In family life, we have to remember, that it’s the little stuff that makes all the difference! The baby steps we take, right now, can mean the difference between health or misery tomorrow! Like our thinking for instance-
We have equations in our minds all the time.
It’s just one of those things like breathing, that usually happens under the radar of our awareness.
Sometimes, those equations work for our good. But many times they undermine our efforts, even before we’ve lifted a finger!
What equations are helpful and which would we be wise to extinguish while they’re just a flicker or a shadow of a thought?
Basically, those positive, moving forward, faith-filled equations are wonderful to keep and to multiply!
Those ideas that sound something like, “I am going to ask Charlie to sit on my feet while I do sit-ups, and help me walk the dog when he is here!”
{The flip-side of this win/win thinking might be, “My daughter needs me to babysit so I guess I won’t get my exercising done today, and I’ll have to neglect the dog too.”}
Or, “We are going to take turns cooking breakfast and doing the dishes.”
{Instead of, “Now that everyone is home from school, all I do is cook and clean.”}
What about this equation, “Since my husband’s job and responsibilities keep him quite busy, we plan times to be together so that our relationship stays front and center.”
{Versus, “Life is so crazy, with so many demands that my husband and I never see each other.”}
What equations do you have kicking around in your head today?
If they are simply that default, negative, win/lose type, would you be up for the challenge of re-wiring your process and moving forward?
If so, here are a few simple steps:
1 Recognize your feelings. Are you feeling out of control, frustrated, left-out or down?
2 Listen for the equations you’ve made in your mind, and commit to erasing those that are win/lose, and prayerfully search for the win/win that will shift your focus and create synergy with others!
3 Share the new equations you have thought about with your loved ones, and invite them to join you in making new win/win plans.
When drawn in and asked for their help, chances are your family will be happy to be part of an equation that supports everyone and leads to happier days at home.
The importance of the mothering role you play in your family cannot be overstated!
Make it one of leadership! Decisiveness, and an example of an adult who is kind, gentle, respectful and firm, with herself and others!
To your loved ones, you are the world.
Make that world a love-filled and therefore, magical place.
May God bless and magnify every baby step you take today,
“The mission of Lioness at the Door is to uplift, strengthen and encourage women of all ages to magnify health, hope and happiness at home. We do so boldly, with humility and gratitude for the opportunity.”