Weaknesses Become Strengths

We did it! At least we hope we figured it out. My husband works hard to try to support me and finds himself lacking but we may have found the solution.
We addressed his weakness-he doesn't have very many. He has a hard time with communication and dealing with emotion, which is exactly the support I need.
We acknowledged it, accepted it, and made a plan to succeed. He may never be good at his weakness-but he listens well and can ask for help. All he has to do is listen to find out what support I need and ask me for help if he doesn't know what it is or what to do. He feels confident now and has rescued conversations and disagreements already! I don't mind helping as long as he listens, and he is good at listening.
We found he was distracted by the stress of his weakness and he was unable to listen to me. Now he feels no stress about the weakness because he just has to listen and ask for help.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to have weaknesses become strong. This was a perfect example of how we can just listen and ask and the Savior can help us. It is an amazing double meaning!

Both Lessons, Good and Bad

The kids and I went for a long trip (10 days) to visit my parents and family. While there, my parents and I had a harsh talk on my parenting techniques. I went away realizing I need to change some behaviors I have with my parents. The talk ended positive but I should have handled it differently from the beginning.
A little history on my conversation skills. I am incredibly agreeable and I lack the confidence to allow my feelings and needs to be met. I worry too much about making the other person comfortable and put their needs before my own.
That said- I need to handle conversations with my parents more like an independent adult even when the conversations are positive. I need confidence in my actions or at least to know that I'm doing my best and I will discuss things later after stating my stance. My stance is "I have to take care of this issue first, then if you want to talk later we can," instead of using their time line.
This is a skill I'd like to use with people in general. "I am a person and I am the one responsible to take care of my stuff. You can wait while I take care of me and my family. I am guided and directed and receive personal revelation for my stuff. Thank you for caring but it's my life."
I will have to figure out how to redirect conversations with others but this incite is such a blessing and will be so helpful when I figure out how to use it!
My parents said something helpful about my anger and that I am angry because my husband doesn't make enough money for me. It is true that finances stress me out for lack of money and we are so efficient and still lack. I told my husband he had to share in the stress of looking at our finances. I am the primary finance person in our family so it is time he shared that with me.
It is great to have a simple thing said. I notice I am less angry when I take it out on the actual problem. If I'm mad at my husband I need to take it out on him even if I have to yell or say not very nice things. I don't have a problem staying calm for the kids if I do that first. He should deal with my anger not them.
Both things came from my harsh talk with my parents, so I know I needed both lessons. The good and the bad blesses our lives.

Better Boundaries

There are times when I get "busy" and I don't want to be bothered. The kids bring me pictures and hug me or rub my belly or my arm to show they love me. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by so much attention and it makes me push them away. This is just the opposite of what I really want to do.
I want to accept their love but I have teach them how to love me too. I have started giving better boundaries so the kids don't feel rejected at those times and I don't feel overwhelmed. It is a balance that is hard for me to keep, but I certainly want the kids to feel accepted and loved by me.

Progress and Growth

It has been nearly 2 months and really, I have progressed. Getting more support to help me get my health and happiness back has really been effective. I've progressed in many ways-diet, exercise, daily stress, emotional and relationship drama is more controlled. I still have goals-I'd like to exercise more intensely, continue to de-stress and other stuff to keep the progress.
I just feel more free and so blessed for all the things I have. I am so grateful! I know I am watched over and I am where I need to be. Me and my family will grow from this trial. We already are.

Still a Little Stung

At church a friend of mine asked if I planned to do the same thing I did for the junior primary that I did for the senior. I was confused and sort of fumbled with my answer not knowing what she wanted. She had not looked at me or said anything else to me, not even a "hi" or smile, so I felt a little reprimanded. While she did this, I felt like I was one of her kids.
As I sat through sacrament meeting, still a little stung, I realized the flaw parents can make, including me. If the only attention a child gets is being put in an awkward spot, then that isn't a good relationship. A greeting should be said, a hug or smile of reassurance should be given. Something that says that person is important.
I learned I want to make sure I do those simple greetings to my family-husband and kids-because I love them and they're special to me.