Friday Focus 20/01/17 – Making changes for the better

“If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. … We need not wait to see what others do.” (Mahatma Gandhi)

 

The above quote is usually shortened to “be the change you wish to see in the world.” It’s a reminder that change starts with ourselves. It’s something I’ve been reflecting on this week. With a very big change happening today across the pond, my word this week could easily have been fear. Fear of the unknown, of what the future may bring. I cannot change the big things that are happening in the world though. Just the little things in my own little world.

Change - this week's word of the week

This week I’ve been trying to be more positive in my parenting approach. Some days it feels like I’m a stuck record of “no” and “don’t do that” and “stop annoying your sister”. I’ve been trying harder to focus on acknowledging the moments when my girls are behaving well and doing what I’ve asked rather than immediately jumping on the moments when they’re not. Just a little change but it’s made a big difference. The girls are happier, they’re being more co-operative and I’m a lot less stressed as a result.

 

Having a little more time to myself is also helping. I’ve downloaded a “couch to 5k” app on my phone and have been taking the opportunity to go for a short run while Sophie is at preschool. It’s hard work so far and it’s made me realise how horribly unfit I am but I’m feeling better for it.  I’m also finding I’m reaching for the coffee less and drinking more water – another small change for the better.

 

Things I have loved this week:

  • Catching up with a friend over several cups of tea at the garden centre while our girls had fun in the soft play.
  • Sophie’s excitement over the faint dusting of snow we had – shame there wasn’t enough to build even a small snowman though!

Sophie looking at the faint dusting of snow on the front lawn

  • Watching the girls working together on a jigsaw.
  • Being given flowers by my hubby just because he saw them and thought I’d like them.

Pretty orange and yellow roses

  • Finding a geocache that has previously eluded me whilst out on a walk.
  • Getting out and about in the sunshine – even if it has been cold!
  • Having my hair cut.
  • Sophie dancing along to the credits music after watching Rio.

 

 

The Reading Residence

14 thoughts on “Friday Focus 20/01/17 – Making changes for the better

  1. Sophie is so cute! You guys are lucky to even have a dusting, we’ve only had frost. T and her friends are praying for snow… but of course, if ever it does happen, it will also be just a dusting. #wotw

    1. Thank you Dean – fingers crossed you get a least a dusting before the winter is out x

  2. Loving that dancing! Sounds like you’ve been quite reflective this week, I do like that quote. I need to take a leaf out of your book and look for more times to praise, too, as it’s easy to get caught up in the ‘no’ isn’t it? Glad you’re feeling better for it and well done on the running, too – I keep starting and then stopping which is ridiculous as I stop just as it starts to feel easier and then I go back to square one! Thanks for sharing with #WotW x

    1. Thanks Jocelyn. It is easy to get caught up in the “no” – I still struggle with it even though I’m trying to make a conscious effort not to. I’m hoping to get to the point when running starts getting easier soon but it feels good to get out and get active 🙂

  3. It’s sooo hard not to niggle at the kids for the negative eh…I find myself getting at the gremlin when really I should leave her a little with Piglet. Such a cute photo of Sophie in the piddly bit of snow. Lovely flowers…your hubby is a good egg! xx #wotw

    1. It is so easy to get caught up in saying “no” all the time – I’m still struggling not to do it! The flowers were lovely – and even better for being so unexpected 🙂

  4. The change in America is worrying but your changes sound fantastic. Very positive! Good luck with the running!
    Oh my goodness, you had even less snow than we did here. I was very disappointed….I wanted to build a snowman too.
    Sophie is just adorable.
    #WotW

    1. Thank you – taking it slowly at the moment, but it’s good to get out and get active 🙂

    1. Thanks Helena – I’ve never particularly liked running but I’m actually finding myself enjoying getting out and active and having the app to spur me along helps a lot.

  5. I like your idea of change. We have started to go out on the bike when Little E is at nursery. I need to get fitter. I need to drink more water too so I will have to follow your lead on that one. Love the dancing! #WotW

    1. Thank you Jane. Glad you are enjoying getting out on your bike and making the most of E being at nursery 🙂

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