Still bossy…

I’m almost 50. Today I spent some time with my oldest daughter, working out wedding details. Then I spent some time talking to my adult son who is in Argentina on a church mission. And more talking to my other kids, husband, and my future son-in-law.

In all of these conversations, I noticed a pattern emerging.

I am bossy.

I don’t think this comes as a surprise to anyone who knows me, but it caught me a bit off guard. In almost 50 years…I’m STILL bossy??

Sheesh.

I just LOVED being in charge as a kid. I was so bossy on my elementary school playground. I vividly remember marching out of my classroom and onto the blacktop, telling kids which team they were on for kickball. It just was so easy. I liked being the boss, and felt like I knew the best way to do all the things. I never thought twice about it.

Do this.

Do it that way.

Get this done today!

Pick that up.

Eat more of this. Eat less of that.

Stand here.

Go there.

I have become a pro.

But today, after spending my day bossing everyone around, I thought a lot about my role as a boss. How are my “suggestions“ received?

My youngest son did roll his eyes at me during dinner. I think there may be more eye rolling that I don’t see. In fact, I know it.

I think I still need to practice listening. And being less controlling. And possibly less bossy, even when decisions need to be made. Sigh. That’s hard for me. I like to do things my way. I really like that.

Well.

I am still bossy—at almost 50!

Today was a good wake up call for me. I gotta do better! But I AM thinking about other people more now. And even though I have a long way to go…for this bossy lady, I’m going to count it as progress.