June 2016
“Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power” ~ Lao Tzu Family Talking Topics What is self-control?
Our June value: Self-Control June has been a great time to practice this month's value of self-control, with so many action-packed days preparing for exciting summer trips, our fabulous show and sports day, not to mention beginning to think about our new classes or, for our Year 6 children, new schools! "One’s greatest challenge is to control oneself.” ~ Kazi Shams At times like these, emotions run high, and it is all too easy to fall into the trap of letting our emotions control us, instead of the other way round. Emotions are good things to have - they tell us what we like and what we don't like, and this then helps us to make informed decisions about what we choose. “What it lies in our power to do, it lies in our power not to do.” ~ Aristotle But if we allow them to control us, we can get carried away with a particular emotion, whether it be excitement, fear, anger or even hilarity (ever had an attack of the giggles at an inappropriate moment?), until we allow the emotion to take over, we forget to think, and before we know it, we have done something we may later regret! “You are educated when you have the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or self-confidence.” ~ Robert Frost Learning self-control is so important because it means you are taking charge of your own life. And if you are in the driving seat, you can then really take responsibility and always choose the actions and reactions in any situation that will lead you to the happiest, most productive outcomes.
Where does self-control come from? Where in our lives do we use self -control and why? When is it difficult to show selfcontrol? Why is self-control important? What would happen if no one showed any self-control?
Developing self-control in daily life... Self-control is a skill that can be learned and developed, like any other. Try some simple calming exercises, such as simply concentrating on taking deep, calm breaths. Play games like ‘Simon Says’ or ‘Musical Statues’. Motivation is an important factor is self-control. If there is a certain element of self-control you are trying to develop (such as spending less time online or eating more healthily), set yourself small-step, achievable goals and reward your successes. Before you act or react, think about the potential consequences.
“Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder” ~ Rumi
Keep your thoughts on the positive outcomes you want, and choose actions and reactions that will help you achieve these things.
Do YOU know someone in our Western family who you feel shows excellent self-control? If so, we want to know! Come in and add a post-it to our ‘good deed feed’ in the main office, send an email to our school address or send us a message on our Facebook page.
If you feel yourself losing control, remember to STOP, breathe… think… then CHOOSE your best option.
