Things I Have Given up This Month
It can be beneficial to give things up for a period of time or even forever, depending what it is. Sometimes habits can be harmful and I, and others, are better off without them. Other times I can get so used to something that I forget to appreciate it or forget what things were like without it. While forever can seem impossible to go without something that has become a habit, a month sounds more manageable. Below are some things that I have been giving up for this month (the best I can).
Complaining
It can feel good at times to complain and get something off my chest. Overall, it really does more harm than good. I have always learned in my psychology classes that complaining about something actually increases the emotion rather than decreases it. For example, I notice when I complain about my husband, I become more angry and remember other things he has done to piss me off. When I recognize this, I can stop and remind myself that everyone is human which means that no one is perfect (including me). I then am able to have more understanding and am more likely to do something that solves the problem rather than escalate it. I have definitely not been perfect at giving up complaining but I have noticed the times when I remember, I am able to move on from what bothered me much quicker.
Yelling at my Child
Like any parent, I find myself yelling at my child, A, at times and end up feeling guilty about it immediately after. I always told myself that I would be the parent that was always gentle and kind and approached situations calmly. Obviously, that is not realistic because no one can raise a child to adulthood without breaking at some point. However, I do yell at A much more than I would like to. With school, work, and other responsibilities, I have less patience than I would like to. Nothing feels worse than when I snap at A because he is trying to get my attention while I am trying to get something done and then his eyes tear up and his pouty lip sticks out. Of course, I have still found myself snapping at him at times, but when I have been able to take a second to consider my approach before taking action, it has felt really good. I notice it becomes more of a learning moment for A and a bonding moment for me when I can get down to his level and calmly talk with him.
Listening to Music in the car
I got to a point where I noticed I was turning up the music in my car so I could avoid my thoughts. While I don't force my family to go without music when I am in the car with them, I have been keeping the music off when I drive to work and back. I notice that it gives me time to be alone with my thoughts so that I can process through them without trying to get other things done or becoming repeatedly distracted. Sounds that are usually drowned out have become more noticeable. For example, I have noticed the chirping sound that signals to pedestrians that they can cross the street and the weird sounds my car makes.
What things are you giving up this month?
Complaining
Yelling at your kid(s)
Listening to music in the car
Other
You can vote for more than one answer.
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