Parenting 101: The Road Less Traveled: Do As I Say and As I Do – Teaching Kids about Character
Children learn to imitate at a very young age. It’s how they learn to behave, care for themselves, develop new skills, and communicate with others. From their earliest moments, children watch you closely and begin to pattern their own behavior and beliefs after yours. The example you set becomes a permanent model that will influence and often shape their attitudes and actions for the rest of their life.
Consistently demonstrating habits of character, such as gratitude, responsibility, integrity, unity and service will help build a strong sense of security and self-esteem. Learning character will help your begin to feel more confident and more connected at home, school and in the community. He or she will start to feel like a leader.
Three simple ways to model habits of character for your child
#1: Take care of yourself – It’s important to take good care of yourself. When you focus on what is best for your child, it can become easy to neglect your own needs. Your child is counting on you physically and emotionally, so it’s imperative that you model for your child that taking care of yourself helps you to take care of him or her as well as your entire family. Making your own self-care a priority also shows your child that not only do you love them and the rest of the family, but you love yourself as well. Whether you treat yourself to a night out or start your own business, you are teaching your child that you are not only a parent of character, but a person of character.
#2: Nurture relationships – Whether your spouse, family member or friends, it’s important to nurture relationships. Let your child see you communicate in a positive and healthy manner with others. Express gratitude and show love and affection for one another so your child can begin to learn early on what healthy relationships should be like.
#3: Own up – Stop making excuses for mishaps, delays and errors in judgment. Rather, own up to mistakes when you make them, and take responsibility for being open and host about these mistakes. When you take responsibility for your words and actions, you reinforce messages of integrity, trust and honest. You reinforce messages – and habits – of character.
It’s important to be the person you want your child to be. When you consistently demonstrate habits of character with your child, you will soon see him or her patterning many behaviors after your own. You will see your child do as you do and as you say.
Don’t forget to add your comments below–we love to hear from you!
Divorce Dilemmas – One of the most difficult times of your life can also be a blessing
Dr Seuss said “I’m sorry to say so but, sadly it’s true, that bang-ups and hang-ups can happen to you.”
For a moment – whether brief or exaggerated – your life feels like it’s going down the toilet.
Everything you knew to be true has just shattered around you like cheap glass crashing on concrete and you’ve got more than a few cuts trying to pick up the pieces. The hardest part – the one person you counted on in tough times like these is the only one you can’t turn to.
Because he’s the one you’re getting away from, through divorce or separation.
Divorce can be messy, painful and confusing. No one says this is fair or that it will be easy – but at the very least, you can try for manageable.
Whether the circumstances are cooperative or uncooperative, if you find yourself drowning in your own divorce, here’s to throwing you a life jacket. It’s possible to make it through a divorce a better, stronger person – but first you’ll have to do your legal, mental, and emotional homework.
Carolyn Ellis, award-winning author and founder of Thrive After Divorce, helps people navigate through divorce. Those about to get a divorce, or even thinking about it: Ellis wants you to do your research.
“It’s important to become an educated consumer of the divorce system beforehand, because if not, you will be educated while your lawyer’s clock is running,” says Ellis.
From mediations to collaborative divorce to third party litigations, there are many legal options that don’t involve the often-unnecessary path of divorce court.
Putting together the right team is essential. Finding a lawyer that suits you, both financially and personally, can be a task in itself, as not all lawyers will be in tune with your best interests. “You need to be the quarterback of your divorce resource team,” Ellis advises, “you need to tell your lawyer your best outcome, where you’re willing to give and where you aren’t.”
“Ask questions, and shop around.”
The legal system can get quite complicated. Alexis Martin Neely, “America’s Personal Family Lawyer,” outlines a list of questions you need to ask:
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How do you bill for your services?
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Are you able to be responsive to my needs on an ongoing basis?
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How will you proactively communicate with me on an ongoing basis?
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Can I call about any legal problem I have, or just about matters within your specialty?
Neely is very clear: you need not be afraid to ask these questions of potential lawyers. After all, you will be paying them a lot of money. You need to be sure of what you’re getting into.
Ellis, in addition to offering advice on legal issues, also acts sort of as a life coach. She teaches her clients methods to better handle adversity in any capacity, not just in divorce or separation.
Urging people to be in charge of their own thinking helps them to see the positive, even in seemingly negative situations:
“Without an awareness of how important our mindset is, we engage in knee-jerk reactions or fight or flight responses,” Ellis cautions. This can lead to making irrational decisions that create further damage down the road.
Having your emotions and way of thinking sorted out leads to a better sense of control, and better able to cope with what you cannot control, she adds.
Keep the Kids in Mind
One aspect in your control is how to handle children.
“The single-greatest mistake people (undergoing divorce) make is not having a child-centered divorce,” says Dorcy Russell, CEO and founder of the Conscious Co-Parenting Institute.
“That means being concerned with the best outcome for the kids, and most of all, keeping adult issues out of both your relationships with the kids,” says Russell.
Russell knows of what she speaks. She’s a nationally-recognized expert in Parental Alienation Syndrome. PAS happens when kids are “brainwashed” to be hostile and aggressive towards one parent by the other.
The consequences can be severe, including increased tendencies towards drug abuse, cutting, early sexual activity, and in the future, trouble being a good parent themselves. There are consequences for the “brainwashing” parent as well, says Russell:
“If you keep processing your pain through them, they will turn on you.”
“Kids are way more resilient, adaptable and understanding than we think they are,” adds Ellis, “and they will respond in large measure in reaction to how you (respond).”
But what if the other parent truly did turn out to be a dirtbag? For example, the husband left with the babysitter, or the wife goes to jail for a terrible crime. It happens.
“That’s so hard,” says Russell, “just keep in mind that kids can and will form their own opinions.
And if you happen to be the one whose former partner is poisoning their young hearts and minds against, Russell advises constancy.
“Don’t be a victim, and don’t fight with your ex in front of them,” says Russell, adding you’ll only confirm their worst fears that you really are to blame for this mess.
Instead, be proactive, and find ways to deflect and defer any hostility.
How to break the news of a divorce depends largely on the child’s age. Older children might require more information. Give them as much as they need to know, but make sure not to speak negatively of your former spouse.
Breaking the News
It is important to make sure children know they are loved, that they didn’t create the divorce, that they taken care of, and that divorce is a grown-up thing.
“Often, kids are concerned with what affects their immediate lives,” says Ellis.
What matters to a child? Things like: if they will be moving, where the family pet will go, where his or her toys will be, and if they will still see their friends.
There are a few common-but-avoidable mistakes where kids and divorce are concerned. Putting children in the middle by making then messengers or spies, or dishing to them and thereby making them act as your therapist, are harmful acts to be avoided.
Dealing with your kids is a part of “the process of disentanglement,” according to Ellis. Former spouses still play a role in your life in this way, but it’s drastically different.
“They are no longer a romantic partner,” Ellis says, “they are a business partner in parenting the children, and should be communicated with as such.”
Communication can often be helped by structuring it around a business model.
Divorce is essentially the death of a relationship, which is in essence, a sad thing. However, if it came to an end in this way, it was for good reason. Ellis is quick to point out the positives a divorce can bring.
“Divorce can be an enormous gift,” she says.
“The amount of strength and emotional resilience that I have now, I would not have received in any other way.”
Be sure to check out MOMeo Expert, Carolyn Ellis, on day 30 of our MOMeo 30-Day Challenge!
Love your life – Dr. Susan Biali covers all the bases
With a doctorate of Medicine and a Bachelor’s of Science in Dietetics from the University of British Columbia, Dr. Susan Biali is perhaps the best-educated flamenco dancer in the world.
In addition to her part-time medical and coaching practice, Dr. Biali dances on international stages. She had her own flamenco and salsa dance company in Los Cabos, Mexico, from 2006 to 2009, and has danced for celebrity and has also given private dance lessons to singer/songwriter Pink.
Last but certainly not least, Dr. Biali is also an author. She writes columns for several prominent magazines and websites (including MOMeo Community), and her book Live a Life you Love, 7 Steps to a Healthier, Happier, More Passionate You hits book stands everywhere on March 1st – or on her site at www.livealifeyoulovebook.com.
MOMeo: This must be very exciting for you – your book is available next week. Tell us a little about it.
Dr. Susan Biali: Of course! The full title is Live a Life you Love, 7 Steps to a Healthier, Happier, More Passionate You. Basically how I came up with it, is me! (laughs) I changed my life so dramatically. I was an emergency medicine resident…
MOMeo: I always forget you were a doctor!
Dr. Susan Biali: Tell me about it! Now, I’m a dancer, speaker, author, I love my life now. My life then felt so completely different. My overall sense of optimism, my energy, down to the way I feel energized when I get out of bed every morning – everything is just so improved. So, I decided to write a book specifically about how anyone can improve their own lives on seven levels.
MOMeo: Without giving the book away for free, what would you say is best single piece of advice?
Dr. Susan Biali: Well, for entrepreneurs – moms especially, who are so busy, just go go go, all the time – what I recommend, is taking time to stop completely and detach from the responsibilities of day to day life. That’s a consistent theme through the whole book.
MOMeo: You must get some pushback on that one. (laughs)
Dr. Susan Biali: I know it sounds airy fairy! I’ve experienced this myself: when we’re too busy, we create distance from who we are – really are – inside. What moves us, brings us joy, what the body is telling us.
MOMeo: Can you give me an example of that?
Dr. Susan Biali: Well, you can hear me sniffling through this cold! (laughs) I’ve been pushing too hard lately, and my body is out of balance. That happens quite often with we entrepreneurs; it’s wonderful to be so passionate about your business, your “new baby.” But that passion can push you over the edge and you can be spread way too thin. It’s vital to remember the 3 fundamental balance basics.
First, and I know it’s hard, but try to get 8 hours of sleep. A recent study in moms showed additional sleep made the greatest single improvement in their quality of life. An extra of hour sleep per night was worth $60,000 in more income. Hard to believe, but true.
Second, making sure you eat throughout the day, starting with breakfast. We tend to skim, rush – but have to be there for yourself. Third and finally, exercise. I know it feels so cliché, but it’s so little. It doesn’t have to be a huge workout. Most days for me, my exercise consists of just walking the dog for 20 minutes – but it makes such a difference. Studies have shown 20 minutes of moderate exercise creates a mood boost; emotional stability that lasts for 12 hours afterwards.
MOMeo: So if having a cold is evidence you’re asking too much of your body, feeling unmotivated is evidence you’re doing the wrong thing with your day?
Dr. Susan Biali: Yes. You’ve got to stop and listen to yourself; ask where you’ve gone astray. Most of the time, we don’t stop and pay attention.
MOMeo: is that what happened to you?
Dr. Susan Biali: Totally! During my research scholarship, a very successful person told me it was ridiculous to just be a dietician. Instead, I should be a surgeon, GP (doctor), dentist or lawyer. Otherwise, it would be a waste, you know? But, here’s the thing: I don’t like to touch people!
MOMeo: That’s not good for a GP!
Dr. Susan Biali: Not at all! When he told me thought, I thought: eew! That’s an authentic response; me saying “I don’t want to do.” My society-trained, conditioned brain took over then. I told myself, this man had a point; he’s brilliant man, he knows more about life, and logically, his advice made great sense. But for me – the real me, that went “eew” – it was totally the wrong choice. Culture pushes us to be driven by norms, where it’s normal for a person with a doctorate in medicine to be a surgeon or something like that. It’s more comfortable that way.
MOMeo: Okay, that sounds great – but let’s say I yearn to be a (ice hockey) goalie. No matter how much I want to play for the Calgary Flames, it’s not going to happen. Deep down, everyone wants to be a quarterback, or movie star, right? How can people get there?
Dr. Susan Biali: Studies have shown people always assume (other) people want the same things they do – but that’s so very wrong. Variety is mind boggling – and it’s so revealing. You’d be amazed what people’s true passions are.
But let’s say it’s something really hard to accomplish. One of the most common ones – more than you’d think – is people decide “I want to be singer.” Of course, the killjoy pipes up and says it’s really hard to be famous, why bother, that sort of thing. But some people when they take the steps towards what they want to do, have just the most unbelievable experience as a result of following that path.
I mean, I started flamenco at 30, and since then I’ve performed for major celebs, and otherwise done quite well – what are the odds of that? You have to consider the flipside – maybe a goalie doesn’t have the stature or skill to play in the Olympics, but they can have the time of their life going to hockey camp.
MOMeo: So you’d agree it’s better to try and maybe fail?
Dr. Susan Biali: Totally. People who have succeeded have found they’ve failed constantly on the way. They’ll tell you if you’re not failing, you’re only slowing yourself down. You’re not aiming high.
MOMeo: What do you say to people who feel tied down to their situation? Let’s say a single mom has an OK job but really wants to launch her own business, but just doesn’t feel she can justify the risk?
Dr. Susan Biali: I would say: start with small steps. You can certainly do that. There’s a very strong gut instinct there; you might be burning bridges and you’ll sink or swim. I mean, I haven’t even had guts to completely do that – I still work part-time as physician. It came in handy in downturn, when my husband lost his job. We were quite stuck. Besides, so many employers support these steps, and are happy to support people wanting to run or start businesses in addition to their “real job.” Get creative, and you’llbe amazed by things that happen.
MOMeo: Finally, where can MOMeos find your book?
Dr. Susan Biali: I’m so fortunate – it will be a Barnes & Noble front of store feature in March. I had great success with that – I learned a book is a business. You can’t rely on your publisher (although mine is great) to do all your marketing; you have to drive most of it yourself.
MOMeo: Thanks for your time today – and best wishes!
Dr. Susan Biali: Thank you so much! Any time!
Relationship Renovation…
Date night for Alice and Bart often meant shopping at Target or the grocery store. Nothing like choosing lettuce and light bulbs to stir the romantic embers. With a never-ending to-do list and the added responsibilities of a newborn, this dual-income couple found it increasingly difficult to nurture their relationship. Until Alice attended a group counseling session, discovering how to rejuvenate her marriage.
“I learned what brings me joy in my life,” says Alice, a marketing rep in Harrisburg, Pa., married six years. She requested her last name withheld to protect family privacy. “Both of us like to be outside,” Alice says of Bart while strolling recently with their 5-month-old son through their neighborhood. “We try to make time to be together where we’re not distracted” by errands or housework, she says. Long walks or road trips with a sleeping child in tow seem to do the trick. “It reminds me why we’re together.”
It’s no wonder marriages are pushed to the back burner when trying to manage children, a job, housework, financial strains and schedule overload. Unlike these other areas that vie for our attention, relationships tend to “quietly soldier on” until it’s too late, says James Córdova, director of the Marriage Checkup program at Clark University in Worcester, Mass.
That’s why even the most successful marriages need a relationship overhaul from time to time, according to psychologists and counselors interviewed for this story.
Here are a few marital issues cited by the experts and their suggested remedies:
Conflict: Where’s the Romance?
Resolution: Experience The Embrace
Hugs will never be the same after you’ve tried this mindful approach from Córdova, author of the new book, “The Marriage Checkup: A Scientific Program for Sustaining and Strengthening Marital Health.”
Enter the hug from a position that does not require straining, he says. “Breathe into the hug. Relax into the contact, turning your attention to the moment, the warmth, softness, pressure of contact. Allow an awareness of all the qualities of the moment. Walk through each of your senses. Experience the totality.”
Now stay this way for five minutes. “It’s quite a bit longer than most couples will hug,” Córdova admits. Rest assured, with regularity, the awkward barriers will disappear, “allowing a deeper, more embodied experience just to be with this unique person.”
“Our minds tend to want to rush off,” he says. “This is an opportunity to practice just being aware. It can be a real basis to foster intimacy.”
Hugging not your thing? Try a little eye contact to bolster your declarations of love, says Dr. Robert Moss, a clinical psychologist in Greenville, S.C. While words may be cheap, the nonverbal message is: “You are worth my time simply to gaze into your eyes and tell you.”
An eye statement tends to lessen the impact of many marital troubles, according to Marriage Counselor Ann Smith, of Reading, Pa. Greeting each other with the eyes should be the first priority upon entering the home after separation, she says. “Put it ahead of the mailbox and bills, even if only for two minutes to see the person you love. Then, when you open the bills, they do not seem so bad.”
Conflict: Who Has Time For a Date?
Resolution: Consider Bungee-Jumping
Undefined plans for a getaway or date next weekend or next month may never materialize, Córdova says. “We look for found time to grab in spare moments. Even though it seems simple, you have to make time because you are never going to find time.”
He recommends couples schedule regular, predictable time during which they can actively explore and experience the world, possibly try something neither one has done before. “They should practice a type of curiosity about each other and about the world.”
Couples who think they know everything about the spouse fail to understand that everyone is evolving, Córdova says. “If you’re bored with the person you are with it’s a sure sign you have stopped paying attention to ‘who the person I am with today is because certainly I’m not the same person as yesterday.’”
Every six months to a year couples should also plan a getaway so they don’t feel as helpless about their relationship and have something to look forward to, he says.
Conflict: Put Up Your Dukes
Resolution: It’s Called Communicating
If you know your spouse is frustrated about something, actively listen without trying to solve the issue, Moss says. You might address your partner: “If we can agree not to look for solutions, I can just to be there to hold you so you’re not alone, so I don’t have to feel like I want to escape.”
Anger is not necessarily a bad thing in a relationship, Córdova adds. Use dance lessons as an analogy for communication. “You are going to step on toes. If you say ‘ow’ and your partner does the same thing, naturally you learn to dance gracefully together.
You get to say ‘ow,’ that pissed me off, but you do not get to attack each other’s character.”
Conflict: The Thrill is Gone
Resolution: Attract A Crowd
Schedule gift deliveries several times a year when your partner least expects it, not just on Valentine’s Day, anniversaries or birthdays, says Moss, who latest self-help book offers marriage counseling, “For Better or For Worse: Am I in Love with a Giver or a Taker?”
“If your wife works, send it to her at work. Get in front of people a special surprise they will see. The attention from others activates positive feelings.”
On the other hand, be cautious about sending gifts as an apology, he warns. Like makeup sex, such gifts may subconsciously force your partner to start an argument to gain the reward.
Conflict: The Honey-Do List
Resolution: It Takes Two
Set aside problem-solving sessions twice a week for 45 minutes to an hour without distractions, Moss says. Take the phone off the hook, occupy the children and alternate presenting a problem, ensuring the listener understands the issue and agreed-upon solution. “If it’s two hours a week, you free up all the rest of the time to do positive things.”
Smith suggests finding a permanent location around your home, outside the bedroom and earshot of children, for face-to-face discussions. Ideally three to four times a week couples should meet here to debrief, away from whatever is bothering them, says Smith, executive director of Breakthrough at Caron, a nonprofit wellness program that helps break unhealthy life patterns.
JOIN US on Friday for PART TWO–How To Use Relationship Renovation Tips with your Co-Workers!
New Year’s Resolutions – Playtime for Mommy
Caroline Knox
MOMeo’s resolutions conclude with the most fun of the three pillars – you.
1. Fitness
You knew this was going to make the list – getting fit, or losing weight, is the number#1 New Year’s Resolution every year, and every year it gets abandoned somewhere between January 1st and Valentine’s Day.
As a MOMeo, getting active is the single-biggest investment you can make in yourself, your family and your future. It will give you more energy, make you feel happier, and teach your children the value of an active, healthy 
lifestyle. Make 2010 the year you get off the couch.
2. Schedule Time For Yourself
Your time is spread pretty thin. Kids, homework, after-school activities, work, relationships, cooking and attempting to keep your house somewhat presentable. It isn’t always easy to find time for yourself, but it is important. This year, make a point of scheduling some “me time.” Leave the kids at home with Dad or get a babysitter. Go to a movie with a girlfriend, go shopping, or just get out and enjoy the fresh air. Whatever you do, use this opportunity to reconnect with yourself without the labels “Mom”, “Wife,” or “CEO.” You will be better for it, and so will your family.
3. Sleep!
The advice in these lists is pretty universal, but MOMeos should pay particular attention to this one. Getting enough sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your success, happiness and health. Women with children get less sleep, on average, then their childless counterparts. Make a point this year of getting your beauty sleep. Start by heading to bed 15 minutes earlier every few nights until you are getting the recommended eight hours. Your kids, colleagues – and skin! – will thank you for it.
4. Girls Night
Women are social creatures. We thrive in the company of other strong, intelligent women, and benefit from the sisterhood that a good girls’ night can foster. Make your girlfriends a priority in 2010 and schedule a regular night out with the ladies.
5. Invest in Yourself
Learning a new skill can breathe new life into your…life. It doesn’t have to be obviously practical for your business, either. Challenging yourself brings all kinds of benefits; you’ll meet people, learn, and get a little time each week all about YOU. Learn how to knit, or how to speak Spanish. Take an art or dance class, or go to cooking school. Join a team or club, or take up yoga.
Whatever you do, have fun!
6. Stay Positive
While it comes more easily to some than others, being positive is a choice. Make the choice this year to approach challenges and situations with a positive outlook – you’ll be amazed how good you feel. With the right attitude, even the most disappointing situation can have good results. Every time a negative or mean thought enters your head, replace it with a positive one. Soon, being positive will become second nature.
7. Focus on Friends
If you are like many MOMeos, life revolves around house and kids. Make a resolution this year to bump friends up the list. Friends too often get left behind when things get hectic. Schedule some dinner dates or a brunch or two over the next few weeks and make it happen, even it if feels like work. Get reacquainted with wonderful people, and show your kids that you used to be popular too.
8. Update Your Look
As we get older it’s easy to stick with the familiar. That’s why some women are wearing the same haircut they sported in high school. Make 2010 the year of the update. If possible, go shopping with a childless friend – or at the very least, a hip one. Buy at least one item of clothing you aren’t totally sure about and then wear it anyway – it won’t kill you. Get a haircut, or take advantage of a free makeover in your nearest cosmetic department. Just do something to make sure you look as young as you feel.
9. Laugh
It sounds simple enough, but laughing is one of the best things you can do for your spirit and sanity. Children are a great source of comedy, whether they mean to be or not. Take the time this year to laugh when you want to yell and to smile at the little annoyances life throws our way. Watch a funny movie, talk to an old friend and reminisce about the crazy things you used to do.
Chances are, your family will start laughing with you.
10. Go on a trip
Make this the year you get away. Whether to a day spa with your mother or friend, a week-long wine tasting tour or conference you always wanted to attend, take some time and go somewhere. You will come back happier, relaxed, filled with inspiration and ready to hit the ground running.
New Media Etiquette: Email
Karen Rowe
While many today were raised attached to a cell phone and laptop, there are literally millions of otherwise productive people for whom these are still new, mysterious tools. Like anything else, there are proper and improper ways of using them.
Until now, it was an unwritten code.
EMAIL:
1. Use appropriate tone: Experts say only 93 per cent of all communication is non-verbal. This may mean your breezy or practical tone may be misunderstood as flippant, impersonal or irreverent. Choose your words carefully.
2. Keep it formal: Use a proper greeting and signature. With email, there tends to be assumed familiarity and casual language which isn’t always appropriate for the workplace. Keep the fo’ shizzles for your homies.
3. Respond Promptly: Is it acceptable to wait before you respond to an email? Yes, though most experts agree it’s courteous to respond within 24 hours. If you don’t have time to pen a proper response, wait until you do. Taking your time will help avoid any careless slip-ups.
4. Remain objective: If you have a tendency to react emotionally, give yourself a cooling-off period before returning to the email. Better yet, follow up in person or with a phone call. Whatever you do, don’t make any personal attacks, lay blame, criticize work habits or make it personal in any way.
5. Lay off the Reply-all: Who likes opening their email to 15 new messages on the same subject? Nobody! 99 per cent of the time, the Reply-All button can be avoided by simply responding to the sender.
6. When it doubt, leave forwarding out: Fowarding jokes is so 1999. If you’re wondering whether or not your friend/colleague/aunt would find the latest Maxine quips funny, the answer is probably no. Press delete instead of forward and get on with the rest of your life.
Email is merely a tool to ease your communication, so use it as such. And some of the best advice we can give? Break out of e-mail jail – talk to your colleagues!
7 New Year’s Resolutions Every MOMeo Should Make in 2010
#1: STOP waiting until a New Year to make a change!
Every QUARTER (and no, not right on cue because let’s face it, I’m a Mom), but more or less around that time, I re-evaluate absolutely EVERYTHING. Lifestyle, habits, people, goals – and anything that is dragging me down, I ditch.
#2: No more Mrs. Nice Girl (@#$%! It)!
It’s time to put on the BIG boots and say NO! Say no to the volunteer committee that calls on you at the last minute because “You’re so reliable”, to the friend who leans on you just a bit too much or to the client who doesn’t approve the contract for 3 months and suddenly wants a rush job. NO!
#3: Be the person you want your kids to grow-up to be
Be the brave, bold, fearless person you want your children to grow up to be. Show them that pursuing their dreams is not only something they can do, but something they should do.
#4: Be the life partner you hope your children find
Love your other…and I mean really love him (or her) right down to your toes. And don’t forget to laugh, and play and rejoice in the fact that you were lucky enough to find someone truly special.
#5: Stop hiding out (it’s called SANDBAGGING)
It’s easy to play small and safe and hide out from your true path, your true desire. Take the time to meditate on your true purpose and start living it.
#6: Live daily in the “Mmm…” moments
“Mmm…chocolate.” That glorious first bite that makes your mouth water and you just can’t help but close your eyes for the next bite. “Ahh…thank you chocolate.” Find one of those moments every day (and enjoy the yumminess).
#7: Schedule in M
ommy-Time FIRST!
That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the first thing on your calendar each week, but find Mommy-time FIRST and write it down in as Robert Munsch would describe as “super indelible, never come off until you’re dead and maybe even later” marker.
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- I love that @AlyPain tells it like it is --> STOP Blaming Your Children - Why YOUR Failure Isn't THEIR Fault - http://t.co/LPo51mgI
- Pretend that every single person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says, "Make me feel important." ~Mary Kay Ash
