A few thoughts for today. Since things were less overtly challenging, I had some moments to reflect on how freeing the thought of quitting my yelling habit could be! I mean people think of quitting smoking or chewing tobacco to be freeing, so why can't I be free of my "dirty" habit? I certainly don't want to keep it around! Anyhow, I thought of how much more calm I feel since I am deliberately expecting to not yell when an "I want to yell" event occurs.
*** My one little slip up. ***
So, I thought I was doing well until about 7:30. Here is the scene: My 11 month old baby gagged on a burp and threw up on the carpet. My husband was in the middle of cleaning up another mess, so I grabbed the baby even though I had been putting the 5 year old to bed. (She is asking from her bed, "mommy when are you coming??"...enter desire to use my elevated volume--acceptable...with my not so patient tone--not acceptable. My 3 year old was told to sit with the 6 year old. Instead, he runs straight toward the puke!!! *enter yelling*. Here is the good news. I only yelled one word and stopped myself. I cleaned up the 11 month old and 3 year old while my husband cleaned up the floor. AND...we all survived.
Did I need to yell? Probably not!! It was not a life threatening emergency. The three year old had a natural consequence of having to change out of some favorite socks. The 3 year old apologized for not listening without prompting (or getting upset). All in all, I think I am counting it as a win for us!
Tomorrow is Friday. I want to have all of my house in order so I can enjoy the weekend. I often get more frustrated than necessary on Fridays. Since I know this going in, I am asking God for the energy to do what is best. I am growing, slowly. I am learning, slowly. At least, for now, we are moving in the right direction!
No comments:
Post a Comment