Conscious Discipline : Composure

I should have known it was Friday the 13th!  I stayed up way too late working on my post for Chapter Nine of In Pictures and In Words last night. "I'll sleep in", I thought. First the crows woke me up. Just as I was drifting back to sleep the Garbage Guys came though with their monster trucks. I'm starting to get my float back on when someone reminds me to take my daughter to her babysitting job.  I go to make coffee and NO FILTERS!  I was really feeling like a monster at this point. Just before I posted my thoughts on Chapter 9, I find out it's been postponed until next week. Now I'm growling like a monster because I look forward to this event all week.

Self-control....Self control ...I'm studying Conscious Discipline right now. "Self control must be your first priority as a teacher"  I'm supposed to do something when I feel stressed ...STAR!
S Smile
T Take a deep breath
A And
R Relax
Wow! It's working.  I'm starting this day over the brain smart way and I'm going to implement stress reduction activities.
Chapter 1 is all about "Composure". Though I can't implement this in my classroom YET, I can in my home. I've been practicing these ideas at home and it's making a difference in how I relate to my own children. They are maybe getting a little tired of me saying, "No one can make you angry without your permission.

They are not as innocent as they look. Sometimes
they are monsters!

I'm so glad I got this book. There is only one draw back. I want to read the whole thing right away and start using all the powers. Conscious Discipline is a program that is reflective and in order to change I can only practice one skill at a time. I like the advice for using this book and I think it's good advice for life, "Be patient with yourself and enjoy the process. You cannot have an unhappy ending to a happy journey! It reminds me to not give up on myself and others...God isn't finished with me yet!


 Wait! I like monsters! They're cute and funny. Maybe I can turn this day around after all. And I did!  I made mini-posters for each of the Key Phrases used in Conscious Discipline. I'll be ready when I get to each power! If you are feeling like a monster, you can click on the picture and download a set for yourself, too!