They Call Me on My S*#t

It was great having the kids home for the holidays.  They where a big help to me around the place doing all the chores that I do while they are at school, freeing up my time to get other stuff done.  It is not just the work load that they reduce it is the noise from jokes, pranks, laughter and the extra hugs and support that I really appreciate when they are home. 

They are real levellers to.  I've done my best to expose them to different ways of thinking and ways and tools to be more resilient in life through all my learning's.  They sit through many hours in the car listening to all sorts of self help, motivational or inspirational cd's.  So when I am having a bad hair day they are very good at reminding me of something that we listened to and how I am not practicing what I am preaching, so to speak.  It makes me laugh because I sometimes wonder who is the adult and who is the child.  And I am often amazed by how much they take in from what I am learning because there is often a lot of eye rolling and moans and groans coming from the back seat of the car as they get out  a book to read or go to sleep.

I love it when they call me out on my S*#T moments, because it means that I have been reacting to a person or a situation instead of responding.  When I react things just come out of my mouth, it is not thought about.  It is often hurtful or just plain dumb and I don't feel very nice afterwards.  But when I respond it is done with thought and consciousness.  I allow myself to take a few deep breaths and allow myself to feel the emotions that have surfaced and then consciously respond.  I say it how I am feeling it and I am acknowledging my needs and feelings.  I am also less inclined to take things personally so whatever has happened really doesn't bother me as much or at all.

It is a practice to be able to respond to a situation.  I say practice because it doesn't just happen.  It takes awareness to know when you are reacting or responding and it is something that you realise after the fact, most times.  Even recognising when you have reacted afterwards is better then not recognising reactions at all because this just helps to heighten your awareness even more and make a conscious choice to respond differently next time.

Luckily for me I have the kids to help me practice conscious responding.

If you like magazines, especially country/horse related ones I invite you to check out "The Horse Downunder" mag where I write the Lighten Your Load column and other occasional articles.

Until next time have fun responding to life's little moments.