My sister Saydi writes articles now and then for the Meridian Magazine, and I feel like I just want to share one that she wrote before Thanksgiving because it’s so good! (well, I love all that she writes, I love how she puts together her thoughts.) But the one I’m talking about is HERE. One of my favorite stories from it:
A good friend of mine shared with me the story of her two daughters who were constantly fighting. The younger daughter Emma was experiencing some health problems that made her irritable and mean, taking out her frustrations on her sister. The older daughter, Charlotte, quickly became fed up with being mistreated and fought back. This dynamic resulted in months of extreme contention between the two that the whole family could feel. But then, over the course of a few weeks, a dramatic change occurred. Things started to soften between the two and love and kindness started creeping back into their relationship. When the mom asked Charlotte what brought about this change she confessed that she had been prompted to start writing down 10 things she loved about her sister. Nightly she wrote this list in her journal, keeping it to herself. This simple act of turning her heart and changing her attitude toward her sister brought about a miraculous transformation, not only in Charlotte, but also in Emma. We often underestimate the power that our thoughts, attitude, and perspective can have, not only on ourselves, but on those around us.
True words to live by right there.
And I love this painting by Caitlin Connolly because to me it depicts just how powerful those thoughts can be.
Just some thoughts about thoughts for the day.
I’m pretty positive you shared this just for me. Thank you. And thanks for being a voice in the world for deliberate motherhood. I need and appreciate your insights and perspective in my life♥️
Thanks Holly, glad it spoke to you. And thanks for the sweet note. xoxo
Thank you so much for sharing this. I needed this. I am quite sick with a chronic illness (Neurological Lyme Disease) and have been for some time. I am finally in treatment after being undiagnosed for 1.5 years, but the treatment makes me sicker before I start getting better. I am at home with my 3 young children. I realize that I am difficult to be around because my illness can actually cause irritability, and feeling so sick inside makes me have very low tolerance levels. I pray constantly for help to be kinder and be the “eye of the storm” (as you have shared in the past), but I feel like I have way more losses than wins. I am constantly searching for ideas of how to be calmer and it is a huge struggle. So, thank you for a new idea. I will try this with every member of my family and see if it helps! Thank you for always being willing to share your thoughts and ideas, and for listening to promptings about what to share. You have been such a huge influence and inspiration in the positive ways that I parent my children.
I’m so glad these wise words from my sister could help, and I’m so sorry you are struggling with chronic illness. That must be a very difficult road for you as well as your family. I love that you are always searching for ways to help your tolerance levels, it is inspiring. I”m sending on over lots of love to help you on your journey. May you continue to find answers that help along the way.
xoxo
Thank you for sharing this and introducing me to Caitlin’s breath taking artwork. I just looked through a few of her paintings while making dinner and I am so moved!
Her artwork speaks to me and my heart. I’ll make a cup of tea once my kiddos are nestled in bed and take my time to look through in detail.
I feel the same way.
Love it!