Hear My Mantra

Writer's Workshop with Mama Kat:


Prompt of Choice: 2.) “I need all the help I can get and if repeating something healthy and inspiring to myself several times a day helps, then I’m going to do it!” -What affirmation makes you feel better?

There must be something about being a parent that narrows your advice to your kids to repeatable phrases--which you then repeat so often they become cliche.  Perhaps it stems from the belief that kids need to hear things simply--and often.

I am sure you can think of a few oft repeated phrases from your childhood. I know I can. . . "A moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips!" . . . "You marry who you date." . . . "No one likes me everybody hates me, guess I'll go eat worms. . . " (That one was often sung to us when we were being dramatic and acting picked on.)

As a child I would often roll my eyes and think: "Oh please, you sooo don't understand my life!"  (I was a dramatic tween. . . and sometimes teen. . .I am sure you are surprised.)

Now I am a mother.

I often speak in repeated phrases.

My kids often roll their eyes.

But guess what.  I figure, I remember those phrases.  I like to think they made me think about my actions.  I like to think my repeating them makes my kids think about their actions.  Here are a few of my favorite:

"An orderly house is a sign of an orderly life" (repeated while making girls clean. . . and grumble)

"These consequences are a result of YOUR choice, not because I am a mean mom." (said while doling out punishment.)

"Choose to be happy!" (I then make THEM sing "If you chance to meet a frown, do not let it stay, quickly turn it upside down and smile that frown away.  No one likes a frowny face, change it for a smile.  Make the world a better place by smiling all the while." until they are giggling--works every time.  Sometimes they have to sing it four or five times.)

I even have a phrase for Rob:  "A happy wife, a happy life!" Mostly in jest. . . mostly.

But my favorite phrase, repeated to my kids AND myself on a regular basis:

BE A VICTOR, NOT A VICTIM

You can always find an excuse for why something isn't working out for you, but you can also find a solution and choose to look on the bright side.  Getting upset doesn't usually solve anything, and grumbling doesn't feel good.  Plus, people like victors better.

I'm still working on that one--hence to repetition.  It goes right along with "Think Positive."  It's working for me.

What is your mantra?