To know if something is working it needs to be tested. Reading. Writing. Podcasting. Meditating. Building new habits. All theory. Things to pass time to make me feel better. To give this life meaning, focus, and purpose.
Then, one day you pick up your daugther and she starts telling you things that push your limits of… patience. How to respond? What should be said, or not said?
All you can do is what is best for her when she is with you. To let your frustration show would only weaken the connection you have been creating for years.
Pause. Do not say anything. You are not ready. The space gives her time to talk more. She fills the space. Listen. Do not talk.
Time. Give yourself time.
I am writing this, frustrated at what was told to me. Bordering on angry at ignorance. Yet, also smiling. Writing these words. Processing.
Keep reading. Keep writing. Keep meditating. Keep building better habits. A mind in motion tends to stay in motion. Create the story of you. Better can become the norm of how you react to life. Especially, when presented with a challenge.
No knee jerk reaction. No fear controlling emotions, or response. Sculpting a better father, one moment at a time.
Without details at this time, my efforts paid off yesterday. Talking openly and honestly with my daughter. Treating her as a person, acknowledging what she was telling me, seeing through her words vs the words put in her mouth. Finding that moment when she reverted to herself. I did not give her anything to push against. So, she did not push.
Posted. Not Perfect.
A Vegan Father navigating a non-vegan world.
A Better Father 