The Power of Small Choices Can Set the Tone

Saturday morning began with a rude awakening. My 125-pound Great Pyrenees, Rocky, decided my sleeping body was the perfect landing pad. The pain when he landed on top of me jolted me awake, and my mood soured instantly. Shortly after getting up and going into the kitchen, my son's usual breakfast indecision pushed me over the edge, and I snapped, dictating his breakfast with a shortness that brought a scowl to his face. Even my husband's lighthearted comment to me about waking up on the wrong side of the bed earned him a curt reply. Overwhelmed and irritable, I retreated to my bedroom, craving solitude.

As I sat there, consciously taking deep breaths to calm myself, a familiar truth surfaced: We choose how we respond. The words I often shared with others echoed in my mind - you set the tone. My family didn't deserve to bear the brunt of my frustration. It was time to make a different choice.

I returned to the kitchen, offering genuine apologies to my family. I explained my overreaction to being woken up involuntarily, acknowledging the unfairness of my behavior towards them. My husband's surprised gratitude and my son's tight hug spoke volumes. The tension dissipated, replaced by a lightness that carried us through what turned out to be a great day.

That morning reminded me of a powerful lesson. Had I clung to my frustration, the entire day would have been tainted. But by recognizing the impact of my choices and actively shifting my behavior, I transformed not only my own experience but also the atmosphere for those I loved.

Remember, even amidst frustration or a bad day, your actions ripple outward. Be present, recognize your power, and choose to create a positive tone, one small choice at a time.

-Heather