I have been reading a little more about consensual living (not even sure I can spell it!). "Live and let live" seems to be the best way to sum it up. Living with your family in a way that honors each others uniqueness, supports each others interests, and meets each others needs as much as possible. That sounds much easier than it actually is. Especially for me, a recovering control freak! And so, it means letting my 8 year old son continue to grow out his hair, and wait up for me after work (even though I get home around 11 some nights) and sleep until 10 in the morning. It means making time in my day to listen to my 14 year old sons latest ideas about how to get a motorcycle, and why he should be able to rebuild one. And encouraging my daughter's growing into independence, as she studies for her drivers permit, and researches schools online. It also means leaving dinner in the oven when I go to work, since when my hubby comes home, he is tired from a day at the office. It means honoring his choices when they are different from mine and not using those differences as a way to belittle or demean. I have so much to learn. I hope my family honors the fact that as I grow up in these areas, my past behaviour of trying to control everything was not out of hate, but out of fear. Now I wish to replace fear with trust, love, compassion, and understanding. I hope they grow with me.
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\Beautiful. <3
I love you
-Bethany