Grateful Magic

My sister writes down three things for which she is grateful everyday for a year.

I drew an angel card called "Family Harmony" that told me to think of three things for which I am grateful about each of my immediate family members. I immediately did so, since it is easy to find many reasons I like these people. The afternoon and evening were absolutely cheerful and precious.

Mental note: Use this trick during times when I am annoyed about some item not being put away.

Baby Book Entry

I was reading what my Mom wrote as an entry on my baby book. It made me smile.

One part said that, even at only 2 years old, I was a people pleaser and very aware of the feelings of others. Oh how that is still haunting me!

I pretended to write a baby book type entry for my inner child with the personality pieces I've witnessed so far. She is different than me on many ways. She inspires me.

Old Videos, New Joy

Last Christmas, my Dad gave us a DVD of all the old Super 8 movies from my childhood.

As I watch them, I see how joyful I was. (My sister looks quite serious. That is the opposite of what I perceive of us now...interesting...)

I decided to bring back that joy into my present.

The girls don't have video of when they were little, but I see them access comfort and smiles when they watch episodes of "My Little Pony" on Netflix.

What childhood video or movie could bring back some joy for you? With the internet today, I'm sure it is out there for you. It may be a few clicks away.

TLC

Last night I looked through my baby book. I read every word and pulled out some pictures to leave around the house and in the cars.

Today, I'm in bed sick with the flu. I've been imagining giving that little baby lots of love. My fever broke.

Our ten year old asked me to help her meet her inner child. There is an audio version of this on Leta's podcast about breathing (www.letahamilton.com). This is what we did:

                Close your eyes. Breathe into your belly. Breathe deeply

                Imagine you are on a beach. You are sitting on the warm sand facing the ocean with your eyes closed. You dig your feet under the soft silky sand and listen to the waves. Feel a comforting presence sit right behind you that wraps its arms and wings around you. This is your guardian angel. Put your hands on to the angel’s hands in acknowledgement and lean back against this unconditional support. Breathe in the love. Breathe out gratefulness. Keep your eyes closed.

                Next, open your hands to accept a child. Keep your eyes closed and just feel him or her. Is it a baby? Is it a toddler? Is it a child? Wrap your arms around your inner child with the same amount of love that the angel gives to you. If this is hard to do, conjure up the love you have felt for a special youngster in your life and then send that to this child in your lap. Breathe in the love from the angel and breathe love out to the child. Breathe.

                Let the three of you rock gently back and forth to a song. What song is it? Breathe.

                Talk to the child and let her know who you are. “Hi Sweetheart, I’m you all grown up.” Tell her why you are here, “I’m here to love you better than anyone has ever loved you!” Breathe.

Make a commitment to her, “I’m here to hold you everyday. I will never ever leave you alone or unprotected. I will never abandon you. I will check in with you for at least 17 seconds everyday to see what you want or need. We can play together if you want. We can dance or sing, swing or jump rope, climb or cuddle. When I am taking care of my family, I will leave you with this wonderful, awesome angel.” Breathe.

Your eyes are still closed in your imagination. Spend some more seconds rocking with the three of you safe in each other’s arms. Breathe. Ask your inner child to give you a sign that you will encounter in your everyday life she can use to give you a signal that she needs you. You may hear something. You may see a picture. You may just know what the signal is. Thank her. Breathe.

Listen as you rock and breathe. Is there anything she wants to tell you? (This all depends on your inner child. Mine took months to talk to me. She needed to trust me first.) Breathe.

When it is time to come back to reality, hand the child to the angel and open your imaginary eyes to see the two of them make eye contact. Introduce them to each other as they stare into each other’s eyes. Let the child know that the angel has strict instructions to give the child anything she needs. Wink to your angel. Thank your angel. Set a time for later or tomorrow to come back to check in and promise that you will be holding her again at the set time or sooner.

When you walk down the beach back to reality, set an alarm for the promised time. At that time, stop and hold her for at least 17 seconds.

At least once a day, hold her and comfort her with the words you would want to hear as a child. Know that you and the angel can care for her together. You are an inseparable team. You will be loyal.

Our ten year old said, "Oh I have a whole bunch of angels for her to play with!"

Present Moments Become Future Stories

Today I enjoyed many stories about relatives and ancestors as my family gathered to support each other during a time of loss.

Which present moment will be a story that my children and grandchildren will someday pass on?

Presents

Tonight as I go to bed, I'm going to offer my inner child a package.Inside is the gift she wants most in the world.

I can't wait to see what it is!