There is part of me that feels good about each bite of food my children eat. Each sip of milk. Each good night’s sleep. Each smile. Each time they merrily go through their school doors. Each moment they get to spend with their grandparents. I revel in each and every “good or positive” moment. It is not as easy to do so every time they refuse to put on their shoes when I ask. Or start crying when they are taking swim lessons. Or refuse to sit still when their diaper is being changed. And yet, I think that this “gentle parenting” movement is really about being in the moment and appreciative of the moment even in the difficult moments. It takes discipline to remain calm throughout it all. I certainly fail at doing so often. A topic for a different newsletter is learning to forgive yourself expediently for your lack of perfection. I digress.
When you are accomplishing gentle parenting, even the challenging moments become progressive. Your child is moving towards becoming their true self. And that is what it is all about!
Apply this to yourself and to your life. Apply it across all aspects of your life. Personal. Professional. Physical. Mental. Be gentle and kind with yourself and each moment of authenticity whether you feel like what you are doing is right or wrong or good or bad.
Kids are naturally authentic. They eventually learn not to be as we all do and a large part of adulthood is the work we do to return to your truth.
I was bullied in middle school. It knocked me off course. Even still, I always respected the lessons I learned on that different path, but it has taken me 30 years to return to who I am in my heart of hearts.
I share this because I want to be forthcoming and to acknowledge that most of us have been knocked off track for one reason or another. And to say that it is difficult to appreciate the moments without knowing oneself, but I am stating that you should try. One personal development sort of begets the other.
If you live in appreciation of your moments many things will start to take shape for your professionally:
You will start to believe that all of your accomplishments and all of your setbacks help to move you forward.
You will know you are on the right path, because inherently you are.
You will have gratitude for all of your wins and losses.
And most likely though sort of not the point of this newsletter, you will start to have more success.
This is the goal. This is where the magic happens. It is not easy AND you can do it!
