Happiness

I was lucky to receive this from a friend today:

"Usually we figure out what we think would make us happy, and then try to make those things happen.  But happiness isn't circumstance-dependent.  There are people who have every reason in the world to be happy who aren't.  There are people with genuine problems who are.  The key to happiness is the decision to be happy." -Excerpted from 'A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of 'A Course in Miracles' ' by Marianne Williamson

The above mentioned book is actually one of my favorites and interestingly I was the one to recommend it to the very same friend.  How incredibly nice it is that the seeds I sow came back as a reason to be happy today when I received this excerpt from her.

Would you like to plant a seed of happiness for your kids as well?  Just for today you can remember this quote and decide to be happy?  Please remember that our emotions pass on...  When you are happy and relaxed your children will pick on this and become more relaxed as well.  And please also do remember that our children best learn by modeling us, their parents.  When you consciously decide to be happy an smile more, they will model you today and tomorrow when they'll become parents too...

5 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR CALM DURING A TEMPER TANTRUM:

1. Keep in mind that your child is not the first or the last child to throw a temper tantrum.  So regardless of wherever you are, imagine that your are surrounded by a non-stick/Teflon like material...  Not a single criticizing  look would stick on you.
2. Take a deep breath!  And don't stop after the first one...  Try taking in deep belly breaths.  Remember that emotions are contagious.  A smile causes a smile, a yawn causes a yawn and an anger fit brings an anger fit...
3. Try touching your child!  A loving touch sometimes is the only key to bring a child out of a monstrous tantrum.  Touching with love to her shoulder, her head, her back or better to the heart area will bring a therapeutic effect of calmness.
4. Try changing the environment!  If you are in a crowded, noisy, hectic, flashing lit place you may try taking your child by the hand and leading him to a more relaxed physical environment.  Some place with soothing lights and  music in the background may not only help your child to calm down but may also help you deal with the situation in a calmer state...
5. After a while if you feel yourself coming to the edge of a tantrum...  Please give yourself a time-out.   If you have a partner/parent  nearby, leave the job to this person and take a break.  If your are alone!  Close your eyes for just 10-20 seconds and go to a nice and calm place in your imagination.  When you come back you will have your patience refreshed and your tolerance level raised to deal with the situation.