How have I been talking to myself recently?

This is a hard question to answer. I don't think that I do enough quality self-talk. Just about the only compliment that I give myself is that I'm organized. Well, that is great, but it's not the end-all, be-all. I know that I focus too much on being organized and miss the other wonderful, unorganized aspects of everyday life. I need to appreciate the chaos and embrace the unpredictability of the ebb and flow of our daily routine.

Other things that I need to tell myself:
I am a good mom.
I am a good wife.
I am a good daughter.
I am a good sister.
I am a good Christian.
I am a good teacher.

What would help my body feel listened to and loved?

I know that I need to cut back on the sweets. I feel sluggish if I eat too many. It's a vicious cycle because if I'm tired, I tend to eat more sweets in order to jump start. That's another one--get enough sleep. I try to hard to get in bed at a decent hour, but often that doesn't happen. I've also been finding out recently that I don't really need to get up as early as I do, since the kids are becoming more independent.

Other needs:
water
sunshine--need to take more walks!
human touch--love those foot rubs! I also need to snuggle with the kids more often!
I love looking at beautiful flowers--maybe I'll plant some soon.
I also love beautiful music. I need to make a point to play some in the classroom tomorrow.

How might shadow comforts or time monsters block me from trusting myself or from exploring the yearning I just named?

I say yes too often. Just because I have a time slot, doesn't mean that I have to fill it. Sometimes I might need to cancel a few activities because it's just too much. I have to make sure that I have time for myself and time for my family.

Some steps that I've already taken:

Stopped going to two grocery stores a week--at least during the school year. It doesn't matter what the sales are, my time is more valuable.
The Jr. YLSC program will be ending soon, so I will have a longer Sunday afternoon. This is a wonderful program, but I'm glad that it's just a few weeks a year.
Asking Nana to take Ellen to the birthday party on Friday night. Delegating is a good thing.
Possibly opting not to take John to Carter's birthday on Saturday. It's just not at a good time for us (nap time).
I've readied a few clothes for the consignment sale, but I'm not going to worry about doing any more. It's enough to get to shop early, and there's no reason to spend Saturday pricing a ton of clothes that may or may not sell.
No counseling on Monday night--not within my control, but it helps to not have somewhere to go on Monday.
I may keep the kids home from church tonight. I can't decide what would be best.

What experience or feeling do I yearn for today?

Lately, it seems that all I do is rush from you activity to another. I yearn to slow down, to take it easy, to not crumble under the pressures of everyday life. When I feel rushed, I get snappy and short with those that I love and I forget the reason that I am living my life. My familyshould be at my center and unfortunately, they often get lost in the shuffle. I think our lives somehow get so overscheduled, and before we know it, we are gone every night. We spend our time in so many other things, instead of being with each other. I feel like I am on a rollercoaster and I want to get off. I yearn for a slower life pace.