I got my "Mothering" a few days ago, and one of the articles really disturbed me. Not because it was an offensive article, it was wonderful, but because of the guilt I felt when I read it. I can't remember what it was called, but it was the one about teaching our children reverence for the earth. There are so many things that I feel strongly about, essential parts of my ethics, that I routinly ignore because I feel like I don't have the time or the energy to change. I feel very strongly about the impact we have on our mother earth. Deep inside, I want to preserve her and do my part to "tread as lightly" as I can upon her soil, but do I recycle? No. Why? Because it clutters my kitchen. What a poor excuse not to mention a poor example I'm setting for my children, the next caretakers of the earth. I also feel very strongly about treating children with respect and raising them in a warm, harmonious, peaceful, non-violent way. But when my patience runs out, which happens to be everyday about 5 pm, do I yell and threaten them with punishment when they won't cooperate or pick up their toys? Yes. Why? Because I'm to tired and worn out to think of a better way to do it. And don't get me started on how I think TV is evil. It infiltrates their sponge-like minds and robs them of their childhood creativity and imagination. But when it hits 2 o'clock do I plop them in front of the tube for way too long so I can take a nap? Yes. Why? Because I'm so sleepy from being up all night I can't keep my eyes open, and blah, blah, blah,..........excuse after excuse of reasons why I compromise my planet and my children. So I'm enviromentally responcible......when it's convienient. And I'm a wonderful parent.......when I'm not tired and frazzled. I don't say these things as a pity party, because I know I'm not alone. I know many of you feel like your, in some ways, not living what you believe. I would love to hear your stories, and the inspiration from those of you who have changed your ways for the better and how you did it. Let's encourage one another. Isn't that what community is all about?