I caught a nugget of some wisdom listening to Rich Roll’s podcast with Surgeon General Vice Admiral Vivek Murthy. I am sure this bit of knowledge did not have the intent to which I apply it to my life but it got me thinking. Thinking, about how I have had this opportunity the last couple of weeks to be a leader, to set an example for others but most importantly our daughter. When we face obstacles, adversity, and God knows what else we have a choice to learn. To hold our heads high, and respond with clear and cool head. Not because we are better. But because we want better for others that look to us to show them how it’s done.
Growing up and until I was a young adult, I thought the way to deal with obstacles and challenges was to throw a golf club. To scream my head off, maybe punch something, or slam a door. I thought it was the “manly” response that was expected of me. If I didn’t lose my temper I wasn’t manly enough. I’ve learned it is not a healthy response to any situation. It says a lot more about you than your manliness, more so your lack of manliness. I wish I could say I never lose my temper but that would make me a liar.
We got a puppy a couple of weeks back. The dog has been great aside from the chewing and biting. As a result of the dog teething it has been nearly non-stop when he is not sleeping. It has really worn us down. It has pushed me several times past the point that I am ashamed and disappointed in how I have responded. I am not alone here, the whole house has been chaotic. I feel it has been turned upside down since our quiet home over the last year.
Our daughter shared that she does not like all the yelling it is starting to feel like it’s not a home.
Ouch, that hurts big time. Not proud of this moment. But I am proud that she felt strong enough to tell me that.
When I heard what Vivek’s grandmother told him, it got me thinking about the past couple of weeks. She told him, “When you stand in strength, you allow others to come find you.” What I heard from this though was I needed to be standing up strong for our daughter and for our family. This is my opportunity to show her how to act during times of adversity and frustration. The time to show her how to handle our emotions when we are beyond frustrated. Being strong in these moments it allows her to come to me when she is frustrated asking how to handle the events in her life.
I’ve let a cute little puppy dictate how I’ve felt, how I have acted, and how high my blood pressure has gotten.
Which one of us has been more of an animal?
The puppy is going to do what he is going to do. It is beyond my control, the only thing in my control is how I react to the situation. And of course, if he stays living here, :).