Do you want to bring some clarity and purpose to your parenting? Confused about how to react in certain situations? Do you feel lost at sea sometimes, without an anchor to hold you in place? I have, and I know many other parents have felt this too.
So, this is what we are going to do. As a thought experiment, take some time to ask yourself some big questions. Sit with the answers, mull them over. The answers will provide you with valuable insight.
Try asking yourself questions like these. (You can do it on your own, with your partner, or a friend).
- What is my ultimate purpose in this role as a parent? Why?
- What does my child really need, first and foremost? Why?
- How do I need to show-up day to day as a parent? Why?
- What kind of world do I want to help create for my child? Why?
The day-to-day of being a parent is inextricably linked to the bigger picture. Asking these bigger questions has the effect of appealing to the bigger self. It expands the heart and the mind. It allows us to cut out the “shoulds” and helps get us on track with our true purpose.
The big picture makes clear what’s really important and what’s really an illusion. When you ask yourself questions like: “What do I want for the future of the world, for my child, and all the other children of the world?” All of a sudden, things get real, and clarity emerges. With your true feelings better understood, you can start putting your energy in the right direction. Being in alignment with your true hopes and intentions will bring a sense of peace and purpose to parenting that is powerful and sustaining.
I know that parenting is busy and hard enough as it is. But I can’t help but ask these questions. And I can’t help but ask you to do the same. Looking into my child’s eyes, I feel the weight of the responsibility and the excitement of opportunity. It is challenging being a parent, no doubt. But, I can tell you, if you take some time to ask and answer the big questions, the little things will work themselves out a lot easier.
In truth and love,