Navigating Life’s Storms: A Journey of Parenting and Self-Mastery
Introduction: The Sailor in the Storm
In the vast sea of life, we often find ourselves in the midst of storms, struggling to keep our boat afloat. I recently listened to a podcast where the speaker illustrated a powerful imagery of a sailor caught in a storm. Instead of succumbing to panic and attempting the impossible task of stopping the storm, the sailor focuses on the aspects within their control: adjusting the sails and steering the rudder. This story resonated deeply with me as I navigated my own challenges as a parent.
Personal Parenting Journey
When I was pregnant with my first child, Devon, I had a vision of what parenting would look like. Life, however, had its own plans. After several weeks of bedrest, Devon was born 6 weeks early. Soon after, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. This journey taught me the importance of managing what was in my control, and finding peace amid uncertainty.
Facing Challenges with Devon
Living with the knowledge of Devon’s cerebral palsy was daunting. It wasn’t long before I learned the importance of focusing on what was within my power. Even on bedrest, I prioritized simple, self-care tasks that indirectly supported my baby. This perspective carried over into my role as a parent, helping me embrace my limitations and focus on adaptive strategies.
Self-Care and Parental Wisdom
Parenting, much like navigating a storm, requires wisdom and self-mastery. There are limits to what we can do for our children, and often, the best way to help them is by first helping ourselves. A wise sailor doesn’t waste energy wishing the storm away; they adjust their sails and navigate wisely. This approach teaches us to respond with intention rather than reaction.
Morning Routine: M Power
To help with responding with intention, I developed a daily morning routine, which I call “M Power.” Each day, I meditate, pray, write, read, and exercise. Incorporating just a few minutes of this practice can be very grounding, preparing us for the challenges that lie ahead. I urge you to find a simple morning routine to start your day grounded and centered.
Helpful Thoughts for Parenting
A significant shift in my parenting came from being mindful of my thoughts. I’ve found two thoughts particularly helpful: acknowledging age-appropriate or situation-appropriate behaviors, and discerning wants versus needs. This mindset diffuses emotional energy and helps manage expectations.
Balancing Wants and Needs
Understanding the difference between wants and needs has been transformative. For instance, wanting Devon to wear specific clothes to family events doesn’t mean he needs to. Recognizing these differences has helped me relinquish unnecessary control and focus on what truly matters.
Navigating Life’s Storms
The reality of life is that storms will come, and sometimes we need them to end, but we don’t have the power to end them. What we can control is our response. By honing our skills and trusting our abilities, we find stability amidst chaos.
Faith and Support Systems
For me, underlying all of this is faith—believing that I’m not alone, and that I have the support of family, friends, and God. In our metaphorical boats, it’s often the crew, our loved ones, who help us navigate through stormy waters.
Conclusion: Seeking Help and Tools
If you feel like you need a crew mate to help you through a challenging situation, I would love to talk with you. You can schedule a free phone call, and during that time, we’ll discuss your specific circumstances. I’ll share tools and strategies that could be most beneficial for you and your child at this time.
Start your journey towards mastering your storms and setting sail into calmer waters today by setting up a free appointment, as well as signing up for my free newsletter, where you can dive deeper by accessing my private podcast.
