Nurse Audrey's Stress Relief

Your Stress Relief Minute

Specially for Fathers

Father’s Day is the day in which many people in the United States and Canada express gratitude and appreciation by giving their fathers gifts, cards, and other special recognition. Father’s Day was started by Mrs. John Bruce Dodd of Spokane, Washington in 1910. Later, the custom spread throughout Canada and the United States. This year on June 17th we honor our fathers.

Never underestimate the importance of fatherhood. Never underestimate the need for fathers; their duties are endless.

Besides the responsibilities and pressures of work, they also face special responsibilities at home: making sure that the kids are fed and clothed, chauffeuring them to sports games and maybe even being their coaches, repairing bicycles, reading them stories and tucking them into bed for the third time. The challenges are endless as they grow through their adolescent years, stretching your emotional and financial resources.

Such is the life of a father.

Fathers, do you realize how important you are to those who love you? I know, at times it is a challenge to keep your priorities straight.

May I offer a few suggestions?

Take Time for Yourself Every Day
It may be early in the morning, before the rush, sitting with your cup of coffee, at home or in your favorite coffee shop. This time can help you gather your resources for the up-coming day and start you on the right track.
Have Your Special Place
Where do you like to go to recharge your energies? It can be as simple as just a quiet room where you will not be disturbed, an outdoor place, or even your favorite chair, like Archie Bunker. But it must be a place where you can ruminate and enjoy your own company.
Stay Close to Those Important in Your Life
Simply put, this means to communicate soul to soul, in a meaningful way with those who can keep you accountable: your spouse, friends, or even your children.
Find a Mentor
Mentors are those who “have been there and done that.” Keep your eyes open to form a close relationship with another man who has successfully navigated the obstacles you may be facing. Someone who is a good listener, who will give you honest feedback, rejoices with you in your triumphs and encourages you in your failures.

There may be those whose relationship with their own father has not been a positive one and which may be mirrored in their own fathering style. Should you have been abandoned, or in some way hurt by your father—it is imperative that you move beyond this and forgive him.
Forgive means to give as before—as though the incident never happened. What freedom forgiveness brings!

A Story from Spain.
The relationship between a father and his teenage son, Paco, had become strained. The son eventually left home because he could not handle the pressure of the relationship. The father was heartbroken and began the journey to search for his rebellious son.
Searching in the city of Madrid, he decided to place an advertisement in the daily newspaper, hoping that his son would read it.
The ad read, “Dear Paco, meet me in front of the newspaper office at noon. All is forgiven, I love you. Your father.”
The father waited in anticipation, thinking, Has Paco seen the ad?
At noon the next day, 800 “Pacos” showed up, all looking for love, forgiveness and acceptance from their fathers.

As I said earlier, “Never underestimate the importance of fatherhood.” Children need their love and support.

To lighten your day:

I can always count on getting one thing on Father’s Day – all the bills from Mother’s Day.

“Son, this is going to hurt me more than it will hurt you.”
“Then go easy on yourself, Dad!”

If Alexander Graham Bell had a daughter, he’d never have invented the telephone!

Send this to someone who may need it!
You feed back is welcome,

Till next time… “Nurse Audrey” signing off!

Questions/Comments: audrey@possibilitiesnetwork.com
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