Calm Mom Part 1: STOP!

My attempt at becoming a more "Calm Mom" consists of concentrating on one key element throughout the day. This week my focus will be on the concept of taking a moment to simply STOP.

As of October 1st, the first intentional "STOP" I make is when I first get out of bed. Although it may seem strange to stop when I first start my day, I have honestly seen AMAZING things happen -- things that I know can ONLY stem from the Lord during this special time each morning.

This special time is never as long as I would like it to be, however, it's much better than nothing at all. I spend a few moments reading the Bible and praying for my day, my husband and my kids. I have specifically been focusing on asking God to remind me to STOP before I react to our 2 year old's temper tantrum, before I react to my husband calling to say that he will be home late, before I get after our 4 year old for whining.

I am learning that I am a very excitable person. This can be an awesome thing if I am expressing my joy and gratitude to someone, not so much when I am easily frustrated with my family.

What I've felt in the last few days, when something arises that would normally be a frustrating experience, (every few minutes with a strong-willed 2 year old), is an amazing sense of calm and clarity of reasoning. I am actually thinking through a lot more of my responses instead of impulsively rushing head long into every situation. And to my astonishment, it's so much less stressful!! Who knew?! :)

I wish I could report that all my frustrations have dissolved into thin air, this however would not be true. I have far from mastered this new discipline of stopping and processing before I react, but it is on the forefront of my mind. That is a huge step in the right direction to being a "Calm Mom".

Anyone out there who wants to join me on this journey to being a more Calm Mom, take a moment to think about what it would look like to STOP before reactions and words come out. Ones that may or may not be loving, uplifting, kind, encouraging, etc. Next, pray and ask God to help remind you when you need to put this into action. Lastly, be ready to be pleasantly surprised at what God can do when you lean on His wisdom and strength instead of your own!