What I know about parenting is- children’s needs are intense. Sometimes I-N-T-E-N-S-E! Simply accepting that brings more peace and enjoyment in the parenting journey.

The more you try to resist the intense needs of children, the harder parenting gets. Whenever possible I aim for a more go with the flow mentality. The more I try to get my children to conform, the more I struggle, and I don’t usually win that battle anyway.

Instead of using my energy trying to control everything, I work on my side of the street. Being a good role model. Being a deep source of love, and allowing my children the freedom to be.

Everyone can sense a power struggle, especially in a toddler! After all, my 2 ½ year old daughter’s new favorite thing to say is “Let me do it!” She’ll even scream it if she feels her power ‘to be’ is being threatened in any way.

It feels true that as a society we have become accustomed to the wrong definition of power. I think Mark Nepo says it best when he describes the true meaning of power in The Book of Awakening:

“Originally, the word power meant able to be.
In time, it was contracted to mean to be able.
We suffer the difference.”

Allowing others the freedom ‘to be’ in our relationships opens the door to a more peaceful coexistence. Allowing others the freedom ‘to be’ also opens the door to a greater inflow of love in the relationship.

Here’s to your power To Be, my friends ?