It doesn't matter who we are -- how rich, famous, talented, religious or educated. Each of us has an internal barometer for what we deem is “right or wrong” and “good or bad”. Most often, we think we are passing these values on to our children – but are we really?
Think about the parent that scolds their child for lying and then a day later is calling in to work “sick” because they have plans with a friend.
What about the parent that insists that their child eat healthy and balanced meals and then secretly woofs down dessert enough for three people.
You’ve probably heard the saying, “Do as I say, not as I do”. Heck, maybe you’ve even said it yourself. I know I have.
My children were arguing recently and I screamed, “STOP YELLING!” It only took a second for all of us to realize that I was modeling the very behavior I was trying to discourage. Thankfully, we had a good laugh about it and I could use it as a teachable moment.
Double Bracket: Remember, people will judge you by your actions, not your intentions. You may have a heart of gold - but so does a hard-boiled egg. ~Author Unknown Our actions define who we are. They are the footprints to our true self.
What do you model for your children?
Where are you out of alignment with who you say you are and how you actually show up in your everyday life?
National bestselling author and inspirational teacher, Debbie Ford, created ten powerful and succinct questions that support us in making choices that lead us to feeling great and keep our thoughts, words and actions in harmony. Debbie’s book, The Right Questions, elaborates on each of these questions and the power they hold.
1. Will this choice propel me toward an inspiring future or will it keep me stuck in the past?
2. Will this choice bring me long-term fulfillment or will it bring me short-term gratification?
3. Am I standing in my power or am I trying to please another?
4. Am I looking for what’s “right” or am I looking for what’s “wrong”?
5. Will this choice add to my life force or will it rob me of my energy?
6. Will I use this situation as a catalyst to grow and evolve or will I use it to beat myself up?
7. Does this choice empower me or does it disempower me?
8. Is this an act of self-love or is it an act of self-sabotage?
9. Is this an act of faith or is it an act of fear?
10. Am I choosing from my divinity or am I choosing from my humanity?
Maybe the question is not so much “Do your actions speak louder than your words?” but more so “Who do I want to be for myself and for my children; and, am I willing to do what it takes to become that?”
Prior to opening her own business, Karen Nowicki was a teacher, asst. principal and vice president for public and charter schools. Karen is dedicated to helping you become the greatest expression of yourself. She accomplishes this through her private coaching, tele-seminars, and her Snuggle Deep Retreat. Karen is the author of Maddie Moonbeam's Garden, an inspirational gift book which offers a sweet tribute to each person's journey toward self acceptance. Karen lives in Chandler, AZ with her husband and three children.
For more with Karen, sign up for her free newsletter at www.apeacefulintegration.com.
