Bad Moments - Not Bad Mamas

This week, Lysa TerKeurst has done an email series titled, "No More Unglued Mama Mornings". Guessing we all know what she's talking about - whether it's getting everyone off to work & daycare in the morning, or out to school, or even the occasional appointment that prevents you from spending the day at home.

Unglued moments also transcend the age of our kids. An unexpected poopy diaper explosion, a toddler that refuses to get dressed, backtalking, oversleeping, disagreements, grumpiness...It's really not hard to "lose it", especially when time is of the essence. Here's a selection from Lysa's day two email. ~Tiffany

Here are three statements I wrote about in my book, Unglued, that will help us bring it:

1. Feelings are indicators not dictators.
I'm not always going to have blissful, happy feelings. I'm just not. But while my feelings may indicate I have some things to address, they don't have to dictate a bad mood. It's time for me to be the boss of my feelings and determine to bring the joy I want my home to be filled with today.

2. Bad moments don't make bad mamas.
Have you ever caught yourself labeling the kind of mother you are in light of a few bad moments with your kids? "I'm not patient." "I lose it all the time." "I'm the most disorganized mother on the planet."

Me too.

But these labels won't help us bring more joy into our mornings—they'll just bog us down. Here's the reality ... just because I have an impatient moment doesn't mean I'm an impatient mother. We need to stop the self-condemning labels by matching each negative moment with a positive reality. Maybe I had an impatient moment when I helped with homework last night but this morning I'm bringing patience in the way I helped my daughter find something to wear.

Yes, I'm bringing it.

3. Find the joy treasure.
There will be a treasure hidden in the moments you experience this morning. Look for it.

Look for the way she tucks her curls behind her ears and ties the ribbon in her hair. Look for the way he fiddles with his hat trying to look cool. Take a snapshot this morning of this joy treasure. Don't miss it. When you find it, tuck it in your heart and let it sink deep. These are the moments that form that wellspring of joy and help us keep bringing it.

Peace, love, joy, patience, kindness—these are the things with which we want to fill our mornings. Despite the circumstances we face and the attitudes of others, it is possible to have this wonderful atmosphere—if we decide to bring it.