Hello, my name is Katherine, and I'm a yeller.

Hello, my name is Katherine, and I'm a yeller.  Today, I am starting a 30 day challenge to Yell Less and Love More.  If you've been in Bible Study with me over the past 5 years, you know that a constant struggle of mine is being an angry momma and yelling at my kids.  No, I don't rant and rave and go on tirades all the time.  Most of you have probably never even seen me yell at my kids, and would be surprised at me being an angry momma.  However, for me and my kids, it's too much.  I don't want to be a yeller.  I don't like the way it makes me feel or how it makes my kids feel.  I don't like it when my kids are playing "house" or Barbies, and I hear them yelling at each other the way that I yell at them.  It's not just the yelling, it's my tone.  And, maybe it's not all that bad...but it's not good.  I want my words, tone, and level of voice to be loving and warm to my children.  Yelling is a bad habit, and I don't want my kids learning bad habits from me (at least, not ones that can be harmful).  Don't worry...I'm not ignoring the underlying issues that contribute to the anger that causes the yelling, but there are definite steps I can take to change the way I deal with it.  So, I'm starting now.  And, I know I'm not alone in this.  I've heard the quote many times, "It's not until you get married that you realize how selfish you are.  And, it's not until you have children that you realize how angry you are."  This is so true for me.  Even though my sister told me every day how selfish I was growing up, I couldn't really see it until I got married.  Even though, I knew I had anger in me, it didn't really play itself out until I had children (my second with my first turning 2 to be exact).  For other mommas out there that struggle with this, join me in this challenge.  I'm doing the formal challenge with theorangerhino.com, but you can certainly do it along with us.  Also, I've recently read She's Gonna Blow by Julie Barnhill, which is great if you're looking for any resources. 

So, if you see me sporting orange nail polish, it's not because I'm supporting my Vols, it's a reminder to me to Yell Less and Love More.  I haven't decided if I'm going to blog about my progress or not.  Mostly because blogging is a time-taker, and time is a yelling trigger for me, but I'll try to give updates so that I can have some accountability.  Although, my children will hold me plenty accountable.  They are in on this, and even have little signs to hold up when I start to lose it to remind me to Yell Less and Love More. 

Check out theorangerhino.com to hear about her story and how she's been yell-free for 2 years.  She has lots of tips and advice as well.  Are there any other Orange Rhinos out there reading this?

So, I feel like when I hit "publish", this is gonna get real..so, here it goes.