Humility and going slow

(By the Pool -photo copyright Jon Luty)

So I was at the pool with Meghan a couple of weeks ago, and we were in the changing room putting our togs on. Meghan was taking forever to undress and put her togs on because she was too excited to tell me all these little stories about her day. I was one step ahead: already thinking about getting in the pool so I gently said to her, "Quickly!" to encourage her to go faster. When I said this Meghan looked hurt, and said "Don't tell me quickly. I am doing really good." Upon hearing this my heart dropped and I realised my mistake.

Of course she was doing good! It was me that needed the attitude check. I turned to her and said, "I'm sorry, Megs. You're right, you are doing good. Michelle shouldn't have said that."

What was I in such a hurry for? The pool was still going to be there, no matter how long we took to get dressed. And in my haste and sense of urgency, I was missing the opportunity to celebrate and delight in the things that had happened in Meghan's day.

Do you ever do this with people? How do you remember to slow down? Do you find it hard to apologise when someone calls you out on it? Love to hear your thoughts.

Snapshots

Here are a couple of snapshots from out and about this week. I love both of them because of the moodiness of the weather, and the natural scenery.

Halfway up the Taieri Gorge rail trip

This photo is of some beautiful toitoi out by the harbour in Dunedin. Had just finished dropping Meghan off at her Monday night soccer and I came out and thought, "Wow, isn't this stunning!"

Hope you enjoy!

The Gifts of Imperfection

I have just finished reading Brene Brown's wonderful book entitled The Gifts of Imperfection. In her book she mentions one of the exercises she does each week on her own blog called TGIF. It is a weekly post about what she's Trusting, what she's Grateful for, what Inspires her, and how she's practising her Faith. I think this is such an awesome idea that I have decided to steal it! Since it's called TGIF I will normally post this on a Friday, but I thought I would get the ball rolling now while the idea is still fresh in my head.

So this week, I am Trusting in my ability to figure out a solution to my oversleeping issues.

I am Grateful for so much....

• my amazing counsellor
• the Addictions paper I am studying this semester
• my cat, Jaxx
• warmth (you really appreciate this when you live in Dunedin)
• my job with Meghan
• the blessing of my car

I am Inspired at the moment by :

• my fellow ISSUE magazine columnists, and their amazing writing (Check out http://issuemagazine.wordpress.com and be inspired)
• an amazing book I am reading for book club called "Room" by Emma Donoghue (such an amazing fiction read...seriously this book will stay with you for days...I can't stop thinking about it!!)

And, to be honest I'm not really doing much at the moment to practise my Faith. So something to work on for the coming week...

Have a great week everyone, and I'd be interested to hear your TGIF's. You can write them in the comments below if you like!! :)