During the last week of December everyone shares their best or worst for the end of the year as they make resolutions. Now it is your turn, let’s share what we have learned this past year or are grateful for that we can all take with us into 2010. No matter how silly or petty it may seem if it made a difference in your life it is worth sharing.
I will start:
it has taken me a long time, but I am slowly learning to let go and allow my teens to experience their life journey. I am trying not to be as invested in the decisions they make, EXCEPT when it will harm them.
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I learned that worrying just breads more worries…and I need to let go of some of those worries and trust the universe. Also as cliche as it sounds, I now understand that it does indeed take a village to raise a child.
Well said Anne, it sounds like you have come along way. I know many of us have had those same feelings throughout the process. We can only do so much and then it is up to them. Happy New Year!
What a great idea, to review the year !
I think I’ve learned two things during a year that has been extremely difficult and emotional for our whole family.
First, that not everything you read on the web is true. I was in agony when we first sent our son to wilderness during the summer, because I read so many horror stories on the internet that I drove myself crazy. And I’m really not exaggerating. What had we done ??? !!! I was terrified for him !!!
But having been there and seen the system and met the people, I realize now that there are many incredibly dedicated people who spend their lives trying to turn teens around. They truly care for these kids, and they make every effort to help them realize how the teens can turn themselves around. Amazing and impressive individuals, and I have the utmost respect for them.
Second, that even if there are lots of reasons for our son to be “messed up”, he just has to get it together by himself. With lots of help, and therapy, and discussion, and love and support from his family, but he still has to do this on his own.
This is a big change for me, since when we sent him to wilderness during the summer, I just wanted to do everything myself, take care of the problem, find a “fix”, a quick solution that would turn him around and make him realize what a great person he is and how he can live a life that’s successful and happy and healthy.
Well, he can’t, or at least he can’t until he does the emotional work on himself. We can’t supply an instant answer, and neither can he. It will take time. And it’s worth taking that time, since it’s going to last a lifetime.
So thanks again for this site, which is a big help during an emotional time, and I am with every other parent, in emotional support, as they go through similar times. But our kids are worth every grey hair !!!
I agree, time for yourself is so important
I learned I like my morning jog – an hour to myself out in the fresh air. Never thought I would say that