I have been doing some thinking since reading Marisela's blog last week on attitudes. I decided today that I was going to make a huge change. Here are some of the ways I have worked on my attitude today.
First thing this morning I was on the phone when Andy got up, which usually gets our day off to a bad start. When I got off the phone, I offered to make him egg and toast for breakfast. He was a little surprised, but quickly accepted with thanks.
While making his breakfast, I tried to be extra cheerful and singing. He decided to chat a little, so when the 8:30 school time came, I said nothing and we continued to visit. We then played a game of Foosball, during which I gently reminded him of the time and suggested he start school when the game was done. I am such an exacting person, it was tough for me to let 8:30 go by without saying anything but the 45 minutes of talking and joking together were so worth it. It was also great fun that I totally creamed him in the game.
Our plan was to go to the library at 12:00, after Andy got some school work in. I had some errands to run, so I headed to Fred Meyer. I simply had to exchange some capri's. HaHa. Easier said than done. 1 hour and 45 minutes later I still couldn't find any that I liked. I had been in and out of the fitting room several times trying on numerous items. Then, I realized it was 12:45. Oops. I also realized I had forgotten my phone. Double Oops!
All the way home, I played out the scene that would take place. I knew Andy would have quit school at noon, expecting me home any minute so we could take off because he is supposed to be back on school at 1:00. I got myself all fired up ready to tell my all to often grouchy teenager that I can do what I want, I don't have to answer to him and too bad if he was inconvenienced. Then I remembered how I was going to change today. I immediately decided I would grovel meekly and let him have an extended lunch.
He met me in the yard when I pulled up, and I opened the door, smiled sheepishly and said I'm sorry. He just smiled and said no big deal. We joked and laughed while I ate a quick lunch and while we were on our way to the library.
The change is amazing. It is contagious. I can't believe how it has worked. Hopefully I can keep it up.
A New Look
Posted by
Chantel H
May 19, 2008
9 I love comments!!:
That is so good! I'm trying harder, too. I think I need to try even harder than I am, though. But this morning, I had some good experiences with changing my way of thinking. I had thought about putting it on my blog. I'm not sure if I will or not. Probably, since you did. I'm glad that you and Andy had a good day. And you are right; It is definitely contagious. Mom often says "Encouragement encourages encouragement and discouragement encourages discouragement.". It's the same way with being happy and meek, easy to be entreated.
And I need to ask: Did you mistype "Football", or is there really a game called "Foosball"? If there is, I was going to say that I've never played it (that I remember). But then I thought "Wait a minute... MAYBE there's a game called Foosball, but maybe she mistyped 'Football' and would think I was being silly." It almost seems like I've heard of that game, but it may just be de javu. I know that de javu is misspelled, but I don't know how to spell it. (There's a word you could get in Boggle!!! LOL)
Bravo lady. I guess that Marisela got a few of us thinkin'. I fear that my attitude has been a bit abrupt of late. Sigh. I really like to be treated sweetly, wish I could remember that when the kids are all hollering simultaneously etc. Maybe Sabriena will be our little ray of sunshine and start a revival in us all? Thanks for the call, it was lovely just to visit a bit. Thanks to all my deep thinkin' buddies out there, keep me in line ladies!
that is really cool. It is so amazing what a small change in attitude can make.
O.k. maybe I should take the same step in the right direction. Its just hard when your pregnant and your emotions are all over the map anyways. I am proud of you for making that step.
It's amazing how if we change our attitudes, it will change other's attitudes. That is awesome that you guys got along so much better. Just remember (not saying this to depress you) but Andy is going to be (possibly) leaving the house in less than 2 years, so just enjoy him to the fullest! It's so sad how our kids are growing up so fast. I actually feel bad right now, Taylor took an HOUR to get up & ready this morning, and I was very grouchy with her when we went to school. I don't want to be that way, but somehow it just happens. We all do it. I'm going to try to work on it also. Thanks for sharing :)
neena: We found a foosball table at a yard sale this weekend. It is a soccer game inside a table basically. You use poles to control your guys to hit or block the ball. I don't picture myself beating Andy at a game of football! I'm surprized that foosball wasn't in your dictionary. hehe.
Hmm..maybe I should go and read that post! I really enjoyed this one and it got me thinking..there are a few things I could change in my attitude too.
I haven't read Marisela's post yet but I have tried out that attitude thing on my kids too. It works even on little kids. The problem is I am strong on plans not flexibility. I have to constantly remind myself that my kids are the point not my house! But having a baby around really stretches your flexibility!!
That made me smile. Thanks Chantel
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