I heard this quote today attributed to Eckhart Tolle, “Stress is trying to be there when you are here.” How often in our homeschools do we make ourselves miserable by trying to be somewhere else different than our current reality?
We should ourselves…
- He should be able to properly punctuate a sentence.
- These kids should be kind to each other.
- They really should just listen to me.
- I’ve taught them a hundred times how to clean up after themselves. They should just do it already.
- I’ve tried so hard to be an example of service. He should just want to go help his grandma.
- I have read so many fantastic books to him. He should love reading by now.
- He should know I need a break and offer to help.
Byron Katie said, “When you argue with reality, you lose, but only 100% of the time.”
We make ourselves miserable by wanting to control the uncontrollable and end up powerless….
A much more empowering approach is to ACCEPT what is and focus on what I DO have control over.
- What kind of energy do I want to show up with in my relationship with my child today?
- How can I love her more fiercely?
- How can I create more space between stimulus and my response, so I can create more freedom to respond the way I want to?
- How can I show more self-compassion, so I can show understanding for this child?
- How can I respond with strength and openness when my children are fighting?
- What natural consequence can I put in place for teaching my children to clean up their messes?
- He doesn’t have to want to do it.
- What is the next right step in helping my child learn this process?
- How can I be a better listener?
Now, doesn’t that feel better?
