In preparing for a trip with our daughter and grandchildren (we’ll watch the kids while she participates in a four-day horse clinic) I gathered together all the paperwork I’d need. Just as important as the signed “emergency care” permission slips, updated health care cards, were the reminders of our grandchildren’s routines. Travel is so much more fun when we stick to as many of the regular daily schedules as possible: meal and snack times, bedtimes, etc.
In familiarizing myself for the umpteenth time with this helpful inventory (which came from a Waldorf School source, although sadly I do not have an exact reference to credit) it occurred to me that many of the 38 suggestions are great reminders for how to live with oneself!
#2 states, “Create a positive environment” How necessary is that for all of us to remember in our daily rituals?
#9 asks for “Compromise.” Black and white “all or nothing” thinking is a hallmark of eating disorder symptomotology and yet it is also a common way of being for many of us. Compromising with ourselves can bring us into the balanced place between these two extremes. Same with #18 “Give in occasionally.”
#25 advises “Use humor.” Being able to laugh at myself is an easy one to forget yet can be so liberating when executed!
#27 “Be willing to admit your mistakes.” Even to myself.
How many times do I find myself snapping at someone else (often my husband) when just working on #32 “Get to the root of the problem” would help me see that the other person is not the issue.
The last pearl of wisdom, #38, sums things up nicely, “Always keep your love for your child in mind.” Substitute “self” for “child” and voila … the ultimate secret to living well with oneself!
Sending blessings until next time,
Doris
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