6 months in the storm

[ep0215]

October Goals Review:

Goal: I am a better mother to S4 which makes us connect joyously
- I have not lose my temper
- I have validated his feelings at least once every day
- I am speaking softly
- I am calling to say good night when we aren't together
- I have planned one new GAL activity for us
- I have give him my undivided attention while playing
[/b]4/5 - I am doing really well with this one. Our relationship has improved and his behavior has improved dramatically this month. I need to work on the attention and practicing my validation.[b]

Goal: Show compassion towards H to ease our communication
-I have validated when speaking to him when appropriate
- I am thanking him 2x weekly
- I always take deep breaths before responding to texts
- I ask S4 if we can call to say goodnight when they are apart
- I make eye contact when we see each other
[/b]2.5/5 - Eye contact is still difficult and I am nervous when I am around him. I am taking deep breaths even before responding to him in person instead of letting my emotion control my response. I can see baby step improvements in his reactions to me too.[b]

Goal: I proudly co-parent with the best of them
- I minimise our differences for S4's well being when making decisions
- I politely and firmly inform him of matters pertaining to S4 and ask his opinion which I consider carefully
- I reinforce my boundaries
- I send pictures of milestones with S4 so he has the opportunity to feel included
[/b]4/5 - No obstacles have come up since writing out my goals so I am giving this a high score because part of progress is also what isn't happening. He has sent pictures of his time with S4 these past two weeks, he hasn't done that since the beginning of September. I didn't even have to ask him to send them.[b]

Goal: Be a better me so only a fool would leave
- I continue to attend church on Sundays
- I update my weekly plans without fail
- I exercise 2x a week
- I catch up with my friends daily and see how they are doing
- I continue to make my home feel like mine
[/b]3/5 - Let's be honest, the only exercise I have done is walking with S4 when he rides his bike. I need to improve the exercise. Especially with the holidays coming up, I will need get out my anxiety somehow and the turkey, and the ham, and the pie. Oh man, the pie![b]