Preparing yourself for the day

This post is for you if you find yourself triggered by things your kid(s) say or do. 

Meaning your whole mood can change when your kids says something mean or doesn’t behave the way you desire. 

Here is one of the best tips I can ever give you:

Give yourself time to wake up and get focused before engaging with anyone else.

Waking up at my own pace, getting my brain turned on, and my attitude in check before I start engaging with anybody, has transformed my whole day. 

Before I had this morning routine, I was forcing myself to jump into action and serve my kids without even being alert and in control of my emotions. 

This morning routine has become my grounding for the day. 

It is how I set up my calm and set intentions for how I want to be and what I want to get done. 

For example, this morning…

I studied Philippians chapter 4 from The Bible. This scripture especially spoke to me:

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” 

Then I journaled a few thoughts and made my to-do list 

Read from a few pages from a book 

And wrote down some thoughts about myself including:

• I am powerful. 
• I am capable. 
• I am accomplishing my goals. 
• I am continually improving and growing stronger. 
• I am focused on service. 
• I create value. 

I did all of this while snuggling with my dog and sipping some herbal tea. 

And an hour later, I was out on the deck working on a project when my oldest child got frustrated that I wouldn’t download an app for him when he had yet to take a shower and get ready for school. In his frustration with me, he told me he hated me, stormed off, slammed the door, and left without saying goodbye. 

There was time that would have really upset me. 

I still don’t desire this behavior but it doesn’t have the same impact on me. 

I don’t make his behavior mean anything about me because…

Like the Bible verse encouraged me, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Including those times when my kid acts moody, mean, and rude. 

I have continued to have a productive day crossing things off my list because I didn’t become emotionally disturbed by my son’s outburst this morning. 

If you have been struggling to separate your feelings from the behavior and words of your kid(s), I hope this encourages you. I’m not perfect, but I have made so much progress and it feels so much better to have more control over my life.