Embracing Family
How can we help ourselves and our kids transition from grumpy to grateful? We need to change our point of view, literally and figuratively!
The English teacher in me realizes that changing from the first-person point of view (I) to the second-person point of view (you) is not simply a manner to speak or write, but it is a game-changer regarding gratitude.
Shifting our perspective from focusing on me to concentrating on others can be transformative in penning a story and living our lives.
If we want to help transform the periodic grumpy attitudes in our homes, we need to start with ourselves, not our spouses or kids! Look at ourselves in the mirror. Do we see happiness or stress?
Most of us don’t look at ourselves in the mirror very often, but others look at us all day long, whether nearby or at a distance in the store. What do others see in us?
This refers not to clothing styles or hairstyles but to what radiates from within us. Do others see kindness and happiness in us?
How can we increase that goodness and kindness from within?
Pray and ask God to help us put others before ourselves.
Practice common courtesy by letting others go first (opening the door for them, gesturing that they may go in front of us).
Increase being present to the people around us by listening more than we speak (God gave us two ears, one mouth!).
Increase being present in what we are doing by thanking God for what we have and praying for those who are not as fortunate. For example, if I am cleaning our house, thank God we have a home to clean and pray for those who are houseless.
Change perspective by volunteering
We can also take it to the next level and begin volunteering:
Start monthly — even if it is as simple as a beach cleanup with your ohana.
Pick some nonprofits that align with your families’ values. Sign up for their alerts for volunteer opportunities, or check NextDoor and EventBrite for volunteer opportunities.
Email us if you want help connecting with charities or nonprofits for volunteering; we will be happy to assist! Our Rotary Club has 10 volunteer endeavors scheduled for November and December, and we would be delighted if you and your ohana were to join these volunteering opportunities.
When we focus on gratitude and reach out to others in our community who are in need, we realize how incredibly blessed we are. Even the things that generally frustrate us or are challenging to handle often pale in comparison to the sufferings of others.
When we shift our focus from ourselves to others, we feel better about ourselves and the world around us. In doing so, our family will notice the change and will want to participate as well.
As gratitude increases, grumpiness decreases. If we feel grumpy, it’s time to focus on volunteering — this shift in perspective will be one of the most life-giving things we do for ourselves, our ohanas and those we serve.
Questions? Please email Sarah and David at Success@EmbraceFamilyLearning.com. We would be honored to lift you in prayer and respond!
