Here's a  letter from a mom who attended my presentation a couple of years ago:

“I worked so hard to keep my family together.   I was living with a dysfunctional man, and then realized my own dysfunction.  When I stopped trying to keep my family together at all costs and shifted my mind-set, we divorced.  Then I channeled all of my energy towards healing myself and unwinding the damage done to my young children ages 5, 5 and 8.  I decided the most important thing was to create a healthy family dynamic. 

“Even though I was still very raw, I attended Louise Hart’s lecture hosted by the local twins club.  Louise’s words spoke to me.  I related deeply to her personal story, as it was so similar to mine.  I purchased her books - “On the Wings of Self-Esteem” and “The Winning Family.”   I have integrated the principles of The Winning Family into all aspects of how we work as a family.  They have been a key part of my healing and recovery. 

"Fortunately, I had the courage to lead my family.  Now we are thriving!  Turning around my family after my divorce is one of the greatest satisfactions of my life." 

 

Early in December we celebrated my birthday, then had a Chanukkah celebration with my son’s family.  Next week we’ll celebrate the Solstice at my home, and then Christmas with my daughter’s family.  So many traditions and so many ways to celebrate them.  It can be fun and exciting—and it can also be overwhelming!  Here is a short activity from The Winning Family to help you manage the numerous things you need to do during this holiday season:

1. Make a list of five things you have to do, starting each sentence with “I must…,” “I have to…,” “I ought to…,”  or “I should....” 
2. Now, re-write that list starting each sentence with “I choose to…” and adding the same endings. 

Tune in to your feelings….  Were you resentful when you wrote the first list? Stressed? After writing the second, do you feel lighter?  Empowered?  Which list are you more likely to get done? The first is your "External Locus of Control" list; the second is your "Internal Locus of Control" list.  Locus of Control is about who is in the driver's seat of your life.

When you next hear you “shoulding” on yourself, stop and ask yourself what you choose to do.  Notice the difference.

From "Who's Pulling Your Strings?" Chapter 21 of The Winning Family, by Louise Hart.

Click here: http://apps.attainresponse.com/MediaF5/liveRecording.htm?id=183684 to view the webinar I recorded this morning for Every Child Healthy Network - "How Parents Can Curb Bullying."  This webinar is about an hour long interview with me by "Coach Carl" Logrecco, and has valuable information on protecting your children from bullying.