FORGIVENESS: A Courageous Approach to Empowered Parenting
CLICK ABOVE TO LEAVE A COMMENT ABOVE THAT ANSWERS THIS QUESTION:
As an empowered parent, what are the most important issues to you during the holiday season?
YOUR COMMENTS WILL BE RESPONDED TO BY PARENTING EXPERT, DR. KATHLEEN CUNEO, AT OUR NEXT FREE THURSDAY TELECLASS (TO RSVP, SEE LINK BELOW):
MY ANSWER:
When I think about this question, the words that stand out to me are “The Holiday Season.” I wish I associated those words more positively. Is it simply about being raised Jewish and
Michael Sherman of Courageous Loving
feeling disoriented every December? Honestly, I think that’s a piece of it. I’ve got Christmas envy, no doubt. I wouldn’t be surprised if sometime down the road I came home with a Tree.
The holidays mean “having to show up.” There are certain sweaters I have which seem to be set aside for holiday gatherings (orange, fuzzy sweaters). There are a lot of mental negotiations that go on in my head before attending a holiday gathering. Who’s going to be there? What can I say to this person? What can I not say to that person?
You don’t have to relate to my neurosis. They’re mine and I like them that way.
As a parent for the last 2 years, the meaning of the holidays has shifted. My daughter deserves to feel nothing but enjoyment about the holidays. She doesn’t need to answer these neurotic questions – and I hope they never come up for her. Upon reflection, these questions don’t serve me either. There’s more to me than this.
Forgiveness to me is a key tool towards empowerment. My ability to forgive others and myself, allows me to set aside these deflating questions, allow the people who represent “The Holidays” to me to be as they are. Because ultimately, the way I had framed them in my head is really all about me, anyway. Forgiveness allows me to release this mental burden and be fully present.
Being a parent has helped open the door to forgiveness, which clears my mind. And with clarity, comes empowerment. In our recording below, listen to how Amy and I model forgiveness as partners and parents together.
What issues are coming up for you as a parent during the holidays? Leave your thoughts and questions in a comment (above).
Warmly, Michael
LISTEN BELOW TO A LIVE “FORGIVENESS” DIALOGUE WITH AMY AND MICHAEL SHERMAN OF COURAGEOUS LOVING
JOIN US FOR A FREE TELECLASS ON EMPOWERED PARENTING
Parenting Expert Dr. Kathleen Cuneo
DURING THE HOLIDAYS – with psychologist and parenting expert Dr. Kathleen Cuneo (www.DrCuneo.com). Thursday, December 3rd, 9pm. To Register, CLICK: HERE
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Are the holidays empowering me?
That is something to ponder. The answer that comes is that the holidays–a human invention– have neither the power to empower or dis-empower. It is I who chooses as such. I can relate to these events as I will. Holidays represent many things to us all. So, according to my beliefs, perceptions, I respond as I will. This is always the case. How I define myself…is it according to what is taking place around me? Or, am I self defining?
I’m looking forward to our call on Thursday. Michael, thank you for inviting me!
I believe that empowered parents have both self-understanding and an ability to understand and tune into their children. For me, “the holidays” provide opportunities for family connection, especially through passing on and creating family and cultural traditions. However, “the holidays” are also a time ripe with added stress from a variety of internal and external sources. We may be putting unnecessary pressure on ourselves to make things “perfect” for our children. Visits with extended family may be bringing up some unfinished business for us. How we choose to handle stress will greatly impact our ability to be available to our children. We have the power to define for ourselves what we value about “the holidays” and to share this with our children. I’m looking forward to talking more about this on Thursday with you!