“The best thing you’ve ever done for me, is to help me take my life less seriously. It’s only life after all.”
-The Indigo Girls
I often write about the beliefs and disciplines that help me relax and live bravely. Many of these are proactive strategies – things I do before I am upset to remind myself that I am loved and that the world and I are all right. These things are good, and they help me maintain a peaceful heart, to some extent. But the thing is that I live with three children, and I am convinced that they meet early in the morning to plan the most effective way to take me down each day. So, the fact is that my peace is not going to be consistently maintained, no matter how much reading, writing, praying, or yoga I do… because there are very strong willed forces working against me. These forces are led by a little girl who will remain unnamed, but I will tell you that her name rhymes with fish.
Allow me to offer a specific example. Here’s what our evening looked like last night, after Craig and I suggested that everyone had to eat their dinners even though dinner was, admittedly, gross. One nanosecond before this moment, we were discussing daddy’s day at work and our upcoming weekend plans, laughing, and generally feeling like a lovely, well adjusted family. Then – this.
Now, the problem is that I am not good in these situations. There are mothers – my friends Gena and Casey come to mind – who roll with these scenarios. When their kids tantrum, Gena and Casey’s facial expressions don’t change. Their eyes, weary smiles, and demeanors suggest: “Oh well…kids will be kids,” and then they calmly do whatever needs to be done to diffuse the situation. This is not my first instinct.
My first instinct is to freak out. My first instinct is to remember that yes, this chaos is proof that I have ruined my life and the lives of everyone in my home and that we are a disaster of a family and that no mother, in the entire history of mothers, has ever been forced to endure the drama, decibels and general suffering of this moment. My instinct is to tear my clothes and throw myself on the floor and bawl and cry out worthless declarations like “I can’t TAKE this anymore!” My first instinct is to allow my anxiety and angst to pour out like gasoline on a raging fire and indulge in a full-on mommy meltdown.
This, Craig suggests, is not helpful.
So, after a few years of parenting, it became clear that I needed a strategy to help me regain my peace after I had already lost it. Because I am going to lose it, frequently. It is what it is and I am who I am.
Enter Joan Didion.
Have you read Slouching Towards Bethlehem? Ms. Didion is a VERY serious noticer and writer. No fluff. Every word she chooses is necessary and precise. She leaves no room for argument or conjecture. As you read, you understand that Ms. Didion knows what she’s talking about and perhaps you should just hush yourself and read on. Also, she trusts her readers to recognize the important parts of her writing without even using italics. Or maybe it’s just that she doesn’t go off on tangents so she doesn’t feel the need to constantly use italics to signify that she is now coming back around to the point. Let that be a lesson to me.
In an essay called “Self-Respect,” Ms. Didion offers the only strategy that has ever consistently helped me regain my mommy peace once I’ve lost it:
“It was once suggested to me that as an antidote to crying, I put my head in a paper bag. As it happens, there is a sound physiological reason, something to do with oxygen, for doing exactly that, but the psychological effect alone is incalculable. It is difficult in the extreme to continue fancying oneself Cathy in Wuthering Heights with one’s head in a food fair bag. There is a similar case for all the small disciplines, unimportant in themselves; imagine maintaining any sort of swoon, commiserate or carnal, in a cold shower.”
Yes, Ms. Didion, yes. It’s the little things. The little disciplines that help us get through the day and regain peace. It’s not necessarily a different career or parenting philosophy or neighborhood or husband that we need. Sometimes it’s a deep breath, a bath, a glass of water, or a paper bag.
I now store paper bag hats on all three floors in my house. And when everyone starts losing their minds, I put on my bag and breathe and hide. Tada! Instant quiet time, oxygen, and a reminder that things are not necessarily as dramatic and horrible as my kids or jumpy head might suggest.
Here are a couple more pictures taken in phase two of the family tantrum, when we had moved things over to the couch for a change of scenery.
I draw smiley faces on my bags because I know that a large portion of my kids’ mommy memories will include these bags, and I’d like them to be smiley memories. Also, I love how the smiley face makes me look content, even though inside I am scowling and hyperventilation and ruing the day I was born. I think the thumbs up gesture really completes the effect. One piece of advice: if you decide to employ this strategy in your home, don’t be tempted to cut out eye holes. I tried it once, and it ruins everything because, well, eye holes mean you can still see the carnage, and the carnage can see your maniacal eyes.
No eye holes.
Just to preempt the question that many of you plan to email me when you finish reading . . . No, I am not joking. I really do this . . . which might have been an excellent alternate name for this blog.
Anyway, bag or not, I’m just saying that it’s helpful to adopt “small disciplines” to remind oneself that life is much too important to be taken seriously.
Carry On, Warriors.
Love,
G
[...] needed to pray, she would pull an apron over her head. And then there’s Glennon Melton from Momastery, who has been known to put a grocery bag over her [...]
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS!! I am just like you. When I feel the blood starting to boil I am reaching for a brown paper bag. Love it that you said, most of your childhoods memories would have you with the bag. I can TOTALLY relate. PRECIOUS!
[...] A mom who wears a paper bag over her head, for serious. [...]
Love the idea, except in my house it is the girl throwing the tantrum/misbehaving that gets a paper bag over her head. That is my version of “time out”.
[...] About losing your schmit with your kids: http://momastery.com/blog/2012/01/24/closer-to-fine/ [...]
Okay I know that everyone commenting loves this post as much as I do, it was greatly reassuring to know I’m not alone. I had a particularly challenging day yesterday (kids are 8 weeks, 18 months, almost 4 and 17). I was reading the post aloud after my husband got home from work, laughing aloud and then crying because it was so close to my insanity!!! After I got ahold of myself I went out and got a haircut ad left the kids with him. Thank you so much for this- you have saved another mom! Bags will be made during naptime today!!!
i’m a new reader. you are rad. i love your honesty.
off to make some bags now.
Thank you, mealtimes have just become a complete nightmare and I’ve started giving DD her dinner earlier on her own (not the best solution but I guess if her blood sugar is up she can at least then join us for a dessert nicely!). Thanks for the photo too, glad it’s not just us
Thank you. Thank you!
I’m a newbie Canadian Monkee that desperatly needs to find a store that offers the “paper or plastic” option or even a place to buy large paper bags. All the stores I shop at only offer plastic, nor have I heard of any grocers offering the paper option. Anyways…. I really could have used one this morning when my two year old LOST her mind over being served her morning cereal in the “wrong bowl”, then my 9 month baby girl started wailing due to the dramatic increase in the household volume, all while my sweet 8 year old daughter was whining about something “very important” but what I’m not sure what it was because I couldn’t hear her over all of the crying. OY! With three girls I’m sure a paper bag would get plenty of use!
Although incredibly frustated this morning I did find comfort in knowing that I probably was not the only monkee that was shouting aloud in complete fustration “I NEED ME A PAPER BAG!”
Whoops…. I posted twice, I thought the first one didn’t work so I typed it out all over again. Sorry for the repeat!
This new Canadian Monkee REALLY needs to find a store near me that has the “paper or plastic” option, or a place to buy large paper bags. I really could have used one this morning when my sweet two year old lost her mind over me pouring cereal into the wrong bowl, then the sound of my two year old losing her mind got my sweet baby started over the crazy noise level in the house, all while my 8 year old was whining about something “very important” (Probably something to do with her hair do, or outfit, I can’t be sure because I really couldn’t hear what it was with all of the crying going on). Oy…. Although incredibly fustrating, I’m comforted in knowing that this morning I’m sure I was not alone, that some mom somewhere was also saying outloud “I NEED ME A PAPER BAG!”
Ok that is the funniest freaking thing I’ve read in ages!! Thank you for making me laugh today!! Awesome!!
You are an awesome woman, Mom, therapist, person, and author…inspiring! God bless you, and keep going. My oldest daughter (now 33) sent me your link, encouraging me when I was feeling down…know that you help many others, and humble some as well. PS: Beautiful family!
[...] a great post recently on momastery.com about how she handles meltdowns of the child and mommy nature. She suggests that a trick is needed [...]
I think you are an utter genius. I savor every word you write. This post both made me think and also had me clutching my belly with uproarious laughter. I am highly considering a bag of my own. Thanks for the fabulous insights every time you post.
Now that I have stopped laughing hysterically, I can write to tell you that this is AWESOME. I really think I will try this. If for no other reason than to try and replicate the hilarious picture of you with thumbs up and your child in agony.
Oh, your posts that are so real and raw are like a massage after a day of nannying a screaming baby and 12 hours straight of toddler battles wtih my son. Oh, and pregnancy, there’s that too. Thanks for being human and tired and not having all the answers like the rest of us.
I will be trying the paper bag method with my toddler…and the screaming baby. Awesome.
Thank you!! What a great idea. I too get very worked up and anxious when my son goes into meltdown mode & find myself getting more and more worked up. Am going to try this and hope that it help keeps me calm and the eye of the storm!
I LOVE it! You need a “Revenge Plan!” It’s my husband and I’s best secret coping mechanism…but I also need to try the paper bag. Love it!
http://thinkmagnetkids.com/2012/01/16/revenge-plan/
WOW, this is great! I have pretty bad mommy tantrums so I may have to try this. Now I know what to get all of my mommy friends for Christmas
This pretty much just made my day. I am also prone to mom tantrums, and can’t wait to try this new trick! The picture of you with the “thumbs up” is priceless. I kind of want to put it on the fridge to remind me: 1) I’m not alone in my occasional desire to jump off a bridge instead of face my life as a parent and) just laugh already!
Thanks!
It’s very possible that you may have just saved my career as a parent. Thank you. Very, very much.
Wow… Most of the time I read your posts I think… “This Girl is SO IN MY HEAD!!!” In fact, with my four little ones, my kitchen table often looks just like that! Led most often by the 3 year old. I love the idea of the paper bags… Definitely going to try it!
What I love is your realness…and the link you made to your tantruming children and the trigger that has for you of failure in mothering, in life…. I SO SO get that and thank you for putting into words for me.
I am the same exact-tantrum alongside them, begrudge that inner peace and happy family harmony I desperately longed for and then yell….yeah, not so good!
I often, through gritted teeth say in, well, a certain tone “smile, we are a happy family, whether you feel it or not!!!”
Paper bag-looking promising!!!!!!!
Maybe this bag thing is the solution! Just wanted to say “hi” as I just found your blog via your “Mountain” article in the Huffington Post and just read your “Meet…” page and you write so beautifully and honestly. Thank you. What an amazing thing you have done with your life. Your children are so blessed to have you shaping their world.
Thank you so much! I am going to search for the paper bags tomorrow. My yoga instructor sent me this link and I am so grateful to read I am not the only mother who tantrums as well. I have four children born in three years and three months. The last was a set of twins. I find it hard to compose myself. For example, “mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Can I have my stickers?mom mom mom. I want my stickers.” me covered in vomit from my son, btw he did puke in my mouth blech, tried to remain calm by saying,” no sweetie I can’t. No you can’t have the stickers. I said no. No. Does it look like I can get the damn stickers? We’re covered in puke!!!!!now please just leave us be!”. Next time will be the paper bag. I will try anything. Lol.
Love this and can’t wait to share it with the frazzled moms in the Green Grandma community!! Thanks for being so transparent (even while hiding inside a brown paper bag)!
Great post. Tantrums are the hardest thing to deal with! Heard a very helpful program on tantrums recently on NPR. http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2011/12/05/143062378/whats-behind-a-temper-tantrum-scientists-deconstruct-the-screams
Tried this yesterday. Worked like a charm. The only hitch is then the boys started whining about wanting to wear MY bag on their heads. Forget it guys! Go find your own piece of sanity.
I am totally getting myself a paper bag with a smiley face on it. After I stop laughing at your brilliant honesty.
Oh you are way too ridiculously cute, and I LOVE this. I’m going to have to keep it in mind for the family meltdowns that I’m sure will be in our future.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this. Thank you Glennon for the much needed laugh and for letting me know that I am not alone. Now, where are my paper bags?
Loved this post, but interested in the fact that you told everyone to eat their dinners. Do you ask/require your children to eat everything on their plate, or just try the food?
Just asking because I love my mom but think she was terribly misguided in making me finish my food as a child – overriding whether I was full or not, whether I genuinely hated a certain food (which is completely normal and OK), etc. I really want to teach my children what I never truly learned, which is to stop eating when they are no longer hungry.
It also would be interesting to hear your thoughts one day on parenting children (especially girls) in today’s image-conscious society where eating disorders are more prevalant, and given that you are also in recovery. If you’ve already written about that, I’d love a link. Thank you for such great writing!
I’m interested in the same questions, if you feel like answering them.
This is the best way to deal with tantrums I have ever heard! How do your kids not bust out laughing at this?! I don’t roll well with these situations, either, but I think this could actually work for me. I’m pretty sure the kids will think I’m crazy and that could stop their craziness! You are such an awesome writer; I just found you via the Carpe Diem post on Huffington Post and am so glad I read that article and found your blog.
I need to start asking for paper at the grocery store so I can have my own supply for me (and probably my husband:) EXCELLENT idea!
OH MY GOD! This is the BEST idea ever! The deep breaths aren’t working these days…and trying to LOOK calm is NOT always easy. Under the bag, breathing in the oxygen…facial expressions don’t have to look so perfect – and all the kids will see is the smiley face on the OUTSIDE of the bag. SO awesome!!!!! Off to make my bag. Love the “Carpe Diem?” article (can’t quite recall the exact title) I recently read. Awesome!!! Soo soo poignant you are in your depiction of this crazy, wonderful ride we mothers are on!!! Keep writing!!! Such a gift to all!!
HAHHAHA!! This is hilarious!!!
The bag idea is brilliant. I need to get a supply ASAP.
I truly believe in using household items to “cure” situations. I think I got that from my Dad. Here is how he helped me with boxes.
http://ichoosehappynow.com/2011/10/16/cup-of-joy/how-to-stop-thumb-sucking-in-kids-how-johnny-walker-black-scotch-helped-me-stop-sucking-my-thumb/
I am a new fan. I’ll be subscribing.
Cheers,
Louise
Have been wanting to read my first Didion for a while–her life story is amazing. Thanks for the recommendation and the laughs!
The other day someone mentioned a study that found that in spite of hopes that we may have had when the internet was new, there is just as much othering (racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, etc.) on the Internet as there is in real life. While I don’t dispute that finding, a post like this lets me say, “Yeah, but. Yeah, but look at how the Internet also allows the love, humor, and humility of brave people like Glennon reach people like me who never would have met her otherwise.” Thank you for posting this.
I love this! I think I’m going to need a solid supply of bags.
Just to be clear though, is it only OK to wear the paper bag ourselves? I mean, it feels really tempting to put something (gently and in a non-harmful manner) over my four year old when he is in full freak out mode. I think it could be really amusing, for the rest of the family, to try to throw a paper bag over his head mid-tantrum.
I promise I won’t though. Promise.
No, its not okay. A four year old’s tantrum is very real to them and being mocked (by the whole family none the less) is not what they need, nor will they understand it to be funny. Try having compassion even as you are searching for a way to cope.
First off…love the Indigo Girls and your bags. Off to start my day and wake up the monkeys. I’ll hold off on putting on the bag until I’ve turned the lights on and their eyes have opened and the whining and pillow throwing begins. Can’t imagine their terror to waking to a huge square shaped head standing over them.
Thank you for your commitment to posting…just forwarded your blog the other day and have loved every second.
Have only just found you this past month, and have choked back both astonishing laughter and heated tears regularly since. Want to eat all your words with a spork. Thank you. De.
I love Joan Didion but haven’t read Slouching Towards Bethlehem in years. I love that she is so funny in the paragraph you quoted because when I think Joan Didion I don’t necessarily think funny. I’m getting some bags! Thanks for sharing.
Now I know why there was a stack of Trader Joe’s bags sitting in the closet. For this very reason. Serendipity!
xo
cortnie
I really needed this yesterday. Usually I’ll take my toddler out to the courtyard and she will calm down, but we couldn’t go outside because of too many mosquitos. I’ll try this idea next time.
I am seriously going to try this!! thank you again for making me laugh – with you – and at myself. our dinner tonight was very similar.
Two words… AWE. SOME.
[...] just love Glennon’s approach to dealing with tantrums over at Momastery. Seriously, I can’t look at that thumb’s up photo without giggling. It reminds me of [...]
At first glance, I didn’t think much of the first picture here. Everyone’s kids pitch a fit, right? What sent me into a fit of laughter was noticing Chase covering his face (and maybe the baby in the background losing it as well?) Cuz THAT is what happens in our home. One of the younger two … usually the middle bugger … flips out about something and it is so nails-on-a-chalkboard irritating that the older one loses it too. “Make him stop! Make him STOP! MAKE! HIM! STOP!!!!” Which often sets off the baby, so YAY now I get three for the price of one!
I’m having one of those days today. I honestly thought about pulling out one of my paper bags.
The next time I go to the market, I will be ditching my “go green” reusable bags in favor of paper. So I can make several bags with a faces. Seriously. BEST IDEA EVER
bahaha! Yours is the only blog I religiously read from start to finish. So great!
I was having a frustrating day a few days ago, tried playing my guitar and broke a string, tried restringing it and broke *that* string. Then I just said, darnit, you know what, I’m just going to play with five strings, and pounded out Closer to Fine. It made me feel a lot better!
I’ve found that in working with kids, putting just about anything on your head and saying, “Do you like my hat?” is a good way to break the tension.
A couple more tips from a mom (me) who considers herself ready for everything.
I bought ear covers (the gun fire ones, I wasn’t skimping one bit) and wore them after dinner for a very long time when I had toddlers. My kids take noisy showers! Cured my headaches better than any drugs could!
I have witnessed that any punishment is simply a discomfort of one of the 6 senses (I count spirituality as the 6th). Some shout – hearing. Some send for a time out-spiritual isolation, some put bad tastes on the young (salt, tobasco)- taste. Some spank- touch, no one usually utilizes smell or sight, although a strobe and a poppy bathroom would certainly inflict punishment. Point being, that our kids dish out the punishment as much as we do. As parents, we are called to be DISCAPLINED in punishment where kids need to learn discipline. One has a choice to avoid punishment, or to learn from it.
This is the best blog post I have ever read in my entire life. I am making a bag with a face. I can’t wait to use it.
You crack me up!
Every mom can relate to this post!! Thanks so much for the laugh! I laughed so hard I was crying and the “littles” were pecking about me asking what the heck was SO funny!! They wouldn’t understand. At least not yet.
I just discovered your blog recently and so glad that I did! I don’t follow many (any) but I find myself checking yours regularly. You have a gift and I’m thankful I get to be one of the receivers. Keep em’ coming, please!
Glennon, I loved your post and the thumb’s up sign was hilar. I think you should make a “traveler” paper bag. Just think you could use it in Target, on the airplane…
Thanks for reminding us to keep it real!
Damn! Who ARE you??? First I break down reading about your take on Chronos and Kairos. Now, you’re quoting Joan Didion! You are single-handedly bringing together my current mothering of two boys under the age of three, with my favorite topics from my graduate work in Theology years ago. I needed the perspective you give, and I needed a good reminder to tie together all that I know, with the transformative unknowns of mothering. Thank you, Glennon.
Just imagining myself doing the same puts me in a better mood. This is fantastic.
I so needed this today. I keep trying to remind myself that whenever I used to go skiing, I would get done with the day and be so glad that I didn’t fall…but I usually didn’t fall because I was still on the bunny slope when I was a much better skiier than that. Parenting is so hard and I am totally going to fall so I definitely need to stop trying to have the perfect run and just enjoy the view before tumbling down the hill.
Do I even bother to write a comment just to say how hard I laughed at this? Of COURSE everyone who read it laughed! (Maybe everyone didn’t also snort, but I did…)
Thank you for sharing your imperfections. Mine are vast and less funny, but you DO make me feel better!
Hahaha! I need a paper bag or two myself Glennon! You’re not alone! I think I might need one for work while I’m at it. Not sure how my new boss would take it though….I told them today that a portion of my brain melted as they tried to describe what seemed to me like an impossible task…I’m going to draw a smiley face on mine too…
I really appreciate that your husband recognized the importance of grabbing the camera to capture these moments. So much more fun for the both of you than trying to stop a tantrum. I’m drawing a smiley face on my Trader Joe’s paper bag right now…
p.s. sooo …. has anyone tried putting the bag on their kid’s head? PAPER, of course … ! just wondering….
Ha ha ha ha ha!!!
“My first instinct is to allow my anxiety and angst to pour out like gasoline on a raging fire and indulge in a full-on mommy meltdown. This, Craig suggests, is not helpful.”
I always love a good “helpful husband” comment. And I love the “instant hiding place” inherent to the bag idea. But I think what I love most is the smiley faces on the bags. Well, that and the thumbs-up gesture. As long as the real face is hidden, all is well!
Bag ladies/mommies of the world UNITE. Fabulous and very sane idea! Will be implemented shortly…
Glennon,
You are so DEAD ON! I have done similar things like turn on music and suggest a dance party, but this paper bag trick… WOW!
Thank you for empowering so many moms by sharing your own journey!
Jenn
PS Your previous post brought me to wet, sobbing tears… the words of my own soul. I’d die with you on that mountain.
Can I use plastic? I’d like to today.
I have so many PLASTIC bags in my house (to empty the kitty doo-doo). Must.stay.away.from.the.plastic.bags in a meltdown. Hey, mine are not little anymore, but I have young 20-somethings, a husband and a granddaughter all under one roof. At least I can WALK away when they get on my nerves. Ha ha! No where to run, no where to hide. I’m the one having the tantrums. (wink)
This is totally brilliant.
What a quick and easy way to recenter.
I love it!
Wow, I just read this at work, and had to literally bite on my knuckles to stop myself from laughing out loud in cubicle-land. This is pure genious, and a technique I am definitely going to employ. I’m so happy I found your blog!!!
Great blog… funny…real..honest…. makes me feel normal… thank you!
Glennon,
This morning when my 2 year old
Was throwing a tantrum because he wanted Doritos for breakfast I first panicked and had anxiety. Then I remembered your blog. I threw the trader joes paper bag over my head and continued to make school lunches as best as I could. It worked! He was shocked that I wasn’t looking at him anymore and stopped. My other two had a good laugh. Thanks for such enlightenment. I love your blog…
we are so going grocery shopping for paper bags this afternoon
What a fantastic idea! Another friend of mine gave her kids ‘angry’ hats that they put on when they are disgruntled for any reason to let her know she needs to talk to that kid about his/her feelings, rather than the kid actually going into tantrum stage, which is punishable by immediate timeouts.
Eva, your suggestion about angry hats for the kids is genious.
Glennon, thank you so much for your honesty as a parent. I don’t feel so alone in me mommy mealtdowns. Project paper hats is in full effect!
Kind of reminds me of Jack in the Box commercials. And seems awesome.
I imagine the shock factor alone could defuse a tantrum the first few times..
But wait!…where is the straw hole for the margarita!:)
Hoping that I didn’t offend you, G by posting a joke about a drink. I appreciate your recovery and didn’t mean you directly. Some of us as you know, will still reach for that drink. Some of us in moderation, some of us in excess. I appreciate your openness and your posts today. Love Dana.
Thank you so much for sharing. I forsee a shortage of paperbags in the near future at the local store. I really can use this with my 13 yo DD.
That last picture has me cry-laughing. I’ve got my own rage response to tantruming children. I think I need to try this.
I am a new reader (Monkee?) and I have to tell you that this post combined 3 things near and dear to my heart: 1) The Indigo Girls; 2) Joan Didion; and 3) Mommy meltdowns.
I think you’re my new hero!
Love. It. I am grateful for any confirmation that a) I am not the only crazy mommy in the world, b) I should thoughtfully consider how I model managing insanity to my children because it is what they will show the world AND teach my grandchildren some day, and c)we should all remember to breathe and not take ourselves too seriously.
Way to go.
Oh G, You make me laugh so much. Thanks for the reminder to not take myself so seriously
This is the most hilarious thing ever. The photos with the thumbs up are killing me!
I had a friend call me this morning, just needing to vent. I directed her to your blog. I told her you would make her feel so much better. It helps me every. single. day. Not kidding.
I plan to use a reusable canvas bag, so that I can appear calm *and* environmentally conscious at the same time.
I currently blare hip-hop music and do weird dances until I confuse my children into submission. I think this could add to the routine.
Hey a newbie here. i am just loving your post. this really might work even though my girls are 19 and 16. i’m a bit worried my 16 yr old might try it on me. and if we both have our “bags” on i am not sure how it will work.
I had a mommy meltdown at dinner last week and my husband very cautiously suggested that maybe it would be better if I finished eating my dinner in the bedroom, which I did. I do love the paper bag idea and I plan on trying it!
I’ve stolen the phrase “Mama is about to go CIRCUS CRAZY” from a fellow Monkee. It usually stops everybody in their tracks. I want a paper bag for work situations though.
And now, mothers across the globe are going to be found walking around with paper bags on their heads. I think I’ll put one in my car. For when I’m driving.
Hilarious!
My friend, whom is like your friends Gena and Casey sent me this! HA! no wonder she is so normal! xo
“Glennon,” not “Glenna.” Oops. Sorry.
” and the carnage can see your maniacal eyes…” Fantastic stuff. Glenna, you work word-magic, truly. Thanks so much for the inspiration. I write too, but rarely manage to write in out of the essence of me. You do not seem to have that problem. I’ll keep working on it.
Johannah
I have never responded to this blog actually I have never responded to any blog I have read, so HERE IT GOES!!! First Off I just love reading about your…. CRAZY WONDERFUL LOUD ALL SO PRECIOUS FAMILY, because well it reminds me alot of my household. I to am a recovering alcholic and am in the process of PRAYING PRAYING PRAYING for God to heal me with my Bulimia, that I have been struggling with for well over 12 yrs. WOW i do not think I have ever posted that in PUBLIC. And WOW it feels GREAT!! But enough about me, I just want to thank you from the bottom up my heart for sharing your life family and your struggles with all of us out here. AND ON A POSITIVE NOTE I to will be starting the PAPER BAG METHOD!!! But INSTEAD OF A HAPPY FACE I THINK I WILL put a CRAZY FACE just so my 3 children KNOW what they drive me todo sometimes!!!
MUCH LOVE CARa
Cara,
God loves bulimics best. I’m just saying. I really think it’s true.
Love, G
PS. Starting a recovery series tomorrow. Stay tuned, love.
and Carry On, Warrior!
Cara,
Sending supportive thoughts to help you with your fight against bulimia!
Please know that a total stranger just prayed for you and thinks it is amazing that you shared that in public. I pray that God will be your source of strength and that you’ll constantly be reminded that you are His precioius wonderful beautiful daughter and that He definitely wants to heal you!!!! Because that is what daddies want for their little girls…..
PS I love the paperbag, but I’m afraid that if I put it on everytime I start to lose my mind, my kids will forget what I really look like and their only childhood memories of their mommy will be of some lady with a paperbag over her head
Thank you ladies so much!! I can Truely Say God is working in my life!! Bless each and everyone of you!!!
Cara
I am so going to try this! My 3 year old better watch out! hahaha