Take a step back

Today I am grateful that I am finally learning to take a step back, take a deep breath and take a second look at a situation before reacting.

I find it hard not to jump in, all guns blazing, when something gets my goat. But, as I'm sure you all know, it's usually better to take a second look, look with a fresh perspective and then jump in, all guns blazing!! I jest!

But seriously, I am finding that taking a second look, with a more positive mindset, can mean the difference between  a tense, gritted teeth and hunched shoulder type of day (not good) and a relaxed and relaxing type of day (much better!).

I guess I'm talking here from the viewpoint of a mother with kids who fight with each other at the drop of a hat (see paragraph two!!), and who seem incapable of talking in voices any lower than a shout. But I think that the same principle applies to all of us.

We are, after all, just vulnerable human beings who, on the whole, just want to be happy and make a good impression on the world around us. The person on the opposite end of the flare-up is coming from, most probably, the same starting place as you are. And it has been proved time and time again that you get back what you give out. Ergo (gee-whizz, I can still speak Latin!)...Ergo, if I can remain calm and not shout at the kids, then they will calm down and stop shouting at each other! Well, the principle is sound!!!

It certainly worked for me today. I don't suppose the kids were any different than they usually are (thank goodness, 'cos I love the bones of them) but I approached the day from a more positive direction and reaped the benefits!

Gratefully yours.xx