love of local in Utah
Creating the Right “Climate” for My Family
A couple days ago the girls and I had a truly perfect day. We had no fighting and our home was peaceful with a stillness and calm that was still full of fun and laughter. That night as I was catching up with my husband and telling him how perfect our day was and how happy the girls were it made me stop and contemplate why it had been so wonderful.
Lately my mind, emotions and self have been a jumbled mess full of anxiety, dark days and frustration. Stress will do that to you…Taking on to much will do that to you…Not staying as close to your heart will do that to you.
The night before our “perfect day” I felt myself come back together, as if I were physically letting go of this tightly wound state. I realized how much I missed the old me…the me who for the past two months has been gone.
I very quickly realized how my mood as a mother, wife and friend completely changes the mood of my home, a home I want to be a safe haven, a place full of laughter and peace.
“Mothers who know create a climate for spiritual and temporal growth in their homes.” –Mothers Who Know by Julie Beck
Creating the right “climate” for my family means taking care of ME and boy, am I glad our “perfect day” made me realize how we were missing those lately.
Sure, we all have days, weeks, even months where we feel a bit off of our game. How do you as a mother make sure you stay on track and create a peaceful climate in your home?
Need tips? Remember a few months ago when I invited different mothers to guest post about motherhood? They had some wonderful tips; here are the links:
I need this. I had probably the most stressful weeks last week, and after a HUGE melt down…I promised myself that I would enjoy myself again! Enjoy the things that I do…and stop being stresed. It worked, because this weekend was marvelous!
As one who suffers from a chronic illness and I can tell you that the climate in our home definitely suffers when I’m having a tough day.
I’ve found some of these following things to help when I’m experiencing a particularly tough time with my children:
1-get down on my knees and pray, there is nothing better to make you stop and think than when you’re asking your Father in Heaven for help
2-Get out of the house and play, even if its just a short walk around the block or outside to explore nothing helps to de-stress better than fresh air (I love the pic of your girls on the stumps!)
3-Remember that growing up is hard. I expect a lot from my son who is just over the 5-year mark. He is very intelligent and it is hard for me to remember at times that he is a kid, a boy, and is supposed to make messes and fall down and scrape his knees. This is part of the joys of childhood.
4-Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You have friends are are more than willing to help you out if you need it. I’m still learning this lesson, I think we all may be, but its a great one to experiment with now and then.
And finally, 5- don’t forget to pray. I know this was tip #1 but it is well worth repeating. No matter what religion you are, God loves you, you are his daughter and he wants to hear from you. Don’t ever forget that.
Thanks.
beautiful thoughts! I think women really set the tone for the home and have the ability to create a peaceful and safe environment for their families!
I just love the tree stump stepping stones! I have loved to create such climates for my children (4 of them). Over the years I have made scented play dough, pulled out way too much glitter & glue, and as they get older, they create chaos & experiment in the kitchen. But, still I would rather have them messing, laughing, and creating…and sometimes just to linger and slow down, where ever we are, is also enough. Take time to stop and smell the roses, I guess!-Chris Ann
Vanessa,
I so needed to hear this. Thank you for reminding me that it’s OK to let go of everything else in order to bring peace and joy into my home. It’s amazing how easily that focus can slip away from us! Even when we know that all the “extras” will benefit our family, we always have to be mindful of the cost to our inner-tranquility because we are truly the ones that set the tone in our homes.
This is why I love reading here – I’m always refocused on what matters most.
You make some excellent points here.
I have found that my attitude and demeanor greatly affect my whole family. Thanks for the reminder to be joyful, positive, creative, and mindful.