This year is a life transitional year for me. I recently took a one-year leave from my job to be a Stay-At-Home-Mom (#SAHMInternship). After years of pumping my entire salary (and then some) into daycare to let others raise my children, all the while frantically running around like a crazy person trying to sort out the logistics of the work/ life balance for a salary I didn’t actually keep, we decided a change was necessary.
Not only has this transition allowed me to slow down and focus on my family, but it has allowed our family to slow down and enjoy these moments on earth that we are given. From this, I feel like I have truly LISTENED to my children for the very first time in 7 years.
As I listened, I realized I don’t always like what I am hearing. My three beautiful children are quick to show their tempers. They yell first, are quick to blame others, and use phrases such as, “I don’t have time for this. Move NOW.” and “I can’t deal with this!” and “I have a million things to do and YOU’RE not helping.”
(gasp)
(shriek)
(cry)
Sure, I could blame it on tv, but I’m pretty sure the Paw Patrol friends nor those flying ponies use these phrases with one another. It’s me. I’m not going to go on some self-loathing diatribe of how I’m a horrible mother. I’m just a mother. I try my best, but when the going gets tough, I don’t always make the best choices. I’ve now learned to slooooooooooooow down and listen. Listen to my kids. Listen to my husband. Listen to the world around me.
Just yesterday, we went on a walk and stopped at a nearby pond to listen to the ducks and the frogs. It was A-mazing!
Please consider joining the Five Minute Friday community and today’s prompt: LISTEN. All are welcome!
I’m glad you’re seeing the benefit of slowing down and having more time to focus on listening. Listening to the frogs and the ducks sounds like fun! Visiting from FMF.
Thanks for visiting, Lesley!!
I nominated you for the sunshine blogger award. read about it and find the “rules” here http://suziland.net/2016/09/jay-nominated-me/
Thanks so much for the award, Suze!! I look forward to answering your questions and nominating other bloggers! Have a great weekend 🙂
I appreciate your honesty, April. You aren’t alone on this journey as a mother, and the “too busy to listen” mantra. My children are grown, but God has given me another chance to listen, love, and linger in their lives a little longer as they’re both now living at home again. I didn’t always do so well when they were younger, but you better believe I’m doing all I can do listen now. Thanks for the encouragement through sharing your story and your real life with us. Cheering you on in your #SAHMinternship!
Thanks so much for your comment Julie… And your encouragement!