Tournez a droit

Thank you all so much for your kind and supportive words on my Direction post. It always makes me feel better to share the pain. I know it's not original but knowing your feelings are not unique, that you're not alone in the challenges you face, it is encouraging, it feels like you're supported. I haven't "met" any of you, and yet your words make me feel better.

So, I'm turning right, I'm facing a new direction and trying to get the mindset to match.

I realised ways to improve my immediate situation, some I can do something about NOW, others are more a work in progress.

1. My youngest monkey is just that, a monkey. I have been losing patience with her too much too often. She's not naughty, but she definitely knows her own mind. My first born is a very compliant child, very obedient, yet when I write that I find I cringe a bit. I've found Leila a challenge because she has known from a very young age what she does and doesn't want and it doesn't often coincide with mummy's first preference. I was yelling, too much, I'm not proud of it. It wasn't working, I felt out of control and it showed. I have been taking deeper breathes, asking not demanding, giving her time to come around to what I would like her to do, being more appreciative of her efforts, and it seems to be paying off. I have have read Krista's blog for ages and love it, but have often dismissed her NVD writings. Perhaps that's something I should pay more attention to.

Image from Vlitig

2. I have to make more time for me. I've enrolled in this - something I have wanted to do for the longest time and Geoff has committed to get home in time for me to do it, which is a HUGE deal for him with the hours he works. Thank you my love. Hopefully my ability will match my enthusiasm! The images above are care of Vlitig - yet another example of her many talents - but I love their shape and would love to make something similar of my own.

3. I am reading more and watching less crap on tv. It's too easy, to switch on and surf for the least objectionable show - something we did far too often. This is a surprisingly hard habit to kick - I realise how much I feel the need to complete shut down and disconnnect, Geoff too. A good book really helps provide the motivation to resist the crud.

Image from Pigeon Pair

4. Creating. I haven't been doing anything for a while. A lot of the stuff I do tends to be machine based, rather than handwork, and as my sewing room is our dining table, Geoff isn't too keen for me to crank it up at all hours - see 3. mindless tv. I love Christie's handwork, but she's so gorgeously precise, I'm not sure I have such lovely straight, neat stiches in me. My mum did cross stiches for many years, she has some gorgeous patterns, perhaps that's more my thing.

The biggest check remaining on my list to tackle, for now at least, is fitness. I've been doing a dvd I have at home, but haven't yet managed a memership anywhere. I just can't find a spot for it, the ongoing sessions that is - pathetic I know, if I wanted to I would. I am full of exercise excuses I know that, but I'm trying, little by little. Anyone in the eastern suburbs who needs a motivating exercise buddy - drop me a line - I work better when I'm letting someone else down if I skip a class!