Do you ever get the feeling like you might break something or even someone?
Or do you ever feel so irritated, so aggravated and impatient that you can taste the venomous assaults materializing in your mouth?
Or maybe you’re thinking, I don’t just think it or feel it, Liba; consider it done.
It all happens so quick. But when you stop to ask yourself “What just happened?” You come up short.
We all lose our cool with our kids. And I know what you’re thinking: “Nobody’s as bad as me. When I lose it, I really lose it!”.
I believe you.
But believe me, you’re NOT the only one.
And if you’ve read this far, your already thinking about how to be different.
The challenge is to experience your irritation and still interact with your kids calmly in spite of the storm raging inside.
Here’s a tip:
Many of us think we have to feel calm to act calm.
Not true.
The fact is, you can feel irritated and still respond with kindness and consideration.
It’s not about getting rid of your irritation. It’s about acknowledging it, sitting with it and then thoughtfully considering your response.
The more you try to side step your feelings, the stronger they will become.
That explains the sudden outbursts.
But these outbursts don’t just happen. There is usually a build up.
The sooner you acknowledge your own experience, the better you can get a handle on your reactions.
Starting now, take a slow deep breath and pay attention to your mood. Can you name the different emotions you’re feeling in this very moment? See if you can notice the stream if thoughts going through your head.
This exercise may come easy to you or you may feel a little stuck at first.
In the coming hours see if you can do this exercise again and see how you go.
Taking brief moments in your day to check in with yourself will help you develop the self awareness you need to draw the line between being tame and going insane.
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