Each week we change the words/quote/saying that we are displaying on the noticeboard in our kitchen; these are the words we try to live by individually and as a family that week. Some weeks may focus on lifting our mood, others may be about motivation or attitude to life; something that speaks to us on some level and that we can directly apply to our lives. Changing the words each week stops them from becoming just another thing you walk past without really seeing, it keeps things fresh and stops them losing their power. This series is where I share those words with you in the hope they may help you and your family too. If you a new to the series and want to learn more, you can read the first post here, or check out the Words To Live By tab in the top menu.
Do you ever wish you could be more/do more? Be more creative, more confident, more outgoing, fitter, healthier, more patient, more focused, more successful. Do you ever wish you could be more like a certain person? “If only I had their confidence/patience/attitude etc, my life we be so much better.”
I’m going to go out on a limb here and guess that you all said yes. I’m pretty sure that everyone has experienced these feelings at least once in their life, if not several times a day. It’s part of human nature.
Well, this week’s words to live by could be just what you need.
I’m sure you’ve all heard the phrase ‘fake it till you make it’, I used it myself in my Smile Like You Mean It post. I’ve always been a big believer in this philosophy, and still am, but don’t always find it easy to put into action. In some instances it just doesn’t feel right. It doesn’t resonate with the situation I’m in or what I’m feeling at the time.
The past week I have been reading the book She Means Business by Carrie Green (truly inspiring). Carrie often talks about becoming the person you need to be in order to succeed and the last few days I’ve kept hearing a phrase on repeat in my head – Be the person the you want to become.
Something about this phrase resonates with me on a much deeper level. After typing the phrase into google it seems to be a pretty popular philosophy. I found hundreds of quotes that all seem to say the same thing. You all know how much I love a good quote.
I would love to be the type of person who makes time to meditate every day. I recently reviewed a Mindfulness Mediation app and loved the focus it gave me and the way it made me feel but I wasn’t being consistent with the practice. Deciding to act like the type of person who meditates daily and make it part of my morning routine has made a big difference. I even added it to my Monthly Bucket List. It seems like such a minor shift of mindset but since I made it I haven’t missed a single session. Every time I think about skipping it I imagine that I am that person who meditates daily and then I sit down and do it.
This week I am going to work on using this philosophy in all areas of my life. I wish I had more patience with my children. When they are being loud and boisterous it sets off my anxiety and I become shouty mum within seconds. I desperately want to be the kind of parent that can just let their kids be kids.
This morning they were doing the usual ritual of seeing who could make the most noise. I started to feel my anxiety kicking in and I heard that phrase in my head again. Be the person you want to become. I thought ‘what would a patient mother do right now?’ The answer of course was just let them carry on. They weren’t being naughty, they weren’t hurting anyone, they were just being kids and having fun. So I took a deep breathe and continued with what I was doing. Eventually the anxiety diminished. I don’t know how this worked, but it did.
Another example is that I want to be the kind of mother who my children can talk to, and who truly listens. This used to be something I was really good at, but I always seem to be multitasking these days. Yes I listen to them, but I can’t honestly say that I truly hear them all the time. My mind is always pre-occupied with something else.
Last Thursday my son started to tell me about his day at school while I was clearing the table. Usually I would have continued to clear away while he talked and then offered whatever advice I thought he needed. This time I heard that phrase again and I put down the plate I was holding down and sat next to him. I truly listened. I didn’t interrupt or offer any advice. He’d had a pretty bad day and was worried about a few things but in the end he just talked and found his own solution. When he was finished he hugged me and said thank you and that I’d made him feel better. It damn near broke my heart.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying this is some kind of magic pill and from this moment on I will never shout at my kids and will always listen intently to their every word. But, that subtle change in mindset has really worked for me. Now I want to keep it up and see if I can apply it consistently in all areas of my life. I want to be the kind of person who really enjoys exercise. Who doesn’t crave sugar every minute of the day. I have a feeling this may be a bigger project, but who knows, it could put me on the right track. Even if I can be that person for a short period of the day it will be a step in the right direction.
Try it for yourself and see if it makes any difference to your life. Let me know how you get on in the comments, I’d love to hear your experiences.
If you want to read the book that inspired this post you can get it here:
Fancy a printable with all these quotes and more? How about a few exercise to help you put these words into action? Download the FREE workbook below.
Have a great week x
*this post includes an amazon affiliate link. Buying through here may earn me a few pence, but will make no difference to the price you pay.
I love a good quote! I have loads jotted down all over the house and they serve as a good reminder whenever I come across one 🙂 #MarvMondays
Liane recently posted…Why I Lost My Love For Writing.
Me too, I have notebooks full of them, it’s like an addiction x
Great post – I am all for a motivational quote and these are great. It’s so true – the only person stopping you from being who you want to be is you! Sometimes you’ve got to go for it! xx #marvmondays
These are so uplifting and motivational I love them! I used to aim for a motivational Monday post but they seem to have slipped lately. Yours are always fab. Thanks for sharing for #marvmondays x
Fran Back With A Bump recently posted…Marvellous Mondays
I should stick these on my fridge! #marvmondays
Crummy Mummy recently posted…Our new look starring our Valentine’s Day baby!
I really love quotes. I print up my favorites and post them on my cork board in my office – sometime I will write an inspirational quote on a paper and stick it inside of one of my kids’ lunches for school. One of my favorite quotes is: Think you can, think you can’t. Either way, you’re right!
Katrina recently posted…the good mommy moments
forgot to add #marvmondays
Katrina recently posted…the good mommy moments
I love that quote too. I think I used it on an earlier post. I love the idea of putting them in your kids’ lunches x
It all sounds so easy reading these great quotes, they are motivational and make you want to embrace life. #marvmondays
Fiona Cambouropoulos recently posted…Trash 2 Treasure March 17
Thank you, as with everything in life it’s certainly easier said than done, but worth a shot x
Subtle changes really can make big differences. This post is full of excellent points. You are absolutely right about just stopping and listening to our children, rather than carrying on with what we are doing. I think I will focus more on this, having been inspired by your post 🙂 Alison x #mg
Thank you, glad I’ve inspired you x
This is a wonderful quotation – I love it. Sometimes (read: most of the time) a change in habit has to come from a more forced start. It’s only if we focus on what we want as the end game that we can make things happen! #MarvMondays
Angela Watling recently posted…Five Favourite Finds #10
So true, thank you x
I love how you put down that plate and stopped and listened. I need To do that more as I am
Always rushing around! Thanks for the reminder 💙 #MG
An imperfect mum (Catie) recently posted…Top Tips for successful play dates
Thank you, it’s not easy to do at times x
This sounds interesting! I’m going to give it a try and hope this little mindset shift works for me too. The one area where I really hope it works is for a regular fitness routine!
Modern Gypsy recently posted…Monthly Tarot forecast for March 2017
Thank you, I hope it works for you x
Hi Alana, Shannon here!
This is such an inspiring post. Its kind of the motivational I’ve been seeking and nothing beats a few quotes to give myself a kick in the bum to get inspired again. My favorite had to be “The difference between who you’re and who you want to be is what you do!” I couldn’t agree more with that.
Thank so much for a good read!
xx Shannon // http://www.duedatediaries.com
Thank you so much, glad you liked it. I hope it helped x
Every week I think I find my favorite Words to Live By and then you post another that I love love love! #CandidCuddles
Heather Keet recently posted…All the things you didn’t know you knew…
Aw, thank you Heather x
Living by quotes and mantras is so important I think. In the same way that people who constantly hear negativity end up suffering, to hear positivity continuously can also make a difference. I’ll definitely be taking some of these on board, thank you for sharing X #mg
You’re so right, thank you x
These are some fantastic quotes and messages… lovely post!
Thank you x
Great post and quotes too. I also downloaded a mindfulness app. I did it for two days and then stopped! Thing is I was quite enjoying doing it! Sarah #mg
Sarah Stockley recently posted…#ExplorerKids – Round-up #50
I’m popping back from #FabFridayPost (thanks for linking) – Sarah
Sarah Stockley recently posted…#ExplorerKids – Round-up #50
Ha ha, I was the same with a previous one. I’m pleased to say I still haven’t missed a single day all month and feel so much better for it x
That’s a lovely quote to live by. I was touched by the story of your son and his school problems. How lovely that all you had to do is stop and listen to help him work it out.
#candidcuddles
Thank you. Sometimes all they need is to be heard x
oh honey that moment with your son was so beautiful! What a wonderful and inspiring post! It is so true we have the choice to act certain ways and respond in different ways, thanks for this reminder. Brilliant Post! #mg
Aw, thank you Mac x
I so so agree. We can be anyone we want to be. If we don’t someone else will be. I always teach my children that they can do whatever they want – they can be whoever they want to be – the world is theirs. Those that achieve were all children once. They all grew from somewhere. Love this quote to pieces! #FamilyFun
justsayingmum recently posted…This Social Media World I’m In
You are so right, great way of looking at it x
Really inspirational and thought provoking. Lovely idea to choose a phrase a week. #bestandworst
Thank you x
Back again from #bestandworst!
Crummy Mummy recently posted…5 of the best no-cook baby weaning foods
Back again from #familyfunlinky – I think this may be my third visit!! The words are really reinforced now! #familyfunlinky
Crummy Mummy recently posted…5 of the best no-cook baby weaning foods
Ha ha, you have no excuse now x
Great post and very wise words….I think I might start putting quotes up in my house.
#bestandworst
Kim Carberry recently posted…National No Smoking Day and my Story.
Thank you, hope it works for you x
This is a wonderful mindset to have. I need to try and be like this, my confidence lets me down. Acting like the person I want to be (even a little bit of what I want to be) may be the boost I need.
#FamilyFun
Ali Duke recently posted…Things That Have Made Me Happy: Week 5
Thank you, give it a try, it certainly can’t hurt. Hope it works for you x
Since I slowed down the blog I’ve found a little bit more time to just play with my son and think it’s made the world of difference in terms of how I feel about life. It feels good to give him my time and not be preoccupied with blog. This series is great Alana always well thought out… Thank you for linking up to the #familyfunlinky
Karen | TwoTinyHands recently posted…Splash Splash #FamilyFunLinky
Aw, thank you Karen. It’s definitely important to step back and realise what’s truly important to us x
Definitely words to live by and remember, especially on the ‘not so great’days.
#coolmumclub
Thank you x
I’m pretty sure this is why I went out an bought myself a bunch of stylish workout clothes yesterday. If I start trying to look and feel more sporty, maybe I will begin to actually keep up with my workouts. Yep, that’s the story I’m sticking to. 🙂 #coolmumclub
He he, whatever works I say!
This really resonates with me at the moment! I’ve been making a huge effort to meditate every day. Plus I’m going through a real battle with myself to not be so shouty and impatient with the kids. I’m going to try repeating this phrase in my head and see if it works! We’re all so busy it’s hard to switch off from the thoughts in our heads but I think if we can try and make an effort to focus more on what’s in front of us rather than in our brains we will see the benefit.
Cheryl @ Tea or Wine recently posted…Mindfulness – What I’ve Learnt So Far
Ooh, we’re like the same person. Hope it’s helped you x
Forgot to say #CoolMumClub !
Cheryl @ Tea or Wine recently posted…Mindfulness – What I’ve Learnt So Far
Love your calm approach to parenting. #mg
Thank you, it’s a battle I don’t always win but I’m trying x
Great post by a great mama! It’s so easy to forget how little they are and how much they need us when we are pulled in 18+ million directions, not even including our smart phones. Brvo for sitting down with your little guy and giveing him what he deserves. #ablogginggoodtime xo
Aw, thank you Lisa. There is definitely a lot to be distracted by!
I’ve definitely found this with confidence. I’ve struggled with self confidence all my life and it was only the realisation that nearly everyone else does too that made me realise you need to fake it til you make it! Thanks for joining us at #SharingtheBlogLove
Katy – Hot Pink Wellingtons recently posted…#SharingtheBlogLove #35
That’s so true, we always feel like we’re the only ones but that couldn’t be further from the truth x
This post is so lovely – the part about listening to your son is just gorgeous. It all really resonates as I’ve been having a tough week…I was just telling the hubby I’ve lost count of the times I’ve said ‘lets all agree no more shouting at each other’…then 10 minutes later we’re all yelling again. Another ten minutes later all ‘making friends’ again. It’s not been good…
x
Thanks for linking up to #coolmumclub, I really needed this tonight x
MMT recently posted…#coolmumclub Linky week 59
We have that a lot in this house too but I have to say things have improved since I adopted this approach. There is light at the end of the tunnel x
Another great post in this series and such good advice. I’m so pleased you’re sticking with the meditation. I’m going to think about this post next times I am being less patient than I want to be. #familyfunlinky
Hayley@ Mission: Mindfulness recently posted…Guest series: Mindfulness and Me #9
Thank you Haley, you are my mindfulness guru x
Back again 🙂 xx #ablogginggoodtime
Hayley@ Mission: Mindfulness recently posted…Guest series: Mindfulness and Me #9
I love this and have heard this advice a lot over the years. Fake it til you make it, right? #fabfridaypost
five little doves recently posted…How to make a simple Easter wreath
Thank you, it certainly can’t hurt can it? x
I love this quote and the idea behind it. Great idea for a series too. #FabFridayPost
Thank you x
I love that quote about the difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do – such a powerful reminder of the impact our actions can have. Like you, I often wish I could be more patient with my children. I shall have to try seeing if trying to think more like a patient mother makes a difference. It certainly sounds like it is working well for you 🙂 #ablogginggoodtime
Louise (Little Hearts, Big Love) recently posted…Friday Focus 10/03/17 – There were four in the bed…
Thank you. It may not work in every situation but I have to admit tings have been a whole lot calmer in our house since I adopted this approach. I don’t know how it works, but it does x
Absolutely love this! Mindset is a powerful thing isn’t it. And strangely enough I bought that book this week, need to put aside a few hours to properly read it, but I’ve loved what I’ve read of it so far. x #CandidCuddles
Madeline (this Glorious Life) recently posted…3 reasons you should print and display your photos at home
Really? I think I’m developing a bit of a girl crush on Carrie Green, the book is great!
I totally agree with this!! We can change everything with our mindset but like you said it’s not magical & doesn’t happen over night. I love all of the quotes, they are right on point. And this is wonderful advice & guidance for others. Thank you for sharing with us at #candidcuddles x
Becky, Cuddle Fairy recently posted…11 Steps to Self-Improvement
Thank you, there’s definitely no quick fix but it has really been working for us x
I so needed to read this. I have been terrible recently at comparing myself & thinking I’m not good enough at most stuff. I am really going to give this a go this week. Thank you for writing this. #sharingthebloglove
Jo from Organised Jo recently posted…How to organise the kitchen food cupboards
Oh Jo, we’ve all been there. You are fabulous and don’t you ever forget that x
Alana those moments with our children disappear so quickly and we all need to stand back and take stock sometimes and it is not always easy. My eldest wanted to discuss his mock A’level results with me the other day and I was mid blog post – I told him to leave me alone! I have never done that in my whole parenting life! I was horrified. Standing back, taking a deep breath and remembering who you want to be is good. Similarly there are days I can’t be bothered to exercise but of course if I don’t do it I know I will beat myself up about it later. It’s tough sometimes isn’t it? #ablogginggoodtime
Jo – Mother of Teenagers recently posted…Tweens,Teens & Beyond #No.1
I wished I had read this ten minutes ago. Right now, I am feeling pretty rotten. The guilt of a shouty mum. Yes, I just shouted at Ethan for consistently asking me if he could play on his pad whilst I was trying to clean the kitchen. I am tired and irritated and it is the PMT. I finally snapped. He went off to have cry in his bedroom. And now I feel like crap. Thank you for linking up with us on #FabFridayPost I will bear this in mind the next time and try not to lose my cool. xx
Su {Ethan & Evelyn} recently posted…Fall In Love With Plant A Flower Day With Wilko
What a lovely quote. I whole heartedly agree with this and how it comes down to if you want things to change, first you have to change you. Love it. Thanks so much for sharing with the #dreamteam xx
Annette, 3 Little Buttons recently posted…Get Dressed Right Now!
I love a good quote to uplift me on a Monday 🙂 #SharingtheBlogLove
An absolutely wonderful post, and something to remember on a daily basis 🙂 I’ve been working pretty hard to already be the person I want to become, and sometimes it’s a struggle but it’s certainly a journey of self-discovery! xx
Mary recently posted…My Neck of the Woods – March 12
I’ve been faking it till I made it most of my life. But I would like to be a different mum, a different person a lot of the time. When my anxiety kicks in, along comes shouty mum too. I am going to give this a try as I would love it if just sometimes the outcome could be different. Thank you for joining us at #SharingtheBlogLove x
Laura – dear bear and beany recently posted…Getting Ready For Conference Season With Aura Print…
I love these posts! The bit about letting kids be kids resonates with me. Sometimes I feel I just moan at my daughter all day and I need to just take a breath, count to 10 and let her be a noisy 2 year old! Fab post xx #DreamTeam
Susie at This Is Me Now recently posted…What I’ve learned this week #19
I love a good quote, I very much like the Richard Scott one, I shall remember that. Thankyoufor linking up #bestandworst
Such good advice. There are so many things I want to be and hope to be. I think I have a problem sometimes having the confidence to act how I want to be – I have moments of thinking yeah I can do this and others of oh my gosh I am just winging it!! Great post xx
Thanks for linking to #ablogginggoodtime
Mummy in a TuTu (@mummyinatutu) recently posted…#LuckyLinky Week 1