4/30/13

Intention in the Morning


"It is my personal approach that creates the climate. 
It is my daily mood that makes the weather... 
I possess tremendous power to make a child's life miserable or joyous. 
I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. 
In all situations, it is my response that decides whether the crisis will be escalated or 
de-escalated and a child humanized or de-humanized."
Haim Ginott

Sometimes I forget how important it is to have a minute or two or three to think in the morning of what kind of mother I want to be today.  If I start off without intention, without just a little time to remind myself of my purpose, I feel behind the ball and reactionary to every mood, issue, problem that crops up.  If I preserve a moment to remind myself of the bigger picture-that I am here to teach, to set the spirit, to create a happy, calm, patient, kind, loving environment, I can carry it through the day.  

I think children feel the "color" of their surroundings more than adults.  And children are at our mercy really...they look to us and follow our lead and example.  I can make or break a day for them.  Every moment is a teachable moment.  I'm human for sure, and often tired, and more than ever feeling a little scattered, but those precious moments in the morning can center me and help me create deliberate mothering.  I have to be better at making them a priority.

25 comments:

  1. Long time reader, here. Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated this today. Thank you!

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  2. I love this Sarah. So true. Thank you for such a valuable reminder!

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  3. Thank you for sharing your reminder with us. It's poignant and I appreciate Ginott's words and yours.

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  4. So true Sarah, and I find myself needing the same moment before the older ones all get home from school.

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  5. i so needed this today....and hope to remember it tomorrow. thank you!!!

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  6. Every time I read your blog, I feel myself take a deep breath and relax. In addition to being a Mom, I am a 3rd grade teacher. I am going to print out this quote and frame it. Thank you for all of the good you do; encouraging and edifying others.

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  7. I once saw an Oprah show where they had some child psychologists on and they were talking about the importance of the first thing our children see in the morning. If they see a happy smiling parent then their day starts off wonderfully. But if they see a grumpy yelling parent, it can ruin their day and make them question our love for them. I try to remember that each morning and at least fake it until I make it :)

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  8. Wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing!

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  9. Thanks for sharing! For me this is especially true on those days that I expect my 12 year old daughter to act and think like an adult. I really have to pull myself back and not baby her but remind myself she's not an adult just yet!

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  10. I don't comment much, but man you are good. Thank you so much for this post, it was absolutely beautiful.

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  11. I don't comment much, but man you are good. Thank you so much for this post, it was absolutely beautiful.

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  12. A perfect reminder for today. Thank you Sarah!

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  13. Thank you for this beautiful reminder - your blog is a blessing to me (and therefore my kids!) :)

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  14. This is exactly what I needed to hear today. Unfortunately I read it an hour too late. I will let today be my teachable moment.

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  15. Thank you for this today. Much needed reminder.

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  16. Your post put tears in my eyes. Thank you for this.

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  17. This is beautiful...you are very wise!

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  18. Thank you for sharing! So true, and even though in my heart I know it, it is always nice to hear it from someone else.

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  19. I just love your inspiring words! I shared this with my husband and we were able to talk about it and discuss how we can do better. Thank you!

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  20. I just love your inspiring words! I shared this with my husband and we were able to talk about it and discuss how we can do better. Thank you!

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  21. I am going to improve upon this. Thanks.

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