catch up on Facebook). However, I know what I want.To help to visualize the end goal clearly, I use a vision board or mind map, until last week.
Metaphysical Mom Book Cover Choices
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| Mom and Child |
Elan Sun Star, inspirational photographer, has provided beautiful images for me to choose, and I need help!
Kick start Your Creativity
I’m in love with a new restaurant, and I haven’t eaten there yet. The Zinburger has a great online menu which includes their signature item: burger with zinfandel braised onions and manchego cheese. Red zinfandel and manchego are two of my favorites. And who thought to add them to an otherwise ordinary burger?
Zinburger did it, and in doing so took a common idea (the burger) and created something unique.
With millions of burger stops in the US, few of us think about the inspiration needed to create a successful new burger enterprise. Many of us would love to experience the thrill of that inspiration.
Seth Godin, author of Tribes and a dozen other books, recently created a publishing company backed by Amazon. He is trying a new out-of-the-box idea, launching the ebook, audio book and hard copy at the same time. Publishing has been done before, but here Seth created new twists.
Zinburger did it, and in doing so took a common idea (the burger) and created something unique.
With millions of burger stops in the US, few of us think about the inspiration needed to create a successful new burger enterprise. Many of us would love to experience the thrill of that inspiration.
Seth Godin, author of Tribes and a dozen other books, recently created a publishing company backed by Amazon. He is trying a new out-of-the-box idea, launching the ebook, audio book and hard copy at the same time. Publishing has been done before, but here Seth created new twists.
How to Know You will Achieve Your Goals
Do you absolutely, without any doubt, believe you will accomplish your purpose? Neither do I, except in one case: I know I will publish my book.
In this case, I get to cheat a little, if I want to. For my purpose, I have a safety net: Self publish. This isn't my goal, but perhaps having a backup is just enough for me to build my confidence into pure conviction.
With a backup plan, you can let go of your fear and focus on your dream.
However, for most goals, having a backup plan isn't enough. Want to start your own business? You can't accomplish your goal if you give the idea to someone else to start. Do you want to become a fundraising executive? It isn't the same if you settle for door to door sales (though this may be your first step). The backup is only useful if you continue to focus on your purpose.
So, how do I know I will publish my book? I know because I have commitment. Also, I continue to learn, write and take advice. Beyond these steps, there is one big one. I step over hurdles, without letting them snag me and pull me down. And this is often the difference between success and the backup plan.
It is like being a millionaire. We all want to be a millionaire, but we don't all KNOW we can. There are too many memories of defeat (agreeing to a joint venture that didn't live up to its expectations), lessons gone wrong (investing in a market that subsequently tanks), and poor choices (accepting the first salary offer without knowing there was room for negotiation). Unfortunately, we keep the loss, bad lessons and poor decisions in the back of our mind while we attempt to create a millionaire life.
Those memories which we keep inside only serve to drag us down. Those memories are the sludge that keep us from fulfilling our vision, our purpose.
Feel Your Purpose, with Conviction
Let go of bad behaviors, memories, and whatever else may keep you down. Embrace the success you want until you KNOW it is a pure unfiltered force for the law of attraction. When you KNOW, circumstances come up which may have derailed you in the past. Now they are fleeting moments you easily let go while you fulfill your purpose.
Laura Day, in her book The Circle, calls this your New Reality. It is a powerful process, and includes the ups and downs of real success. Knowing what your New Reality is, understanding your purpose intimately, will help to guide you to succeed.
What is your purpose?
What blocks your path?
How will you move forward anyways, and with conviction?
Filling in the Gap Between Success and Failure
by Sally Marks
There is a unit of time that does not have an official name, but it is a crucial link between success and failure. It is the time between “wanting to do something” and actually doing it. As a youngster, this time period was often prefaced by, “When I’m a grown up.” Later it evolved to “When the kids grow up” or “When I have more time”.
I’ve always been pretty good at meeting deadlines, at least as an adult. I have all my unforgiving journalism professors to thank for that. But when it comes to unofficial deadlines, the game can get a bit trickier. After all, life doesn’t always come with the motivation of a good grade, or the threat of a nasty editor.
I don’t like to think of myself as lazy, or even as someone who procrastinates (more on that later – ha ha). Yet, life threw me a little reminder that I could turn my refrain for “I’ll do it another day” to a life of sloth if I didn’t change a few habits.
A case in point.
I had feng shui practitioner Lisa Montgomery perform her skills and knowledge to enhance and increase the positive qui of my home. One of the cures to prevent negative energy from hitting my happy abode included placing a bagua (a yellow, wooden, octagon with a mirror in the center) over my garage door. The street comes to a T right in front of our driveway, and that can throw a bit of negative vibes our way. This little bagua has been perched in its location for quite some time. Then one day we had a nasty wind storm and the bagua, like Humpty Dumpty, had a big fall. Fortunately nothing was broken. All I had to do was put it back up on its little perch.
There is a unit of time that does not have an official name, but it is a crucial link between success and failure. It is the time between “wanting to do something” and actually doing it. As a youngster, this time period was often prefaced by, “When I’m a grown up.” Later it evolved to “When the kids grow up” or “When I have more time”.
I’ve always been pretty good at meeting deadlines, at least as an adult. I have all my unforgiving journalism professors to thank for that. But when it comes to unofficial deadlines, the game can get a bit trickier. After all, life doesn’t always come with the motivation of a good grade, or the threat of a nasty editor.
I don’t like to think of myself as lazy, or even as someone who procrastinates (more on that later – ha ha). Yet, life threw me a little reminder that I could turn my refrain for “I’ll do it another day” to a life of sloth if I didn’t change a few habits.
A case in point.
I had feng shui practitioner Lisa Montgomery perform her skills and knowledge to enhance and increase the positive qui of my home. One of the cures to prevent negative energy from hitting my happy abode included placing a bagua (a yellow, wooden, octagon with a mirror in the center) over my garage door. The street comes to a T right in front of our driveway, and that can throw a bit of negative vibes our way. This little bagua has been perched in its location for quite some time. Then one day we had a nasty wind storm and the bagua, like Humpty Dumpty, had a big fall. Fortunately nothing was broken. All I had to do was put it back up on its little perch.
Honor 2010, Set Goals for 2011
As 2010 concludes and a new year waits for us, our minds are naturally pulled into the past, and through to the future.
What did I accomplish this year? What do I hope to accomplish in the coming year?
What did I accomplish this year? What do I hope to accomplish in the coming year?
"Do Unto Others" Fills Me with Gratitude
I feel pretty fantastic right this moment. My to-do list is done.
What was my to-do list?
1. Drop off flyers for the Forever Family Foundation Holidays Past event.
2. Write more content for my book.
3. Pick up material my daughter's new craft project.
4. Purchase a turkey for tomorrow's Thanksgiving dinner.
5. Plan dinner for my dear friends, arriving from Vancouver tomorrow night.
6. Pick up my children and their friends from school. , who are all full of giggles and goofiness. Their "work" was all about Thanksgiving today.
Normally, my list gets check marks, and I'm on to other things. So why is my to-do list special? On the day before Thanksgiving. My list allows me to be extremely grateful.
Why am I grateful?
1. I am healthy enough to be able to help others. With a genuine "Happy Thanksgiving" and a smile, we all felt the true spirit of that small exchange.
2. I have time to write.
3. My daughter is talented in her creativity. It is a pleasure to watch her create.
4. We have the means to provide a big dinner.
5. We have dear friends and family.
6. My children and their friends have no big worries, unlike some children in other countries. Our children experience joy and easy laughter.
I'm also so grateful for some amazing people I've met in just this past year, especially in my volunteer journey. In "doing unto others, " I receive more back in an untold number of ways, but mostly in the warm mushy feeling I have inside, right this moment.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.
Love and Light, Leigh
What was my to-do list?
1. Drop off flyers for the Forever Family Foundation Holidays Past event.
2. Write more content for my book.
3. Pick up material my daughter's new craft project.
4. Purchase a turkey for tomorrow's Thanksgiving dinner.
5. Plan dinner for my dear friends, arriving from Vancouver tomorrow night.
6. Pick up my children and their friends from school. , who are all full of giggles and goofiness. Their "work" was all about Thanksgiving today.
Normally, my list gets check marks, and I'm on to other things. So why is my to-do list special? On the day before Thanksgiving. My list allows me to be extremely grateful.
Why am I grateful?
1. I am healthy enough to be able to help others. With a genuine "Happy Thanksgiving" and a smile, we all felt the true spirit of that small exchange.
2. I have time to write.
3. My daughter is talented in her creativity. It is a pleasure to watch her create.
4. We have the means to provide a big dinner.
5. We have dear friends and family.
6. My children and their friends have no big worries, unlike some children in other countries. Our children experience joy and easy laughter.
I'm also so grateful for some amazing people I've met in just this past year, especially in my volunteer journey. In "doing unto others, " I receive more back in an untold number of ways, but mostly in the warm mushy feeling I have inside, right this moment.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.
Love and Light, Leigh
Pay it Forward
I watched the movie Pay it Forward (2000) last night. I knew there would be tears and smiles, and sometimes it feels good simply to let emotions run their course. At the end of the movie, with tears running down my cheeks, I thought to myself, “why can’t I pay it forward?”
The premise of the movie Pay It Forward is a 7th grade social studies project created by an inspiring teacher, played by Kevin Spacey. One of his students, Kevin, played by Haley Joel Osment, dreamed up the idea to give generously in any way to three other people. Those three then pay it forward by giving generously in their own way to someone else. Giving is the key, as it needs to be a gift or an act that the recipient could not normally fulfill theirself.
When I began to answer my own question, I thought, “how would I possibly do this even once, let alone three times or more? And do I need to receive a gift first?"
That is when I realized that I have already received my gift. I was raised by two generous parents, in conditions void of divorce, alcoholism, mental illness, or poverty. My childhood was protected, positive and wholesome. I am extremely grateful for this gift, knowing how rare it is.
It is time to pay it forward, yet I don’t believe in waiting for the right time with a momentous gesture. I can start with small acts of kindness. Many small acts are those that others couldn't do themselves. Even the act of giving can't be done the same way doing it for yourself. I’ve been having a difficult time communicating with my nine-year-old daughter recently. Her actions have frustrated me. However, she is an amazing, creative, bright source of light, and I can find many ways to pay it forward to her. I can tell her she is incredible, and a bright part of my life.
I also believe it is time on earth for a shift in consciousness, which includes a natural inclination to pay it forward. I know many who already give their time and talents to help others prosper, feel well, laugh and take a step up in life.
My gift (or gifts) may or may not feel rare for me, but it might be just the thing someone else needs, coming at just the right time.
The premise of the movie Pay It Forward is a 7th grade social studies project created by an inspiring teacher, played by Kevin Spacey. One of his students, Kevin, played by Haley Joel Osment, dreamed up the idea to give generously in any way to three other people. Those three then pay it forward by giving generously in their own way to someone else. Giving is the key, as it needs to be a gift or an act that the recipient could not normally fulfill theirself.
When I began to answer my own question, I thought, “how would I possibly do this even once, let alone three times or more? And do I need to receive a gift first?"
That is when I realized that I have already received my gift. I was raised by two generous parents, in conditions void of divorce, alcoholism, mental illness, or poverty. My childhood was protected, positive and wholesome. I am extremely grateful for this gift, knowing how rare it is.
It is time to pay it forward, yet I don’t believe in waiting for the right time with a momentous gesture. I can start with small acts of kindness. Many small acts are those that others couldn't do themselves. Even the act of giving can't be done the same way doing it for yourself. I’ve been having a difficult time communicating with my nine-year-old daughter recently. Her actions have frustrated me. However, she is an amazing, creative, bright source of light, and I can find many ways to pay it forward to her. I can tell her she is incredible, and a bright part of my life.
 |
| Pay it forward a step at a time |
My gift (or gifts) may or may not feel rare for me, but it might be just the thing someone else needs, coming at just the right time.
The message is right in front of my nose
Articles, ezines, e-newsletters, emails... if we let ourselves, they can fill our inbox and easily overwhelm us.
I was starting to feel that way. I recently unsubscribed to many weekly messages, but still, I had more. Yet I couldn't bring myself to get rid of them all.
Then it hit me, now every time I open up my inbox, I am greeted with messages from those spreading positive messages, giving me a reason to smile, to think, to ponder.
Each message that now comes to me has a metaphysical message about the joy in life. Some speak of the energy that surrounds us. Some tell me to take a moment and focus somewhere else. Others remind me of the strong communities building with an invisible yet powerful connection. They connect through the internet, yet it feels more than that, for they remain with me throughout my day.
I didn't unsubscribe because they lift my spirit, raise my vibration, bring a spontaneous smile to my face.
I am surrounded by the power of metaphysical energy building. What a gift. And it is right in front of my nose.
I was starting to feel that way. I recently unsubscribed to many weekly messages, but still, I had more. Yet I couldn't bring myself to get rid of them all.
Then it hit me, now every time I open up my inbox, I am greeted with messages from those spreading positive messages, giving me a reason to smile, to think, to ponder.
Each message that now comes to me has a metaphysical message about the joy in life. Some speak of the energy that surrounds us. Some tell me to take a moment and focus somewhere else. Others remind me of the strong communities building with an invisible yet powerful connection. They connect through the internet, yet it feels more than that, for they remain with me throughout my day.
I didn't unsubscribe because they lift my spirit, raise my vibration, bring a spontaneous smile to my face.
I am surrounded by the power of metaphysical energy building. What a gift. And it is right in front of my nose.
Whew! If Only All Fear Could be Fixed This Quickly
A couple days ago I posted a blog about my neighbor.
The conversation I had with my neighbor started off ok, then turned negative, then full of fear. I primally reacted and bolted down the street.
Yesterday I saw her at our childrens' school, while sitting in my car. My first reaction was anxiety, but I took a deep breath and gave her a smile and a hello.
She came right up to the car and apologized about the prior conversation. "I'm sorry Leigh. I think I scared you."
"Yes you did. I tend to react to fear and negativity and that was too much." I responded.
She said she knows she overreacted, that she knows she's too protective, she watches too many shows like "America's Most Wanted," and she's sorry she caused me any distress.
As she left I breathed a sigh of relief. I don't like confrontations, but I know how important it is to be open, to solve issues, to get past incidents.
We're past it. It is now up to me to let it go completely, so that it doesn't color our next conversation.
After all, we're really all one. Energy swirls around us and interacts, affecting each of us, for good or for bad. It is up to every one of us to build the positive, let go of the negative.
The conversation I had with my neighbor started off ok, then turned negative, then full of fear. I primally reacted and bolted down the street.
Yesterday I saw her at our childrens' school, while sitting in my car. My first reaction was anxiety, but I took a deep breath and gave her a smile and a hello.
She came right up to the car and apologized about the prior conversation. "I'm sorry Leigh. I think I scared you."
"Yes you did. I tend to react to fear and negativity and that was too much." I responded.
She said she knows she overreacted, that she knows she's too protective, she watches too many shows like "America's Most Wanted," and she's sorry she caused me any distress.
As she left I breathed a sigh of relief. I don't like confrontations, but I know how important it is to be open, to solve issues, to get past incidents.
We're past it. It is now up to me to let it go completely, so that it doesn't color our next conversation.
After all, we're really all one. Energy swirls around us and interacts, affecting each of us, for good or for bad. It is up to every one of us to build the positive, let go of the negative.
Shells, Like Life
Shells have always fascinated me. I know I'm not the only one. Shells have a mystical beauty to them, with perfect lines, neverending swirls, and pastel colors.
In my holiday trip to Florida in December we visited Fort Myers Beach. I was amazed at the number of perfect shells littering the high tide line, like a sparkling point of no return. I was a child again, excitedly picking up overflowing handfuls of perfect shells, looking for a bag or container in our belongings so that I could go back to get more.
My son joined me for a while, and my daughter, but the icing sugar sand intrigued them more. The sand was perfect sand castle texture and they were determined to dig deep enough and build high enough around them to become part of the beachscape.
But the beauty that the ocean left behind on it's daily retreat, drawn by the moon, was entrancing. Perfectly curved creamy lemon and orange shells, some with dark purple or iridescent insides, lined our walk.
I continued to wander up and down the tide line with our dog. He sniffed as we walked along, and perked his ears forward at every dry piece of seaweed that moved in the breeze. "Shadow, they aren't alive." I'd whisper.
Then I wondered, why were there so many shells? Did something happen to the tiny creatures that once inhabited these beautiful homes? The obvious answer, yes, was replaced with wondering if something unnatural happened in their living habitat. As the rented power boats created a constant hum this side of the horizon, I wondered if humans had been careless enough to affect the ecosystem of the shells on this shore.
I tried to shake those negative thoughts. I was determined to find a way to display my collection to honor nature's beauty. I was also careful to ensure I was allowed to bring them home.
Shells are a symbol for all things living. They start their life as a tiny being, then radiate out in perfect uniformity, growing and expanding. As they grow, the beginning point becomes stronger. When we as humans grow, internally we become stronger.
The nautilus shell, the one that spirals round and round, has been examined in mathematics, engineering and metaphysics. The mathematical Fibonacci sequence (adding each number together to get the next number) is also seen in the spiral of the shell.
As I examine these perfect shells, their graceful forms, their calm colors, I decide that I can honor their beauty through my life. I can reach for more grace and calm, and with childlike attention, notice the moments of living perfection before me. As the spiral of my life continues to grow, and I become stronger internally, I hope to reflect the beauty of the shell.
And so that those shells are always there for others to see, I must choose my steps carefully, aware of my effect on nature and those around me, so that we do not reach a point of no return.
2010 Child Raising Solutions
Ok, I realize I asked too much in my November blog: Child Raising Solutions. There, I asked you to write solutions YOU use when solving child-rearing concerns.
Instead, here are a few solutions I've learned from some wonderful moms, and try to incorporate at home:
1. When one child has a playdate, arrange for same with the other(s).
2. Feed them before they're hungry - put carrots and grapes on the table before they ask.
3. Keep snacks in the glove compartment - a few granola bars or bags of peanuts or pretzels.
4. When they resist doing something, do it with them.
5. Decide if the result or the learning is more important to you, and stick with it. If you want them to learn how to clean, accept that it won't be done perfectly. If you want their room perfectly clean, get in there and help them.
6. Let them stay up late once in a while, especially if you are visiting with other families and you are having as much fun as your children.
7. Keep to routines as much as possible, where your child wants it kept. My son wants a book each night. If we watch a movie instead, I give him advance notice that it will be too late for a book. Only then is he ok with missing reading time.
8. If you start to feel upset or frustrated, try silence or a hug first. Especially if your child's behavior is causing your upset. After all, it is the behavior you want to change, not your child. So give your child a hug, then change their behavior.
9. When you feel happy, give hugs. Don't miss the opportunity for physical contact. Children need it, and flourish with lots of hugs.
10. Tell your child why they are important to you, and tell them out loud what wonderful qualities they have.
Many of these tips have been gems to me, and come from wonderful parents I know. I like to think I'm a better parent because of them. I hope these tips give you some new solutions or reminds you of old ones. Thanks sis, Christie, and other friends!
Instead, here are a few solutions I've learned from some wonderful moms, and try to incorporate at home:
1. When one child has a playdate, arrange for same with the other(s).
2. Feed them before they're hungry - put carrots and grapes on the table before they ask.
3. Keep snacks in the glove compartment - a few granola bars or bags of peanuts or pretzels.
4. When they resist doing something, do it with them.
5. Decide if the result or the learning is more important to you, and stick with it. If you want them to learn how to clean, accept that it won't be done perfectly. If you want their room perfectly clean, get in there and help them.
6. Let them stay up late once in a while, especially if you are visiting with other families and you are having as much fun as your children.
7. Keep to routines as much as possible, where your child wants it kept. My son wants a book each night. If we watch a movie instead, I give him advance notice that it will be too late for a book. Only then is he ok with missing reading time.
8. If you start to feel upset or frustrated, try silence or a hug first. Especially if your child's behavior is causing your upset. After all, it is the behavior you want to change, not your child. So give your child a hug, then change their behavior.
9. When you feel happy, give hugs. Don't miss the opportunity for physical contact. Children need it, and flourish with lots of hugs.
10. Tell your child why they are important to you, and tell them out loud what wonderful qualities they have.
Many of these tips have been gems to me, and come from wonderful parents I know. I like to think I'm a better parent because of them. I hope these tips give you some new solutions or reminds you of old ones. Thanks sis, Christie, and other friends!
Child-raising solutions
Most of us have moments as parents where we realize that, "maybe, just maybe I know what I'm doing here...at least for this moment..."
This blog's purpose is to get you to quickly think about solutions that regularly or magically appear when with your children (or niece, nephew, neighbor, pet).
Without spending too much time mulling over the frustrations (that was done in the previous blog), what moments, actions, statements or questions have resolved that childhood problem? How have you avoided that crisis? When have you patted yourself on the back for recognizing that you were part of the solution?
Help us all by offering your solutions below this blog, however brief or complex.
Come back in a few days to see others' solutions. None of them will be attached to a problem or challenge.
The fun part to this? Mix and match solutions to alternate problems. See if something new comes up for you. Heck, get your kids (or your talking parrot) to choose a new solution to an old problem. When the list is there, you could even do eeny, meeny, miney, moe and see what you get.
Have fun with it! (Perhaps that is one of the solutions...)
Play with these posts, try them out, and see what works for you!
This blog's purpose is to get you to quickly think about solutions that regularly or magically appear when with your children (or niece, nephew, neighbor, pet).
Without spending too much time mulling over the frustrations (that was done in the previous blog), what moments, actions, statements or questions have resolved that childhood problem? How have you avoided that crisis? When have you patted yourself on the back for recognizing that you were part of the solution?
Help us all by offering your solutions below this blog, however brief or complex.
Come back in a few days to see others' solutions. None of them will be attached to a problem or challenge.
The fun part to this? Mix and match solutions to alternate problems. See if something new comes up for you. Heck, get your kids (or your talking parrot) to choose a new solution to an old problem. When the list is there, you could even do eeny, meeny, miney, moe and see what you get.
Have fun with it! (Perhaps that is one of the solutions...)
Play with these posts, try them out, and see what works for you!
Child-raising frustrations
Most of us are parents, or become a parent figure to a niece or nephew, neighbor or friend, dog or cat.
This blog's purpose is to get you to quickly think about frustrations that occur when raising children.
What moments really get to you? What pushes your buttons? When do you yell (and then look at yourself, wondering where the power of that frustration came from)?
Are they single moments, or are you fine until three things happen at once?
Make comments below this blog - short, point form, or ranting and raving...
In the next blog you will have an opportunity to comment on your solutions, what you've done to divert disaster and hurt feelings, or how your repaired those hurts and tears.
When you separate your frustrations from your solutions, and see others' solutions, separate from an isolated incident, you can then apply ANY solution to ANY frustration. Perhaps one parent's solution (I just take three deep breaths), becomes your child's solution (honey, just try three deep breaths, then we'll figure it out).
Play with these posts, try them out, and see what works for you!
to see the web of solutions you never thought of before.
This blog's purpose is to get you to quickly think about frustrations that occur when raising children.
What moments really get to you? What pushes your buttons? When do you yell (and then look at yourself, wondering where the power of that frustration came from)?
Are they single moments, or are you fine until three things happen at once?
Make comments below this blog - short, point form, or ranting and raving...
In the next blog you will have an opportunity to comment on your solutions, what you've done to divert disaster and hurt feelings, or how your repaired those hurts and tears.
When you separate your frustrations from your solutions, and see others' solutions, separate from an isolated incident, you can then apply ANY solution to ANY frustration. Perhaps one parent's solution (I just take three deep breaths), becomes your child's solution (honey, just try three deep breaths, then we'll figure it out).
Play with these posts, try them out, and see what works for you!
to see the web of solutions you never thought of before.
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