“I wake up with great promise that this will be a day of completing projects, being on time for things, having fun, and NO YELLING.  That’s how I wake up. Half an hour later the plan is already beginning to unravel.” Does this sound familiar?  Each day has a certain “fresh start” feel to it, yet what good is a fresh start if the endings are all too predictable?  What makes a day a success – or not?

The “not” days may be filled with events outside our control. Sometimes it’s the kids. Sometimes it’s resistance to what is actually happening. Whatever happens, it may feel that IT is running the show and WE are just along for the ride.  Taking control of the day begins with acceptance. What is – IS.  We understand that believing it shouldn’t rain when we plan a picnic is actually outside of our control, however when it comes to children we may believe that if we think our children should behave better, then they magically should.  We resist what is happening in favor of a more pleasant fantasy filled with compliant responses and clean rooms.

That is where the “off day” comes in.  Our “wishful day” does not match the real one – and it hurts.  Some may feel the disappointment, some rise above it, some fight against it.  Acceptance is the smoothest way through it. Acceptance doesn’t mean there is no effort to shift gears or improve the situation. It means that the starting point is exactly where you’re at. There is no where else to start.

So approach tomorrow with hope – no matter what comes. It is the day, the only day, you have. Put on your parent shoes and dance, sing, cry or complain.  Flow with it. See what it brings. Be surprised!