Positive Words - Days 11-14

I've had laryngitis since Sunday.  Every word is such an effort that I've needed to think through every little thing I say before it comes out of my mouth. 

So there, laryngitis is a blessing.  :-)

That was a very tough challenge.  It really made me aware of how much negative stuff really does come out.  And the thoughts that I didn't say...let's just say that I haven't arrived yet.

⁷ All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, ⁸ but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
⁹ With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.        James 3:7-10

Blessings to you,
Mamita

Positive Words - Days 7-10

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday were okay. 

Cupcake stayed home sick Wednesday, and I thought it might be a real challenge, but Sugar stepped up to the plate and played quiet games with her.  She's a rock star!  Thank you, Sugar.

Saturday went great until the end.  Things spiraled down into a toxic vortex in a matter of minutes.  Ugly, ugly, ugly.  I'm still not sure what happened.

Positive Words - Day 5 + 6

I do not recall any negative words from Monday.  Monday seems like 5 years ago. 

Today, I mumbled many unkind things in traffic.  Tuesdays are SO HARD, because I'm in the car ALL DAY LONG...and it's SO EASY to complain about other drivers because they can't hear me.  I would never say that stuff to their faces.  I guess I'm no better than rude anonymous commenters, huh?  God is really working on me on this one.

Blessings to you,
Mamita

 

Positive Words - Day 4

Sunday was smooth sailing, except for some little glitches before church.  We'll call them the "Biscuit Incident" and "Snarky Girls".  It's amazing how little things can make the stress level go from 0 to 60 in a millisecond.  But I think I held my tongue.

After my epic fail Saturday, I spent the day very angry with myself and pretty angry with my daughter.  I was a miserable piece of cheese. 

In the late afternnon, I had a thought...."What if she loses her hearing and what I said is the last thing she ever hears me say?"

It turned my heart around in an instant.  Confessions, apologies and hugs followed.

So, tonight, I ask you, "What if your child went deaf, and the last thing you said to her is the last thing she ever heard?"

Blessings to you,
Mamita

Positive Words - Day 3

Epic fail.  :-(

'nuff said.

Positive Words - Day 2

Well, I was off to a good start.

I really was thinking that carpool line would be one of my biggest challenges.  It will be.   Every newsletter from the beginning of time has clearly explained the drop-off/pick-up procedures.  It's not rocket science.  "C'mon People." almost rolled off my lips yesterday, but I stopped it just in time.

All went well at home until bedtime. My verbal self-control goes way downhill when I'm tired.  :-(  The girls fought.  Cupcake began to physically harrass her sister.  I stepped in.  It got physical.  After that is when my verbal onslaught started.  I did not hide my anger, frustration, or disappointment.  I did not use words that build up.  And the things I muttered under my breath and in my head were worse.

I decided before I began that I would challenge myself to go 14 days in a row, but if I blew it, I would not start over.  I will confess, apologize, and trust in God's unfailing grace.  His mercies are new every morning.

The purpose of this is to make my words a priority...To think before I speak. 

Blessings to you,
Mamita

Positive Words - Day 1

Well, I think I made it through yesterday without any infractions. 

I say "I think" because often I can't remember what I just said.  This short term memory loss could work to my advantage ;-).

I have enlisted the help of my family to hold me accountable.

Blessings to you,
Mamita

The Challenge

My friend, GB's Mom accepted a challenge to use only positive or neutral language for 14 days in a row.   Then she asked if anyone else wanted to join in. 

I'm in.

Phew...here goes.

I guess "language" includes tone of voice, huh?

Deep breath.

I'll be logging my journey here...for accountability.  I'm not sure I will ever make 14 days in a row, but I'm going to give it a shot.

Blessings to you,
Mamita