Just Let Go. The Power of Yes

It's so easy to do.  You are in the middle of a project--perhaps unloading the dishwasher, or sweeping the floor.  Then, you feel a tug on your jeans and hear a tiny voice-- "Play Squirrel Game?"  

"In a little bit baby" -- I reply.

Sometimes we get to it, but sometimes we don't.
Then I'll realize it later after the kids are already in bed.  but by then it is too late.

I have realized that I have some pretty automatic responses, without really thinking about them.
Why do we need to wait until later?
Why do I automatically say "no" sometimes?

I want to be the mom who says "YES!-Of course we will play that game."  It may be more work to say yes.  I may be tired, or busy.   But childhood is so precious, and so short.  I don't want to miss out on these opportunities to spend time having fun with my kids!  To see them light up and smile.  To show them that I love being around them.  To let them know how special they are!  

I read these blog posts about Becoming a Yes Mom and about the In a Minute Mom--and found them to be good reminders for me.

Just so we're clear--I don't always say "no" or "wait," but it happens enough that I want to make some changes.


Now, on to my next point:

I have something to admit.  I am a bit of a control freak.  Okay, more than a little bit.  I like to be in control--so much so that I often find myself trying to control the way my kids play!  I don't want to be like that.  I'm not really sure how I became like this--but it is something that I would like to change about myself.    Trying to control everything and everyone is exhausting.  and, it really does not work.

The only person that I can truly control is myself.
I can also control my attitude, thoughts, feelings, and actions in any given situation.
Its something that I need to be very mindful of if I am going to make those changes.


Today I tried to be intentional about making little changes here and there, including setting up a little sand activity for my daughter where I just let her play.

I did not try to direct her play.
I did not try to control the mess. Oh, but I wanted to! even though we were outside (told you I was a control freak!)  I bit my tongue though. :)
I just let it happen, and I let her play and have fun!

Here are a few photos:

She had a fun time playing with the sand--and I had so much fun watching her play, and playing along whenever she wanted me to do something!  

  
My objective:

I am going to try to catch myself when I want to say "no" or "wait".  If possible, and within reason, I am going to try to just say "YES." Yes, will read that book again.  Yes, we will go play at the playground.  Yes, lets go build that tent with all the blankets.  Because they are growing so quickly, and I don't want to miss a single moment of fun with my babies.