Word Resolution

I don't really put much stock in New Year's resolutions. I've attended exercise classes for too many years to know how quickly the enthusiasm fizzles.

I have; however, thought a lot about words lately. I want to amend my words--how I speak, what I speak. It's not a New Year's resolution necessarily, the fact that we've rolled over to a new year is not perpetuating my desire to change. I have different "motivators".

Hadley loves our dogs, I mean--LOVES them. She asks to see her "da" all the time, she waves to them, she tells them goodnight before bed, she dangles food from her tiny hand during mealtimes to get their attention, and some days they get more kisses than I do.

I often get frustrated with Hadley's beloved "da". They get underfoot while I'm rushing about the kitchen, back and forth getting meals ready. My patience with them dwindles, and I speak sharply and unkindly at them. The jabbering coming from the high chairs abruptly stops, and the girls stare at me in wonderment; their mama who just uttered harsh words at their puppies. My daughters' soul-searching eyes cut me to the quick.

I said a few weeks ago  that I wanted my words to be gentle, kind and full of grace.  Only speak words that make souls stronger. I want to be able to show my daughters what this looks like when speaking to all kinds of creatures.

In my kitchen, I have a quote taped to my cabinets, so that I see it when the dogs are tripping me up and impeding my progress towards dinner.

Before you speak ask yourself: Is it kind, is it necessary, is it true, does it improve on the silence? ~Shirdi Sai Baba, an Indian Saint 

 Enough said.