
Here’s how CHOOSING LOVE could play out in a typical day:
1. Wake up. Mind starts racing. So much to do. So tired. Instead of reaching for the phone or grumbling about all there is to do, CHOOSE LOVE.It might sound like this: Today is a new day. I am thankful I have been given this gift. My goal is to get out of bed and greet myself and my family with love. Love is how I will start this day.
2. Child not getting ready. Frustration rises. Instead of threatening or yelling: CHOOSE LOVE.It might sound like this: How can I help? Let’s set a timer. How quickly do you think you can do clothes, shoes, backpack? Okay, let’s do it. On your mark, get set, GO!
3. Traffic is horrendous. You are going to be late. The whole day is going to be off. Instead of cursing, reaching for the phone, or making a dangerous U-turn: CHOOSE LOVE.It might sound like this: I have just been given uninterrupted time. I will take this time to breathe. I will ask my child to sing me a song. I will listen to that voice and know it won’t always sound like this. I will take this moment of frustration and turn it into gratitude.
4. Arrive at destination only to be met with criticism, judgment, or rudeness. Instead of taking it personally, wasting energy, or saying something you’ll later regret: CHOOSE LOVE.It might sound like this: Their negative response is not about me. It is about them. I refuse to let their toxicity contaminate my day, my job, or my life. I will smile and let it go.
5. Perform your duty/assignment, and it is not as good as you’d like. Instead of berating yourself or trying to make it perfect: CHOOSE LOVE.It might look like this: I have spent ample time and energy on this project. It is good enough for today. My effort is enough to make a positive contribution and that is what matters.
6. Evening packed with sports, meetings, dinner, and homework. Instead of bemoaning your chaotic, crazy life: CHOOSE LOVE.It might look like this: Sometimes it is hard to be here. Tonight is one of those nights. But I am needed. Tonight I will focus on the smile I receive when my loved one spots me on the sidelines. Tonight I will focus on the sound of contentment I hear when my loved one digs into the meal I prepared. Tonight I will focus on the goodnight kiss that is offered to me. I am needed. I am loved. I am here.
7. Fall into bed. Mind starts racing. Instead of reviewing mistakes, failings, and what you didn’t accomplish today: CHOOSE LOVE.Think of all the times you chose love today. And even if it was only once, celebrate it. In the midst of chaos, inconvenience, frustration, and crabby people, you chose love. With the millions of other choices you could’ve made, you chose love. Love is how this day will end.
This article was adapted from Rachel Stafford’s original blog on her website, Hands Free Mama, and can be read here. Photo by Maria Gotay —"Today I will choose love. Tomorrow I will choose love. And the day after that, I will choose love. If I mistakenly choose distraction, perfection, or negativity over love, I will not wallow in regret. I will choose love next. I will choose love until it becomes my first response … my gut instinct … my natural reaction. I will choose love until it becomes who I am." – Rachel Macy Stafford
