I am a firm believer in journaling everyday. I have so many thoughts running through my head about my family, things that happened during the day and things that I need to get done and I find that writing them down is the only way to keep track of them all.
To keep from forgetting, over thinking and obsessing, I write my thoughts down and process them every day. I tend to let my mind focus on the things that are the most destructive and cause worry if I allow them to circle and have free reign.
Thinking about their place in the world and processing what I want to do with the thoughts helps me to release the ones that do not serve me and remember the ones that do.
From time to time I go back and read some of my journal entries as a double check to make sure that I am on my own personal track, following a course that feeds my soul and releasing my negative thoughts.
An email came that struck a cord with me and I found myself journaling about how it applies to my life as a mom.
Lessons from The Tao Te Ching or Daodejing
1) Live with Commitment. Even after all this time, the Sun never says to the Earth "You Owe Me". Just look at what happens with a love like that....It lights up the whole sky.
2) There is no way to Happiness...Happiness is the way. Bring Happiness to all you do.
3) You accomplish much by trying less.
4) See yourself in everyone you encounter. They want peace, not always struggling, not being sick. They want love.
5) Trust in others to know what’s best for them.
6) Live without attachments and be generous with what you have.
7) Be strong by bending.
8) When you have a choice to be "Right" or to be "Kind" – Always pick to be "Kind".
9) Practice radical humility. Live low like the ocean for all the streams will come to it.
10) Rather than looking for Miracles, see everything as Miraculous.....
11) Practice death while you are alive. Live as though heaven is on earth. Release yourself from your burdens, regrets, guilt, and anger that cages you. Instead live in peace, tranquility, forgiveness and harmony.
The email prompted me to journal about my parenting style, my kids, my relationship with Joe, and how I interact with others as I walk through life.
I have had a need to be right, had attachment to things, and thought that I knew what would solve another’s problem. As I read the email, I found myself thinking, reflecting and focusing on change.
I want my children to learn for themselves with gentle guidance and simple lessons at an early age. I want them to understand the gift of kindness, miracles and most importantly to live with happiness.
As I wrote, I decided that in order to instill these qualities in my children, I must embrace them within myself. I needed to change in order for them to emulate my actions rather than rely on them understanding my words. I know that kids tend to learn by watching and do as the parent does rather than listen and do what the parent says.
As I continue to journal, my goal is to remind myself to be more flexible, to reflect on how my kids show me how they see me through their actions and to change what I do not wish to see again.
Thank you change-promoting email, for coming at a time when I was ready to listen and make a positive change in me and my life.
Off to make another Mommy Milestone.