Why do we forget this as we become adults? Why do we feel the need to stand there (literally or figuratively) and just absorb a conversation that is not healthy for our hearts to hear? Whether it’s a boss, a friend, a spouse, a child who has refused yet another afternoon nap, or a teenager who feels like everything you say is wrong – Walk away. Catch your breath. And ask to hold the conversation when you are in a better place. For if you are in a low place, a negative conversation will just sink you further and further. Walk away. Trust me – Everyone will benefit from your action. Nothing productive will ever happen when someone is backed into a corner (just ask Baby. and if you don’t get this historical reference, check yourself).
“Keep making that face and it’ll freeze that way.”
Pay attention to your face, Mamas. That clenched jaw? Those furrowed eyebrows? Those tight lips? Your face is such a outward painting of what your heart is feeling. By keeping your face angry, stressed, or hurt – That’ll keep your heart angry, stressed, or hurt. Don’t freeze your face like that. You’re too darn beautiful, Mama. Relax that jaw. Release those eyebrows. And smile with those lips. That’s better.
“Birds of a feather flock together.”
You are responsible for who you surround yourself with. Surround yourself with hostility – You’ll become hostile. Surround yourself with Debbie Downers – You’ll become a Debbie Downer. Surround yourself with people who feel that they’re better than others – You’ll become to feel that you’re better than others. Surround yourself with positivity, laughter, light, and joy – You get where I’m going here. Create a circle that you can be proud to be a part of, and be the kind of person that your circle is proud to have. Just be the best buncha’ birds flocking around together. Life is just better that way.
And last, but certainly not least, the one that I preach to my children over and over (and over) again:
“Just be kind.”
At just two little words, six characters in total – This may be the most shortest of statements that we make to our children, but it is also one of the most powerful that we can say not only to our children – But also to ourselves. Just be kind. To the hearts of others, and to our own hearts. To friends; to family; to strangers that you meet in the grocery store aisle. Be kind. To your heart, your body, your being. To your children, your spouse, your next door neighbor. Tend to your own soul – And to the souls of others. The world has enough self hatred, and hatred for others, so don’t be joining in. Practice what you preach, Mama. Just be kind.
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This piece originally appeared at Love Always, Heather, published with permission.
