Ever notice how you get along with other people when you are ‘in your groove’? When you’re really feeling good about yourself, do you find that you get along better with your spouse, for instance? When you’re comfortable in your own skin, it’s so much easier to laugh, to take other people lightly, to laugh at your own mistakes and move on isn’t it?
Here’s an experiment to try:
Next time you have a scuffle or even a simple misunderstanding with someone, check in with yourself and see how you were feeling before the problem arose. What was your self-talk that day? Did you feel happy and self-assured, or were you feeling down on yourself about something? {This seems to be particularly true in a marriage relationship!} Feeling sick or tired or hungry or grouchy or unattractive? That’s usually the time the guard goes down and the negative and critical voice takes over. Not only does it berate you, but then the thoughts will come that the current problem or situation is actually your spouses fault. Am I right?
It is absolutely astounding to me when this reality hits home. And the astounding part is that we need to be taking far greater care of ourselves and each other if we want a peaceful family life.
That’s the bottom line.
So I ask you: How can you take better care of yourself?
And how can you then take better care of the people who are your responsibility?
Do you need to shower and dress in the morning? Do you need to stay hydrated? Do you need a break for a few minutes to unwind your brain once a day? Do your children need their meals earlier? Do they need more sleep or an earlier bedtime? Do they need better nutrition than they are currently getting? Does your spouse need more kindness and understanding than you are currently offering him?
Jot down three answers to each question and then take 60 seconds to envision yourself doing exactly those things. And voila! You’re on your way! {Sounds as though I’ve over-simplified this, but try it! You just may be inspired and amazed at how quickly your vision will come into being.}
I wish you more peace.
Love,
Jacque