Calm Plan-Step 3

Act Deliberately

So after I have assessed myself and what makes my body react, I make a plan, then I act deliberately. That is exactly what I do. When a situation comes up in my home and I feel my body react, I close my eyes and take deep breaths. Then I describe the situation in my mind and then to my child or children (whomever is involved), and I disengage my reaction from the situation so that I can remain calm.

This has been an amazing skill to develop in myself. It has helped my feel so empowered and confident about who I am trying to become. I am certainly not perfect in every situation but my children give me plenty of opportunities to practice and try again. I also find when I am not taking care of myself (getting the sleep I need, eating healthy foods, and filling my spiritual cup) that it can be harder to carry out my plan and keep the proper tone with my children. (And my kids are quick to tell me now when I am barely crossing the boundary of not being calm!) I am sure to apologize and try again in any situation I have not handled properly and my kids are very forgiving and willing to work things out with me!

Have you made your plan? Act deliberately.