These were some scenes from my Sunday. Just sights I encountered during my day. I like them and hope you do too.
T
On another note, my “Days Without Yelling” count should have been pushed back to ‘0’ after my vacation. I yelled. But you know what, it was not for waste. I am learning many lessons by challenging myself to this.
I have found that I have gained a new consciousness of how I am responding to my kids. Too often before, I would not even register the situation until the yelling was over and I felt terrible. I am finding that I can see it coming and am beginning to be able to do something about it. I want to be in control of how I respond when I am really angry. Wouldn’t that be nice?
I also noticed that I have not gone to ‘crazy yelling’ in this whole period and know that when my voice is raised – I see that Orange Rhino in my mind. I don’t ever want to go back there.
I honestly do not want my boys teen years to be filled with yelling and screaming. I KNOW they are going to do things that I find infuriating – but I believe that I can decide how to respond. I see a little light at the end of the tunnel.
I have also noticed that I need to find alternatives to yelling that I find productive and worthy endeavors. I have found myself lecturing and having ‘discussions’ with the boys in tones of voices that are definitely not what I envision as effective or endearing. Just because I am not ‘yelling’, does not mean I have addressed other yucky issues – but one thing at a time, right?
