Living with your Crabasaurus

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Some days I am irritable, crabby and grumpy – a downright Crabasaurus. I notice it more often this time of year. It could be because the schedule at our house is extremely busy with work, school, music lessons, workshops, sports, meetings, volunteer commitments, etc. It could be because it gets so dark so early this time of year. It could be because I am not getting enough sleep.

Regardless of the reason, my typical reaction is to chide myself, “I have nothing to be crabby about. I have a nice home in a safe neighborhood. I have 3 healthy happy kids and a devoted loving husband. I have work that I love….” That litany of judgments doesn’t help at all. It just makes me even CRABBIER!

So I have been experimenting with making room for the Crabasaurus – including it, welcoming it instead of ignoring it or trying to push it away.

One immediate effect of including it – a huge sigh of relief. I literally breathe easier. I don’t have to DO anything – just be in this moment. Another interesting result – I notice an increase in compassion and tenderness toward myself. I am a normal human being just trying to do my best and sometimes that means I am grumpy.

My 3 kids just came home from school. From the sounds of it, I might have 3 hungry little Crabasaurs on my hands. I guess I’ll have to make more room at the dinner table.

4 replies
  1. Rana
    Rana says:

    Haha. I LOVE this one. Especially because it makes feeling crabby easier to look at in a “cute” way. At least for me, a “crabasaurus” sounds…well… cute. For me.
    Love you!!!

    Reply
  2. Anne
    Anne says:

    Mary, this post–along with your last one on Fierce Kindness–speak to me so strongly. It’s *almost* as good as having a real coaching session with you–I feel myself breathing more deeply and feeling comforted and stronger. I’m so glad you’re doing this blog!

    Reply
    • Mary
      Mary says:

      Hi Anne — Breathing is such a simple practice, isn’t it?! I am thrilled to know that you find the blog so helpful. That is exactly the inspiration I need to keep it up! Take care wise woman ~ Mary

      Reply

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