October 27 (98)

”Nothing lowers the level of conversation more than raising the voice.” Stanley Horowitz

Defects of character, oh boy, some of these are hard to face and ask my Higher Power to take from me. Being quick to anger, quick to judge, quick to overreact, especially with my kids – this is not an easy one to handle. I am becoming more and more aware just how much damage getting angry and showing it, raising my voice,  and getting aggressive have caused in my relationships with my children. Fortunately, having the ability to think more clearly while in sobriety, incited me to take some parenting classes. It is pretty difficult to look at all the things I have done poorly, but I can be thankful, just as I am in recovery, that I can put these new tools and tips to work right away. My kids need me to be a parent, sometimes to guide and discipline with love and good intentions. My role, first and foremost though, is to be an ally. I need to be there to support them, to teach them, to encourage them to grow and develop their potential, to have fun and play with them, and to simply appreciate them for who they are.

Affirmation My words and actions will have a huge impact on my kids, may I behave in ways to nurture them today.