When I reflect on how I proactive I am, there is always room for growth, but I do think that I'm naturally a proactive person. When I see a need I tend to jump in and come up with a plan. I am usually able to carefully tailor my words so my feelings are communicated clearly in a way that moves the situation forward. I know that no one else is responsible for my thoughts, words, and actions. These all are mine to control and be responsible for everyday- in ever situation- personal and professional. In my career I have an easier time doing these three things naturally.
I have found myself tested in my personal life as my daughter grows more independent. Nothing compares to the determination of a three year old! There are moments when I have to actually remind myself that even though parents like to believe they "control" their children, really the only thing we control is how we choose to interact with them. I consciously choose to act from a place of peace (calm) and love. I know this sounds a little hippy-ish, but I firmly believe that our children magnify the best and worst of their parents. I must act from a place of calm and love because I want that calmness and love to magnified. I do not want the impatient frustrated part of me that wishes she would just-hurry-up-and -get-a-pair-of-shoes-on-because-we-have-been-trying-to-leave-the-house-for-10-minutes-already part of me to be magnified. I hope that as the years go on it becomes just as natural for me to do this in my personal life as it is in my professional.