And we're off!!!

This is a test.  In the event of a real blog, please feel free to read the entire post.  For now...this is just a test.

I've done the blogging thing before.  I'm kind of surprised it's not totally "so 5 minutes ago".  Then again, maybe it is and I'm just so clueless that I'm not aware of what's hip.

My story, in short, is that I am trained in this crazy philosophy called "Nonviolent Parenting and Education".  Much to your surprise, it's not just about staving from hitting your child.  It is... well... MUCH more than that.  Suffice it to say I am absolutely crazy smitten with the philosophy and how much it has changed my marriage, my relationship with my children and my entire view of humanity.
Yeah, it's just that powerful.

I do believe this philosophy is the path to peace, as a way to let go of the anger and revenge we humans so desperately hang on to, a whole new way to view our own lives and the future lives of our children.

And then there are times when it's just so @#%*! hard and I want to hit something... not my child... a large pillow would suffice.

Because, like anything that's going to change the world, it takes time to evolve.

This philosophy is a practice, like yoga, or playing an instrument.  And people think I'm CRAZY for talking to my children as if they are fully functioning adults. "Stop acting like a child", is NOT something I will say to my CHILD.  My child is a child, and I expect she will act like a child.  All my girls will become adults before I know it, and dear Lord, PLEASE LET MY CHILD ACT LIKE A CHILD.  It ain't gonna last forever!

I have three kids... girls to be exact.  I was 29 when my first born changed my life forever.  I'm 35 now and damn is it hard when my youngest, 16 months old, doesn't sleep because she's getting molars.  I sure don't bounce back from sleeplessness like I used to.  I digress....

So follow, if you will, on my wholly imperfect practice of the philosophy.  I try with all my being to practice what I preach to other parents.  And like any good therapist will tell you, therapists are perhaps the most screwed up people... which is why they pursued therapy in the first place, because it's most likely the very thing that saved them from themselves.

I struggle everyday to practice what I literally teach.  It's harder than nails and I wouldn't trade it for nothin'.

And so we begin...