My goals include making sure I am listening to my own needs and finding healthy ways to communicate them. But also there is a vital need to be able to rise above exhaustion and emotion in order to patiently communicate to my husband. Finding a balance within myself is the foundation to this communication as well as learning to decipher our daughter's communication.
Over the last couple weeks I have had a persistent headache. I rarely get headaches so one lasting days and weeks is not a welcome change. I know my body well enough to know part of it is lack of sleep and part of it is dehydration. Yet as the return to work nears I have caught myself clenching my jaw at night.
Last night as I pulled out my mouth guard that hasn't been used in a year, I couldn't help seeing the symbolism. I am guarding my mouth while setting goals for communication. I'm protecting what happens inside while making a conscious effort to protect and temper what comes out...or at least how it comes out. It is not only communication I am striving for but comfort and balance.
I'm grateful for this month's goals. I'm grateful to make the conscious effort to speak calmly and clearly. I'm grateful for the tools I have to help me meet this goal. I'm grateful for the members of Project Joy and for the ability to start back into work with a more laid back event. I'm grateful that my daughter was able to come with me to lead this group and that she was so patient during the whole thing.
I'm grateful to know my body so well. I'm grateful to be conscious of my goals and my challenges. I'm grateful for a patient husband who is also trying to rise above lack of sleep for productive communication. And I'm grateful for my mouth guard for both its physical assistance and its symbolism
What are your goals this month? Have you checked in with your communication style lately? Is it effective and serving your needs?
May today give us a breath of fresh air and the ability to communicate our needs clearly and from the heart. Have a beautiful day!