I spoke with a parenting (authentic parenting / attraction parenting / attachment parenting - does it need a label?) counsellor, and I outlined our issues and she said to me something on the lines of why am I letting people criticise me and belittle me? Why am I letting myself be bullied? I, she pointed out, am modelling poor self esteem, I'm showing my son it's okay to be abused. Ouch. But sadly it is true.
In trying to seek approval from people that won't accept me or my opinions, I wonder - have I missed out on a most important trait to model - self respect and hence, self love?
I let other people's (albeit perceived) negative voices seep inside me, to creep up so I get angry believing my children should or shouldn't do something. I am letting other people's self-limiting beliefs limit me.
I know I should not speak ill of others and if I have an issue with someone treating me wrong I should say no. But that part of me, is just going to have to wait. Because it takes time and energy to fight my inner negative voice, and I don't have it in me to take the pain out of every stressful thought when every negative encounter brings more.
In the instance that you encounter a negative critical person that you cannot be assertive with for whatever reason, the most loving thing to do is create a distance, politely.
Because if you let someone treat you badly, you're not respecting them either. Truly. l have absorbed other people's negativity and then I seethed and had bad thoughts about them. I've wronged us both because I've withheld an opportunity for mutual growth and respect.
So whether I smile and walk away, or stay and assert my true voice, it has to be done with love.
I hope you don't mind me saying, but I noticed from some of your posts on GP that you seemed to have little confidence in your parenting abilities. But I just want to say I think you're doing a bloody fantastic job!! I found your 'Green Mean Eco Machine' post very inspiring (I left the tab open to comment but I lost all my open tabs and forgot as usual), and also, I doubt many people manage to breastfeed twins as long as you have! While most people go for the easy options, you go against the grain to do the right things for yourself, your family and the planet and I think other people forget that the easiest option isn't the only option and usually isn't the best option!! I think you should be really proud of what you're doing!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your words! It was strange that when I read what you wrote, I was almost moved to tears (I can't cry yet!) and I happened to listen to a podcast on Law of Attraction parenting, and it hit me that despite trying so hard I've completely missed the point - to enjoy it and think about all the positive things. What we all do well at, all the nice things my family do and say. So thank you!
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