Greetings from the mountains.


Hi Reader,

My kids are on break this week and it took us some time to get up here. I have been an under the weather and just trying to take it easy and give myself some grace.

I will make today’s newsletter short but I did want to share something quick. A few years ago I realized that being able to be aware of and regulate your emotions by the time your kids are teens is a valuable gift for everyone in the house.

This week we officially have a teenager in the house and I see just how helpful that understanding will be for all of us.

One of the most powerful tools I have found for regulating emotions is the pause. Phew…this is a tough one and I’m not sure anyone every gets it right all the time, but implementing a practice of incorporating the pause into communication helps get the ball rolling on building the pause muscle.

The Power of the PAUSE is that it creates the space to regulate our emotions. You then gain the ability to choose actions in alignment with the outcomes you are after, rather than allowing your emotions to drive your behavior.

I remember when I was talking to someone working with me and my kids expressing total exacerbation about how to navigated some tough moments with my kids. Her response was, you gotta start using the pause. When she told me I was like what, I will never be able to do that.

Well here I am with some years of practice under my belt and I’m better than I was. I’m still not perfect. Just a few minutes ago I didn’t respond in the best way possible to one of my kids because I didn’t practice the pause. We all mess up, but it’s not about the mess ups that count it’s about every attempt in doing it better than the last time.

I’m wishing you a beautiful week.

Sending love,

Mirsada


Psssttt….if practicing the PAUSE hasn’t been so easy for you today, this week or this month, don’t worry you are not alone. Being an international parents comes with many ups and downs. Trying again next time is all that matters.

https://mirsadahoffmann.com/


mirsadahoffmann.com

Read more from mirsadahoffmann.com

Hi Reader,In a fast-paced world where emotions often take a backseat, I want to acknowledge the effort and attention you are making on this incredible journey of raising global citizens. It's a remarkable adventure, and one that is enhanced when we nurture emotional wellness and intelligence within our international families. Creating a family culture that values and explores emotions is a gift that keeps on giving. By fostering an environment where all feelings are not only accepted but...