Hi Tommy

Not an easy thing to admit. That is a difficult experience that I’m sure many parents have been through. It is all that anyone knew for a long time about how to handle problems. I’m glad that things worked out and your daughter learned from her mistakes. I think that it says a lot about your character that you only used this as a form of discipline in difficult situations and found the experience distressing. That is more care than a lot of people are shown. ❤️

I had a psychology class where we discussed discipline. There was a girl in class who had a similar experience. She was very understanding of it.

Times are changing. There are a lot more support and resources available nowadays than there were even 10 years ago. I don’t really know where I would be without it. My instincts are wrong and guided by my own trauma. My instincts are just to bury my feelings deep, soldier on and hide them from him. In the hopes that he won’t develop similar difficulties. Yet, this approach would cause its own problems. I have to communicate and express myself in ways that are appropriate for his age to teach him how to manage his own emotions.

Honestly, I think I was a pretty decent kid, so if he’s anything like I was. It will be a blessing. Fortunately, I’m not the same as my mother. I will probably make my own mistakes trying to be nothing like her. I hope!

Hi Anita

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Apologies, I’m falling asleep. I’ll have to get back to you in the morning. You are a special lady Anita. ❤️

Hi Anita

Sorry for the delay. It’s been really busy today. I just finished my exam.

That sounds like a good idea. I’m also keeping an eye on things that he discovers for himself. His love of anything with wheels. The way he expresses himself by dancing when he is happy. The noises he makes. His addiction to crackers. How he loves to read to comfort himself.

Thank you for your kindness, as always. ❤️

I came up some affirmations for myself when I was journaling last night.

I’m good enough just as I am

I’m my own person

I’m a good mother

It’s okay to make mistakes

I choose love, peace, grace and freedom

I’m letting go of the past

I’m learning to be more positive

I’m here in the present and calm

I’m safe and strong enough to cope

I actually got through the affirmations without cringing. This is a first for me. It was actually kind of nice. I look forward to seeing what happens next.

Hi Anita

I can understand why you felt that way given everything you went through with your mother. You are quite the opposite of a bad worthless person. You are a good, kind and caring person. You are loved and valued in this world. ❤️

I truly believe that making mistakes is part of being human.

Thank you for your kindness! I do believe the affirmations. It is why I’m able to do them finally. I could never do affirmations that I didn’t believe. It just made me feel worse.

I think sometimes I just get carried away in my worries. I feel an urge to figure things out all at once. Often, life doesn’t work like that though. I noticed that my worries tend to be formed around negative core beliefs. It is probably why I find some things so distressing.

I also have a core belief about feeling worthless, unlovable. Deserving bad things.

I am loved and valued.

I deserve good things.