Though You're Justified
Imagine. After a long day at work you begin to unwind and then...
Girl: "You can't do that!"
Boy: "Yes I can! Shut up!"
Cry in Unison: "Mama...!!!!"
My 10 year old, who hates to be corrected, spewed firey directives and insults at his sister in a tone so loud and harsh that I clearly heard every word from my upstairs bedroom.
In a matter of moments he broke the "No yelling" rule, the "No Saying Shut-up"rule and most important, the "don't get on mommy's nerves cuz you'll be in big trouble" rule. How does he find so many ways to test my patience?
Once I successfully diffused the sibling scuffle, I learned that his sister was monitoring the amount of pizza he could heap onto his plate - this is quite reasonable considering she's 7 years his senior (and just as hungry).
His defense for lashing out was that big sis was skimping on the servings (and he was comin gup short). He sincerely felt that his outburst was justified and therefore, he shouldn't be in trouble. Though I could understand his argument, his rationale just didn't cut the mustard.
There's a saying "don't let that knock you off your square." It simply means that we should not allow things or people to take us out of character.
EVEN when we feel justified not to, we have a responsibility to ourselves to maintain our composure. When we don't, we lose the credibility and respect of our peers and seem erratic. Depending on the situation, our reactions could cause irreparable damage to relationships and even our careers.
How bad might it have been if President Obama didn't maintain his cool when he was called a liar during a national address? Though he had both the power and right to lash out at his accusor, he barely missed a beat and continued to deliver his message. Even non-supporters couldn't argue that he displayed poise and self-control.
An incredible amount of maturity and restraint is required to remain calm in the midst of tense situations but the benefits are immeasurable. Since we are ultimately responsible for our actions, let's make sure we're the only ones that affect them.
Girl: "You can't do that!"
Boy: "Yes I can! Shut up!"
Cry in Unison: "Mama...!!!!"
My 10 year old, who hates to be corrected, spewed firey directives and insults at his sister in a tone so loud and harsh that I clearly heard every word from my upstairs bedroom.
In a matter of moments he broke the "No yelling" rule, the "No Saying Shut-up"rule and most important, the "don't get on mommy's nerves cuz you'll be in big trouble" rule. How does he find so many ways to test my patience?
Once I successfully diffused the sibling scuffle, I learned that his sister was monitoring the amount of pizza he could heap onto his plate - this is quite reasonable considering she's 7 years his senior (and just as hungry).
His defense for lashing out was that big sis was skimping on the servings (and he was comin gup short). He sincerely felt that his outburst was justified and therefore, he shouldn't be in trouble. Though I could understand his argument, his rationale just didn't cut the mustard.
Today's Inspiration
Though We Cannot Control the Stimulus, We Own Our Reaction to It
There's a saying "don't let that knock you off your square." It simply means that we should not allow things or people to take us out of character.
EVEN when we feel justified not to, we have a responsibility to ourselves to maintain our composure. When we don't, we lose the credibility and respect of our peers and seem erratic. Depending on the situation, our reactions could cause irreparable damage to relationships and even our careers.
How bad might it have been if President Obama didn't maintain his cool when he was called a liar during a national address? Though he had both the power and right to lash out at his accusor, he barely missed a beat and continued to deliver his message. Even non-supporters couldn't argue that he displayed poise and self-control.
An incredible amount of maturity and restraint is required to remain calm in the midst of tense situations but the benefits are immeasurable. Since we are ultimately responsible for our actions, let's make sure we're the only ones that affect them.
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