I guess I have reached the point in my life where I have to conquer my fear of staying alone. I think that in my entire life I have only had to stay home alone once. Bill was traveling, and Liz slept over at a friend's house. I have been raising children for thirty three years, and so someone has always been around. Two weeks ago Bill was gone for two nights.
I was able to utilize some of the strategies that I teach the kids. The lesson that I am teaching right now is about stress. Usually I teach the techniques like deep breathing, tightening muscles then relaxing, and going to that calm place they have created in their mind. This year we are reviewing those, but also working on "decatastrophizing" our problems. Hence, the title of the post "www.decatastrophize.calm"..
The three w's stand for WORST, WONDERFUL, and WILL. What is the worst thing that will happen, and what can you do to avoid it? What is the most wonderful thing that can happen, and what can you do to help that happen? The last is what will probably happen, and how can you prepare for it?
In my mind the worst thing that could have happened to me is that someone would break in. To keep this from happening I checked the doors five times instead of just two. The most wonderful thing is that I would not be scared. Working on this one. What would probably happen is that I would wake up and nothing would have happened. THAT is the one that has helped me.
Honestly, it never ceases to amaze me how much I learn from what I do, and how much it helps me. Sure glad that Bill is home with no travel plans, and I do have a big, beautiful Golden Retriever to keep me company.
8 comments:
VERY helpful, now that Morgan is back! Just kidding! That is some great advice. I'll apply it tonight while I'm attempting to get London to sleep through the night.
emphasis on the big of big beautiful golden retriever...
yay counseling! someday i'll be able to help YOU!
Mary, what do you do? This sounds like it might help one of my daughters.
MK- I'm glad you survived but really, don't suffer like this. Isaac and Jonah would think it was the coolest to have a sleepover on a school night and they are really good at kung-fu if anyone broke in.
B
I like this.I am sorry I couldn't continue the conversation on the phone about it. And it always helps to see it in print.
I'm glad you made it. Ally's snoring is such a soothing sound to come home to. Maybe bruce will snore. (I know he squeals like a pig if you roll over on him while he's all snuggled up to us at night!)
AWESOME what Brooke wrote- that is just too funny.
I am going to memorize those words: worst, wonderful, will and then share them with all of my dear ones who have stress as their middle name.
I would only add keep a golf club next to your bed and don't go downstairs! you are great mom. welcome to the world of husbands traveling.... it STINKS! but at least you're not afraid of being a lone.
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