changepace7

I don't have much experience in journaling, so take this with a grain of salt. I also have issues with journaling, I always feel like I don't know how or what to write. What got me going most recently was viewing it as a check-in. If I had current goals, what did I do to achieve them. If I was having a tough time, did I shower. If I didn't do what I planned on doing, why? Was it external input (like bad traffic so didn't have time) or internal input (I became really anxious about an interaction) that prevented me from doing something I planned on doing. If I didn't wash my face, was it because I stayed in bed all day or because I finally decided that, yes, I will get up, but just didn't have time to wash my face. Starting from what I did/didn't do in a day was much easier for me. All of those things were easier for me to understand how my emotions affected my day, rather than just going to the emotions. I have also gotten better at recognizing warning signs and triggers, and because I check in, reacting to it and doing something about it. I haven't read much about Self Knowledge as a discipline, but for me, it's all about reflecting on my decisions, thoughts, and actions, when I can remember to do so.

I started listening to and looking up information on peaceful parenting about two years ago. Since then, and especially in the last few months, I have become extremely excited to have a child and raise them free of force. I am not looking to have kids for another 5 to 10 years, but my partner and I love to talk about all the awesome ways to educate and raise kids without force. I wouldn't have that without this community. I probably wouldn't even want to have kids due to my fear of them having the same experiences I did. And continuing to deal with things that shouldn't be issues, well into adulthood. Some things I'm most excited about: Staying home for a few years and getting to know the kid Having my partner and I split time at home and therefore work less and be a family Have the time and forced opportunity to look for alternative ways to make money/save money (which we've both already started on) When the kid gets older, getting to do awesome and new things with the excuse of "my kids are interested and want to learn" Finding answers to their questions (thank goodness for the internet) Taking the time to really get to know my kids and raise the next best generation Showing the world what amazing human beings children are (the most amazing) Getting rid of alarm clocks and schedules Getting a dog Finding others in this community in my area Passing on these ideas to my friends and family members through demonstration Being a rebel in the best possible ways This isn't an extensive or prioritized list, but just wanted to say thanks and share!