Category: Mindful Mondays

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Mindful Mondays: How’s Your Mood?

Thought:

I don’t know about you, but I have always understood a “good mood” to equate feeling positive or happy. Man, was my mind blown when I realized that a mood is good when it properly expresses our current emotional experience. For example, if I have been struggling with parenting for a time with no working solution, my mood may be resolute and a bit sad. That is an appropriate mood! Our mood should reflect our experiences. Let’s not confuse hard feelings as a “bad mood”. If a person’s emotional state aligns with their life experiences, their mood is appropriate. That’s a good/accurate mood!

Tip:

One of the contributors to our stress is the lack of creating sacred time to breathe. Perhaps we expect mindfulness to just HAPPEN… But, the reality is that we will have to be intentional about centering and recentering ourselves often. The 4-7-8 breathe allows us to breathe deep and exhale with purpose. Come back to this page as often as you need to hold space with yourself!

Thanks:

Finding someone to be the hand we hold when things get hard isn’t as easy as one might think. So, when we find that someone, may we be filled with gratitude. And, when we have the strength, may we be the hand for someone else.

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Mindful Mondays: Because #boundaries

Thoughts:

Post by: @selfcareisanecessity_

This quote perfectly highlights the importance of self-assertion and personal autonomy. Boundaries are extremely personal and unique to each and every one of us and may not be understood or easily accepted by others. The good news is: that’s okay! As long as the boundaries you have in place serve you and your needs, they are necessary. It is important that we meet our own needs before attempting to accommodate the needs of others. After all, you cannot pour from an empty cup! Are there any personal boundaries that you hesitate to share due to fear of others’ reactions?

Tips:

Post by: @theanxietychicks and @theanxietyhealer

Establishing clear and rigid boundaries is important in maintaining healthy relationships and personal well-being. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to create such rigid boundaries, as it requires assertiveness, effective communication, and the ability to navigate potential conflicts or pushback from others. However, by making our boundaries non-negotiable, it helps establish expectations, promotes respect, and protects against potential harm. Take a look at this infographic for tips on rephrasing some commonly used responses to someone challenging our boundaries. Consider replacing one “ineffective” phrase with an “effective” phrase this upcoming work-week and reflect on how you feel in the moments following.

Thanks:

Post by @classicreelsmemes

Many caregivers, particularly women, are often made to believe they have a responsibility to live up to the idea of the “super-parent” figure. From taking care of the household to maintaining a career and exercising daily; this person does it all. While this “super-parent” is catering to the needs of everyone around them, they tend to ignore their own. I am here to tell you, this “super-parent” is a myth. We, as individuals, each have personalized needs that must be met in order to maintain our personal well-being. By creating healthy, sustainable boundaries, we can give ourselves the grace to balance our energy and function at our full potential. You’re doing amazing, parents!

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Mindful Mondays: Mind Your Thoughts!

Thoughts:

Reality. Ah, yes, that illusive experience that we all are trying to grasp. What is reality, exactly? Is it simply our lived experiences or is our perception of our lived experiences? Is it what has happened to us or is it how we understand our happenstance? Consider this: maybe it is HOW we see life that is the most powerful ‘reality’. If Neale Donald Walsch is correct, what are our thoughts telling us about our life? More importantly, how are our thoughts shaping our reality right now?

Tips:

By: @believephq

We generally think that addressing the existential challenges we face will guarantee a healthier mind but there are more important and practical steps we should consider first. Explore things like our sleeping and eating habits, how we are connecting in relationships and taking advantage of the opportunities to learn and grow FIRST. Believeperform.com created this beautiful infographic that looks at ways that will enhance our mind and improve our mental health.

Thanks:

We do not always have control over how our brains remember things. While we wish we could delete some memories all together and hold on to others in all their vibrant color, we aren’t able to guarantee such an outcome. What we can do, though, is to be intentionally thankful for the right now moments, find joy in our present experiences and store how we feel in our heart. Mindfully connect with our emotions and allow ourselves to sit in gratitude for those experiences. When we live this way, our heart becomes a shelter of goodness and carries us through.

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Mindful Mondays: School’s Back and I’m Anxious!

By: Lauren Neumeyer

Thought:

Instagram: @mentalhealthchats

From the outside, the symptoms of school anxiety can look like challenging behaviors that can leave us flustered. While it is easy to become preoccupied with the obvious behaviors, let’s get curious – what is this behavior REALLY about? This visual shows us how the noticeable behaviors and physical symptoms can a sign of deeper challenges. Once we take a closer look beneath the surface, we may find the real issues and find ways to address them. Think it out – what challenges you when trying to see below the surface? And once we unveil what is below the surface, what can we do with what we find?

Tip:

Instagram; @all_five_senses

Seeing your child experience school anxiety can often bring up lots of worry for us! It is hard to watch your child struggle with worry and confidence at school. Just remember, you are not alone! You are part of a parent community who want to help their child succeed. Check out this graphic by creator @all_five_senses for some easing back-to-school anxiety tips. Which do you think would work best for your child?

Thanks:

Instagram: @reillydodd

Providing our children with the space and tools to alleviate symptoms of school anxiety can be difficult to navigate. While we try our best to provide a nurturing environment for our children to thrive, it is important to remember that not every day is going to be a great one. And. That. Is. Okay. Each day is another chance to start over and that is something to be grateful for. You got this!

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Mindful Mondays: We’re Back!!

By: Natalie Bunner, LCSW-BACS, CCTP

Thoughts:

Hi, y’all!!! It’s been a WHILE since I have connected with you all here! Life has been so full of adventure, revelations and new paths since my last post and there is SO much to tell you! One of the things I can say now is that the journey over the past two years have been incredible. If I can say one thing about life, it is to EXPECT CHANGE! Have you experience this in your life, this inevitably of change? How has it impacted you? I am looking forward to exploring how much life has taught me regarding life, love, parenting and all the things!

Tip:

When things feel overwhelming and we want to give up and go home, consider this: the way we heal is by taking the process one step at a time, not leap-frogging into the healing ‘end zone’. With this in mind, consider all of the steps you have taken so far. Can you look back and see how far you’ve come? When we realize that we have made serious moves in the right direction, the journey may not feel so impossible! So, continue to walk. You’ve got this!

Thanks:

Thank you for your support! Whether by reading my blogs, following me on social media, referring clients to my practice, you have been constant and I am so thankful for all of you! I am looking forward to sharing time with you!

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Mindful Monday: 2020, Thank You!

Thought:

🎨: @gemmacorrell

When I first saw this, I belly laughed so hard and started crying. This year, y’all!! So much has happened, some good, some bad,and, yes, even some ugly. I know that there were days when we weren’t sure if we could survive the chaos yet, day after day, we dusted ourselves off and went for the gold again. Click the link and have a giggle! You deserve to celebrate what you’ve overcome!

Now, let’s take a moment and lean into our resilience, courage and support system that got us this far. If we learned anything this year, we know that we are stronger than we think and can survive life’s harshest storms. Take a moment to relish in this reality: You are a beautifully brave human being and the world is blessed to have you. ❤️

Tip:

🎨: @crazyheadcomics

Still shopping for the person who wants nothing or already has everything? Instead of overcompensating with something expensive, consider giving them something meaningful instead!

Crazyheadcomics gives us an amazing list of thoughtful presents that reminds both us and our loved ones that value of slowing down. Are there any other inspiring gifts that didn’t make this list yet promotes mindful self-compassion? If so, drop them in the comments; I would love hear about them!

Thanks:

It has not being an easy year by any stretch of the imagination, but I am eternally grateful for the lessons I’ve learned and the steps I took to grow. Part of that growth extends into my blog and what I feel it is evolving into. So, while I definitely plan to enjoy this holiday season, I will also use the time to put the finishing touches on a NEW & IMPROVED perspective for the Mindful Monday blog and will be relaunching it in mid-January! If there is something special you would like me to explore, let me know! I love you guys and wish you the happiest of holidays! ❤️

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Mindful Monday: The Journey to Becoming

Thought:

Keeley Shaw is one of my absolute faves on social media. Her ability to articulate deep meaning through art is awe-inspiring! Consider this piece on “Random Acts of Kindness”…

We find ourselves in search of goodness throughout the day. We seek it and, once we receive it, return that goodness in kind. For us, that is a good day. But, what if we inverted the experience? What if, on the journey to Becoming, we sought ways to give goodness instead? What would our day look like if we initiated the good things we seek from the world?

Let us take a mindful minute to inhale and exhale kindness into the atmosphere. Kindness towards ourselves, those we love and to the world. Let us be the good into our lives today.

Tip:

Thank you, alex_elle, for the thought-provoking reminder! Becoming is less immediate and more of a life-long experience. May we maintain the bravery necessary to make the journey.

Thanks:

For every breath, I am grateful. Take this quote with you today.

“Be thankful for a breath of fresh air to be alive and well. Allow love and happiness to penetrate throughout your mind and soul. Take time to relax and live in the moment, the now, the present. Enjoy today.” – Amaka Imani Nkosazana

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Mindful Monday: Life is Happening!

Thought

I have so many irons in the fire right now so I can truly empathize with how you may be feeling today. Trying to ‘manage the tension’ in life, albeit a very good life, can feel overwhelming at times. Besides, we have been conditioned to believe that “Good things come to those who wait”, right? Although there is definitely merit to this thought, we can find ourselves hiding from our purpose instead of living into the dream and working hard to make it come true.

Take a mindful moment and explore what you are waiting for? What is keeping you from being brave in the journey? Embrace the reality that living purposefully isn’t easy and there is risk involved. Feeling a bit nervous about this endeavor is normal. But, don’t let the nerves prevent you from going all-in and living a fulfilled life.

Credit: @paulocoelho

Tip:

@stefankunz is a graphic designer and IG social media influencer says this about making lists as a way to combat procrastination: “The LIST will help you get organized and by picking out one item you‘ll also be able to focus better and leave everything else be. In most cases, we are paralyzed by the amount of things left open to do. By putting it down on paper we also free our mind.”

Listing is just one tool; there are other proactive tips explored in this post to help the more reticent personalities jump into the fray and get things done!

Thanks:

You know how much I adore Brene! She says the BEST things and this is one of them: “Courage is a heart word.” Until we find the intrinsic value in ourselves, it is hard to be brave. But, learning the how capable and strong and courageous we are helps us move past pre-contemplation into the WORK of our dream. Look at yourself in the mirror and express self-gratitude for the courage that is in your heart. You are AMAZING!

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Mindful Monday: Welcome Back!

Thought:

School administrators, teachers and support staff:

There is so much to carry. You are not a magician but you do bring a certain magic to our kids’ lives. We know that this has not been easy for you. We also know the level of anxiety and worry that is accompanying the excitement of returning to school. We thank you in advance for nurturing our kids’ academic and social emotional efforts. This is an unusual school year and teaching is already a challenging job so we can imagine the road ahead will not be easy.

As you center yourself in preparation of this school year, may you dig deep and draw from the the well of inspirational instruction that brings learning to life and helps out children become the best they can be.

Tip:

Start your day with affirmations like this. Focus on the now and what you must prepare to do. Remember why you do the work you do. Expect the day to yield great fruit. We are rooting for you!

(Parents, this is a wonderful way to help your children begin their day as well!)

Thanks:

One year ago, I began this blog to provide resources and words of encouragement to my colleagues in the school system. It has since grown to the collective community and is reaching people on an international scale. I would have never imagine that this little blog would be seen outside my little world. For this, I am grateful! We are grateful for every read, post and share! You guys are the BEST!!

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Mindful Monday: Am I Growing?

Thought:

Credit: @crazyheadcomics

Thank you, @crazyheadcomics for allowing us to explore this area in our lives! Growing, one day at a time, is abundant living!

Tip:

“Our toughest talks are full of half-truths—not because we’re serial liars, but because we’re survivalists. Here’s how to bring clarity and intention to your most important relationships.”

Having crucial conversations is not about blindsiding others with your thoughts, feelings or ideas. It is simply finding the courage to sit with them and explore those vulnerable parts of yourself in an effort to be seen and heard for who you really are. Take a minute to explore “How to Let Go of Being Right” with Dr. Mitch Abblett. You won’t regret it!

Thanks:

It is so easy to focus on the major triumphs and milestone developments in our lives. Those are usually the most visual aspects of life so we give them priority. I wonder what would happen if we gave similar attention to the steps it takes to experience the great things? Those small life moves are just as important and deserve their own measure of gratitude as they are the steps that bring is to those glorious experiences. Find thankfulness in the small things. It’s the best way to live!