Changing my reaction

I was going to write about my recent experiences with the Peaceful Woman’s Maui Facilitator Passage, but that was before I opened the dryer and found two crayons–one red and one yellow–in with the clothes.

I was completely derailed.  Instead of catching up on email, and writing my blog post for today, I ended up spending two hours spraying the newly nulti-colored clothes with stain remover and scrubbing them with a toothbrush.  And I did not react very well.  I was cranky and grouchy.  I cried at one point from sheer frustration.  I took my anger out on my husband and my youngest son by yelling at them.  Yes, I became downright bitchy.  I’m not very proud of myself.

As my anger cooled, I reflected on my reaction.  Utilizing tools I have learned from The Peaceful Woman, and Peak Potentials, I wondered if this is how I always react to situations that disrupt my plans.  Thinking about other experiences that I have had recently, I have to admit that up until now, I have not reacted well to unpleasant surprises.  There are exceptions, of course.  There are times when I am able to go with the flow, but those are usually times when I have not created the schedule.

The first step to changing a belief, or behavior pattern, is to be aware that it is there.  I am now aware that I react with anger when my schedule goes off track.  I have observed myself in a behavior that does not serve me.

Now that I am aware of the behavior I want to change, I can catch myself earlier and earlier in the pattern, and soon I will be able to catch myself *before* the pattern kicks in. I can choose to act in a different way, one that serves my highest good, and does not hurt those that I love.  I can choose peace.  More important, I can choose!

I have also apologized to my husband and son.  I am so grateful to have such a wonderful, loving family!

Blessings,

Mary