Small Steps for one more week



I made the decision to read Small Steps for Catholic Moms for one week (a small step, right?) and I have. Every night, I read the next day's page. And in the morning I read it again. And I start my day. And my days are, I think, better.

This month's virtue is JOY.

Something I have physically around the house, but not something found frequently in the home.

Each day I read the words of wisdom on the pages of this marvelous book; but the words that stuck with me the most, that I chose to concentrate on this week have been from January 12:

"They are led and bound more by gentleness

than by force or harsh words."

St. Catherine of Siena

And so this past week I have really strived to not yell - even when calling someone from another location. And I have, mostly, succeeded. And it is HARD. The habit of yelling: in disappointment, anger, or frustration, because of anxiety, being late, or just because; is hard to overcome.

I have been taking a lot of 'deep breaths'. I have set the alarm on my cell phone (because I don't have a watch) to go off at 9am, noon, 3pm, and 6pm to remind me to stop and bring God to the front of my thoughts throughout the day, instead of just remembering Him when I wake and when I fall asleep.

I have failed - a couple times: spectacularly - but I remember to "take a deep breath" and apologize for yelling and try again. And I am reminded that all God wants from me is to keep trying. It is when I give up that I truly fail.

And I hope my home has a little more joy than before.

A rousing game of Parchese first thing in the morning!

So I will try Small Steps for one more week..... join us?