If you're wondering, SOOJ means straight out of the journal.
Saturday, February 20, 2010Morning Pages
Another thing to add to my list: - make a new journal for my morning pages - get some ironing done; really, really - get some ironing done.
Sloane is awake and asking me about doing morning pages of her own. I love that! It does remind me that what I do is very important - especially my habits. The life I choose to live in front of Sloane is the life she will choose for herself. That's a lovely and amazing truth when I am talking about blogging and morning pages and daily prayer time.
How terrific is it when I am talking about what I eat, or my exercise habits? What about my spending habits and my overall attitudes toward others? When I think I have them in check and that all is well, I still need to be aware and careful. She is watching me. And she is choosing to live the life she watches me live.
I want her to see me live with kindness. I want her to see in me a person flooded with compassion. I want her to see in me a woman of strong, strong faith. I want her to see in me a woman whose first impulse is always toward prayer and whose attitude is constantly one of gratefulness. I want her to see in me a person who works long and hard and uncomplaining. In general, I want her to see a person who is uncomplaining. I want her to see a woman who sets goals and works hard to achieve them. I want her to see a person who is friendly and open to new people in her life. I want her to see someone who is courteous and mannerly. I want her to see a person who is prompt; not just on time to places, but with birthday cards, permission slips and the like.
How am I doing?
The image above is my sweet "she"; one of the results of our photowalk on Saturday.
33 comments:
Relyn,
I couldn't agree more with this post. Every day, I consider my actions and how they are viewed by my little crumb. Since she arrived, I've learned to be more patient, listen intently, and let the 'little things' go that really do not matter. I have a lot more to work on, but she is now somewhat like my teacher, for each day is a new beginning, the world is our classroom, and the life lessons I put out of my mind for so many years, I am now learning to navigate. Together, we will enjoy this journey of life filled with love and discovery inside and out.
~Melissa
I love that Melissa was the first person to respond! You both are such wonderful moms and just inspiring people. It shows in everything you write and in all that you do.
I received my magical package from you yesterday, my friend, and then tonight I read your wonderful comments. What a happy camper I am! I'll send you a real paper note, too, but just wanted to let you know that it had arrived, and I'm already using my orange pen--LOVE it.
Love the Sunday poem, too, but you already knew that, didn't you? xoxo G
I think this was a beautiful post, you being concerned tells me you are doing everything right. I have a feeling you are a wonderful Mom, take care.
Love and hugs
and I am sure your daughter through her eyes sees exactly what you wrote about and a Mother who loves her so well♥
How blessed♥
I think mom and daughter are doing terrific... :o) Happy Week, Relyn ((HUGS)) Love your morning pages idea...
wonderful to know what is important. to be able to prioritize those special moments and wishes.
your 'mother-daughter relationship' posts are so inspiring! you're so right: they're constantly watching and copying us, aren't they?
xxx
Relyn, thanks for the reminder that our children are always learning from us. I have a feeling you are doing really well in leading your daughter by example!
You are a wonderful mom.
our actions do speak louder than words, don't they ...
What wonderful habits and daily routines you have. I need to start getting up early enough to do more than just get ready and go, go, go.
What a wonderful way to live your life, even if you don't have a special someone watching. I hope Molly remembers and sees I live with intention and integrity- I can only hope... Great post!
She's darling. My own daughter has turned out very much like me. We think so much alike we don't even have to speak half of the time. My son, is nothing like me. So...you never really know. I will say one thing-it is also okay to let them see you fail, lose your temper, cry and screw up. They need to see that you are human, so that when human things happen to them...they know it is okay. I've never seen my mother cry...ever, although I know she has. My poor kids...they've seen it all!
Relyn,
I need to find time to do more of these things. I used to be an avid journalist and now with blogging, I've ceased to continue. Thanks for reminding me just why I need to continue.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
Relyn ~
What a wonderful reminder for all of us! I love this picture of Sloane, may I have it? She is such a doll ~ just like her mama! XO
she is a beauty! and i think you are a wonderful woman! she has a great role model.
I love the picture of Sloane. I also love the things you have said. They watch our every step and they tend to follow in them, even when we wish they wouldn't. Very good advice for all of us, even those of us who have grown children that no longer live with us. We never know who is watching our lives, not just our children!
Such a beautiful portrait...and after reading this journal entry I don't think you have anything to worry about with your parenting:)
"The life I choose to live in front of Sloane is the life she will choose for herself" Relyn--You've got it right. So very right. Those are the token words I'll take me into the world of parenting, when I take that journey.
Sloane is learning many special life skills that so many girls her age don't know. What a treat to have a mom like you to model for her. And ironing, oh my, I finally got some of mine done on Saturday. It feels really good.
This brought back a little childhood memory, Relyn, and hope it will be an encouragement to you...
My mom is a writer (published now); as a child I remember her always writing writing writing....poetry, short stories.....and always ALWAYS reading, to herself, to us....Her reading and writing were always in the foreground of my childhood into adulthood......
She didn't have an office as such, we lived in an old farmhouse and there was always a typewriter in the living room (no computers yet back then!)...If she wasn't using it, we were allowed to write and type and create, which we loved to do...partly due to the novelty of using a typewriter : ) ...I followed in her footseps, writing all kinds of poetry, short stories, from a very young age....And journaling has been a part of my life as long as I can remember and serves me now so well, sorting my thoughts, and in general just being a helpful catharsis...
I love to write, I love the venue of expression it affords me...
And I LOVE to read...
Both of these things were planted in me by my mom's example at an early age....they took root and have flourished in my life...I am so thankful for her gift....
What is it they say? "Raise up a child in the way they should go, and from that path they will not depart."....
It will be a joy for you, I'm sure, to see how your little one's plot thickens over the years due to your fine example...what a lucky little girl : )
She'll turn out just great- because it is so much of what you do- the tiny little things- that they remember- I have been posting on things I remember- the clothesline, my Mom always hanging our sheets out, etc and my Mom reads them and is surprised those are the memories I cherish. ..funny, huh? Not the over the top, I almost killed myself getting that stuff...the easy everyday stuff...sheets and canning and sewing...and I remember some mistakes she made, and the lesosn I learned from those too...
she is seeing you wonderfully!!! & as soon as i can get to the post office, there might{its a suprise} be a new birthday journal on its way :) !! most beautiful wishes
It sounds like you are an excellent role model and Sloane is fortunate to have you as her mom. It's easy to forget sometimes that our children are watching and learning, but it is so true. Do as I say just doesn't work. It's do as I do....
awwww...the photo, the photographer! wonderful portrait of your girl! sloane i love your haircut! you look like your momma :) i'm lovin' what you are doing with picnik! this has that great old film look. back to the topic at hand....i envy that sloane having you to watch and follow. she will never be at a loss for how to live a full life, a good life. while in chicago i watched Olivia watching her momma and daddy, copying just about everything they said and did. it is pretty daunting to think that are that influential in our children's lives. minute by minute we make a difference in their leaning this way or that. to be compassionate, to be indifferent, to be generous, to be withholding, full of courage, full of fear. you are an unbelievable good mom. you work at it and yet...you are just being your own best self.
xoxox see you soon!
i love this portrait of your precious daughter. i only know you through your blog but i see you in her - i see your kindness and loving spirit. your devotion and faith show through in everything you do here, every word you write and i feel sure she sees it in every action you make in daily life.
Hi Relyn, I have enjoyed listing to your music and reading your blog. I am a visual person and it is the farthest stretch for me to blog in words instead of just my paintings so that makes your post all the more satisfying to read. Your words are as art to my mind.
Thank you for a very enjoyable hour.
Hugs
pat
I think there is a saying that goes, more caught than taught, so Sloane seems to just be catching everything you are doing, you are teaching naturally, she is catching on and hanging on to everything she sees you do daily. How can she go wrong just watching you live your life. Keep up the wonderful work dear.
Yes my dear, they are always watching us. We do have to be authentic and aware. Anything we do affects them. I love your awareness and your heart. Our children deserve our total commitment. And yours certainly receives it :)
xox
Isabel
"I want her to see me live with kindness." This is simply the most beautiful wish I've ever seen for a mother/daughter -- or anyone.
That is my most favourite picture I have ever seen of Sloane. What a cutie pie!
It's amazing how much they watch and absorb, isn't it? Sloane has the most amazing role model in you...you are so conscious, and selfless and loving and true. And the connection you share is so very precious. xoxoxo
Loved this post! I also am a writer...writer of Morning Pages, author of the book Managing The Mommy Years, yoga practitioner, and lately - daily meditator.
I hope my three children are absorbing all these wonderful tools that are so helpful in dealing with life's everyday stresses.
Thanks for your posts!
Judy Myers
ManagingTheMommyYears.com
Thanks Relyn!
Morning Pages saved me when I had 3 small children. I still write them today! - almost 15 years later.
Love the virtual hug! Sending it right back at ya!
Judy Myers
MangingTheMommyYears.com
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