It's May-hem Time ![]() Ever notice how many more demands there seem to be on your time in the month of May and on into the summer? It can feel like Mayhem, trying to juggle everything that is going on as well as added outdoor chores, children being home from school, vacations, special events and different schedules. I know I have been picking up on it. And even if you don't have a lot going on you may be picking up the overwhelm from those around you. If you are feeling added stress, be aware of the toll it may be taking on you, your body, and your relationships. Of course, we all have choices that we can make that can ease the stress, but all too often we become victims of our own choosing by taking on more than we really care to. We become victims of not wanting to be judged by others. And for parents, what do you want to teach your kids about making choices? Or maybe even better, what can you learn about making choices from your kids? Ever notice that kids, especially young ones, don’t worry about what other people will think, and will choose anyway? This changes as they grow older and receive the influence of adults. You can take on the attitude of "This too shall pass." And again, I ask you what price do you pay each time that happens. The reason for this message today, is to give you permission to stop, ask some questions about what you are choosing and why. ![]() Is something else possible that you never considered? Do you have some limitations that keep you from choosing for you? What awareness comes to you when you stop and ask questions? When I stop, and ask questions about what I am choosing, I often discover that I am making my choices based on what I think others want me to choose. I make my choices based on obligations, especially if it involves family. It became clear to me that when I choose from that place, I am not really choosing for me. I often end up resenting my choice or feeling like I had to be there. The result- I don’t enjoy the event as much as I could have if I had chosen from a place of knowing that this is of my choosing. The bottom line here is to acknowledge that YOU DO HAVE A CHOICE. Okay, I get that, now what do I do about all those judgments if I really don't want to go to an event and yet I am expected to be there? I get it, I have been there. And then I ask myself: How long, Mary, are you going to allow other people to control your life? Is now the time to be honest with myself and own the fact that I am the source of my own happiness? How long will I let what other people think, make my choices for me? Am I really doing anyone any kindness by never choosing for me? The truth is, this has taken me some time to move through. And what I have experienced is a freedom to have choice that isn't dependent on what other people think or expect AND when I let them know that I won't be attending their event, I do so with appreciation for being asked and guess what- they get over it. Yes, there are those who want to control your life and make you feel bad for making choices, and for those people, even family, is now the time to change that, to step into making my own choices? Back to being overwhelmed by all the choices and things that you do want to do. How do you handle those? Here are some suggestions:
Will this summer be the time that you change what isn’t working in your life? Will you find that there may be mayhem all around you and yet you are at ease with peace and calm? May the choice be with you!
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Mary Dravis-ParrishMary shares her desire to create different possibilities for families and individuals who are looking to live a more conscious and aware lifestyle. BE YOU Parenting is for parents who want to BE all that they truly BE and to allow their kids the same privilege. Archives
November 2019
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