Life has changed at the Henry household over the past two years since I became a “Zen Mama”. A few weeks ago I asked my children how life had changed since I became a Zen Mama. Their answers moved and touched me. Being a Zen Mama is working! So Now I decided to ask my husband how he’s changed or benefited and here’s his response:
Becoming the Zen Papa:
Just amazing that the Zen Mama (and Zen Papa) has been in existence for over a year now. From an outside perspective, it so exciting to see how far the Zen Mama has come and how excited she is to be following her dreams. Seems like yesterday we were in the car, driving to Boulder and I said, “That’s your book. You need to write this stuff down!” It’s truly become her passion. She loves it. She’s amazed by it and so am I!. It’s wonderful to see someone so close to you enjoy herself so much! But, back to me, The Zen Papa ; ) …
I, too, have had a wonderful time. I’ve learned so much because we really do discuss everything. It’s great to have our morning meetings (coffee by the fireplace or outside watching the sunrise) and discuss all things “book and blog-worthy”. Within the year, many positive changes have taken place for the Zen Papa, mostly from a behavioral / attitude standpoint:
• I’ve let a lot go…I’m not as concerned with things that “may…or may not happen.” Because they probably won’t!
• I have less…so much less anger…and that is such as good thing. I feel lighter…and that’s a great thing!
• I don’t worry about our boys so much. I still constantly think about them, their futures, what they’re doing, where they’re going, who they are doing it with, etc…but I don’t worry about them so much. They’re all in a good place.
• I’m definitely closer with them. I love them SO much and I know that when they do things, they are not doing them to me…or to make me mad. They’re just doing what kids do. They’re doing what we did when we were kids. And, they’re doing what their kids will do. Someday soon they’ll understand why we, as parents, do what we do.
• I’m not as anxious as I once was. I have the feeling that “everything will be OK”. And if it’s not, “that’s OK too”.
• I see things in a different way…”If you change the way you look at things….they things you look at change”. Thanks for that Wayne!
Thanks for all your wisdom, Zen Mama!
I love you!
I love YOU zen mama and zen papa! What a great blog, what a great concept and what a great family! Hope we will really spend some more time together soon. Happy Holidays and happy zen family!
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Betsy Reply:
December 1st, 2010 at 6:38 pm
Myriam! You are too sweet! We would love to see you and the girls over the holidays. I’ll email soon!
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What a great post! I love the things the Zen Papa has learned, they’re nice reminders for me.
And it’s wonderful to hear from the Zen Papa himself! Thanks to both of you!
Btw, your morning meetings sound divine!
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Betsy Reply:
December 1st, 2010 at 9:58 pm
We love our “morning meetings”. We’re often too tired to talk at night. So we try to wake up early and discuss everything over coffee. Glad you enjoyed it Michelle!!
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Beautiful! You two get my vote for zen parents of the year! I love to read about the Zen Papa lessons too. You guys are an amazing pair! I love you!
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Betsy Reply:
December 1st, 2010 at 9:59 pm
Thanks dear Susie! I really appreciate your support!! Love (and miss) you, too!!
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How wonderful to read Zen Papa’s words, too! And how great that he encourages your books and writing. My husband also does that, but I know not everyone is so lucky. I love reading about your morning meetings. I guess my husband and I have morning meetings – although our are in the early morning hours before we go to bed!
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See, you have a way of rubbing off on people.
)
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I agree with “You get Parents of the Year Award!” I was so hoping that the Zen Papa would emerge and share his thoughts. Thank you, Betsy, for introducing him. You are both loved – by many (including me)!
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So nice to hear the “other half” of the makings of the Zen family.
It is amazing how oner person changing and growing has an effect on the entire family.
Nice to meet you, Zen papa! I hope we hear more from you in the future!
You and Betsy are an inspiration!
Love,
Jen
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Wow!! That is awesome!!
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Oh I love this Zen Mama and Papa! You both are an inspiration by supporting each other and fueling each other’s passions in life. Loving having your book on our house for those nuggets of wisdom. Your boys are lucky
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Sounds like he Zen Papa is an equally amazing man! Wadda family! Great post!
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Betsy Reply:
December 8th, 2010 at 10:19 pm
Thanks! You’d love him, Uncle Johnny.
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What a great post. A nice tribute to all you’ve been doing, Betsy. Thank you for sharing the Zen Papa with us all!
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