In a house with five children, I hear "I'm sorry" a lot; often varnished with a heavy coat of sarcasm and the threat of a sibling war. Obedient to my mommy duties, I'm quick to jump in and translate between sibs what is actually going on. I get it; I can go zero to ANGRY in less than 30 seconds. In my life before kids, one angry moment would unravel an entire week for me. I want better for my kids. When it's time for mama to step in - which is right at the apex of increased octave and volume of the 8 year old's vocal abilities - I have three roles to play:
1. Interpreter - " ... what your older sister is trying to say is,'Please don't borrow my eyeshadow to play Monster High Rock Stars with your baby sister.' Also, please stop putting makeup on the baby!"
2. Reality Check - "Trust me, a misplaced Lincoln Log is the least of your worries in life. You still have puberty, your first menial job and college to look forward to."
3. Counselor - "You know your sister will pay you back the $5.00 she's asking to borrow. This is good practice for when you become adults. We're family; we help each other."
... but when it comes to forgiving myself, I'm all out of wisdom.
When it comes to my own faults and missteps, I am my own worst enemy. The words I use on myself do not build me up, speak life, or bring joy. For someone who is intent on discovering the little joys in every day living, you would think I'd be a pro at pep talk! (see, there I go again ...)
Instead, my inner monologue is more like this:
1. Interpreter - " ... what your older sister is trying to say is,'Please don't borrow my eyeshadow to play Monster High Rock Stars with your baby sister.' Also, please stop putting makeup on the baby!"
2. Reality Check - "Trust me, a misplaced Lincoln Log is the least of your worries in life. You still have puberty, your first menial job and college to look forward to."
3. Counselor - "You know your sister will pay you back the $5.00 she's asking to borrow. This is good practice for when you become adults. We're family; we help each other."
... but when it comes to forgiving myself, I'm all out of wisdom.
When it comes to my own faults and missteps, I am my own worst enemy. The words I use on myself do not build me up, speak life, or bring joy. For someone who is intent on discovering the little joys in every day living, you would think I'd be a pro at pep talk! (see, there I go again ...)
Instead, my inner monologue is more like this: