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OK - I'm stuck. I'm stuck in grumpy mode with my boys, and I need to find a way out... Not sure exactly how I got into grumpy mode, but I find that -- more and more -- I jump straight (or almost straight anyway) to the grumpy response instead of being kind and longsuffering. In the past, if I've felt this way, it's been fairly easy for me to go away and get myself back into patient and cheerful mode, but I'm finding that to be more difficult lately.
Have you ever felt this way? What was it that finally broke you out of the rut and back onto more peaceful ground?
Funny... Now that I say it that way, it reminds me that my focus this year is on finding a greater measure of peace in my life. Now, I believe that there are forces for both good and evil in the world... Funny how when I set my heart on achieving a worthy goal, such as this one, I feel more opposition than ever before in this particular area. This isn't the first time that has happened; it's pretty common, actually. And I know that, with faith and perseverence, I always am blessed with the strength to overcome, eventually. Still, sometimes you need a few new skills to overcome a new challenge, you know?
So I'm open to suggestions. How have you overcome a bad case of the grumpies?
2 comments:
I've noticed that when something is out of balance in my life I tend to be more prone to grumpiness. Whether it be excessive work hours or pressure/stress, lack of proper diet and exercise, failure to persevere in humble prayer and daily scripture study, or not attending the temple frequently enough, I get out of sorts. It's during these funks that I'm more prone to "take it out" on the kids and let little fragmentary, inconsequential piffs set me off. Being in the moment is not always the most healthy time to look for solutions. Take time to evaluate the cause of the grumpiness rather than dealing with it and hoping to act well your part in that state. But when in the moment, stepping back, either personally or having the children take a time out, is good until the harmful thoughts/feelings go away and a level head and heart consume the bad. My 2 cents.
Moments pass all too quickly and before you know it these inquistive, exciting, indivualistic, passionate, headstrong, little people will be out in the world and out of your daily influence and protection. The wanting to continue to be that for your children never goes away. So, deep breathing and gratitude for everything around you, makes for a sunnier attitude all around. Be careful not to fall into the, "it's easier to say no" routine, or "it's not necessary", or "someone is inconveniencing me" thinking. There will come a day when you will give almost anything to be inconvenieced by one of those precious little guys.
...if that is a little gushy for ya, just take a deep breath and a take a time out to reframe and regroup. One can't breath deeply and stay tense at the same time.
...praying for a "peaceful heart" helps, too:)
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