Category: Mindful Mondays

Thought:

@what.is.mental.illness is consistent in providing us room to reflect on who we are versus what we do. How do we separate the two and prioritize the things that makes us US?

Based on what define us, who are you?

Tip:

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t want to be happy. However, there are many people who aren’t. Could it be because the focus isn’t on things that brings true joy? I know that when I’m focused on temporary pleasures that find myself ultimately disappointed when my happiness isn’t sustained. I appreciate @letstalk_mentalhealth for exploring those temporary things so that we can recenter our focus on what matters.

What areas of your life brings you true happiness?

Thanks:

This year has revealed our propensity to challenge the status quo and fight for what we think is right. Election year is hard for many but we always have the opportunity to be good humans. Embrace the goodness in you and show gratitude to those who strive to show decency in their everyday lives. Humanity lives!!

Thought:

My friend, @kaypelloquin, posted this recently and I can’t unsee it. How many of us have been seeing only the underbelly of 2020 and have missed the life-altering, revolutionary lessons it has taught us. This year has been a huge challenge but it has also been a testimony of our courage, strength and resilience.

This week will be no different. It will have its challenges, its ups and downs and opportunities to learn and grow. Take a minute and embrace this moment. Don’t miss the lesson. Bring this year close to you and see how it can make you a better person.

Tip:

@wholeheartedschoolcounseling is one of my favorite sites because it provides practical, assessible resources for children and adults. When we consider how many issues we have encounter in our lives, it is imperative that we embrace the prayer to accept the things we cannot change and change the things we can.

What are the things we can manage? How can we do it effectively? What is our healthiest response to thing we cannot control?

Thanks:

Remember, you were created at this time for a purpose. Lean in with gratitude for the characteristics that have prepared you for this week. Be thankful for the support that you have around you that lift you up. Move in power and gratitidue this week!

Thought:

It’s amazing how, after living mindfully for a while, something can come along (like the possibility of another tropical storm) to throw us off of our rhythm? This is when we have to go back to the basics and remind ourselves to breathe. Do we need to experience another storm in 2020? No! But can we thrive despite it? Yes! So, let’s slow down a bit and mindfully reflect on our resilience. We’ve got this!

Tip:

In today’s climate, literal and otherwise, it is easy to get caught up in the negative . What if, we focused on challenging unhelpful thoughts with what is possible? When we find ourselves bogged down with negative thinking, we can come into the light when we balance our thinking with healthy, positive perspective. Let’s be willing to ask ourselves these critical questions and expand our minds to see the good in every challenge.

Thanks:

“What brings you joy?”

There is joy in finding the things that enhances our lives. Explore the what and who brings joy into our everyday world and express thankfulness to them. More importantly, find ways to create intrinsic happiness within ourselves. Be willing to spend time with ourselves as this can significantly increase gratitude. Our lives will be the better for it!

Thought:

To be inspired is great but, to inspire is an honor

Stacy T. Hunt

We all have people in our lives that inspire us. They show us the power of perseverance, how to rally with resilience and highlights the characteristics of a champion. They are the people that we desire to emulate; we want to be like them and have their impact on the world. I wonder if we realize how many people feel the same way about us? They admire our perseverance, our resilience, and our contribution to the world around us.

Take a moment and reflect: How can we continue to “aspire to inspire”?

Tip:

Being an inspiration is hard work; we are not perfect creatures and sometimes, the weight of ‘getting it right’ can feel daunting. But, remember, people are drawn to our ability to manage the hard days as much as they are to our triumphs. It is not perfection that inspires people. It is persistence.

Thank you, @wholeheartedschoolcounseling for this reminder!

Thanks:

Take a minute and be mindful about those who inspire you. What do they inspire you to do? What accomplishments have you achieved due to their awe-inspiring words or actions? Find space to show gratitude for them today. Know that, just as you are thankful for them, someone out there is grateful for you.

Thought:

“Set it all down and rest awhile.” It seems so simple but, living it out can be one of the most courageous things you’ve ever done. It requires us to pause, evaluate our mental and emotional load, and discard what is unnecessary weighing us down. Only then can we effectively take our next step.

What a journey this is!

Thank you, Stacie Swift, for always bringing us back to the present. Now, let us breathe, reflect then act. The world can wait.

Tip:

Speaking of discarding unnecessary weight from our lives, which of these should we commit to letting go of?

Thanks:

When we can acknowledge and be thankful for our own resilience, kindness and strength, then it becomes easier to practice appreciation to those around you who are also striving for betterment. Gratitude leads to appreciation.

Thought:

stacieswift speaks truth when she express that “it’s okay”…

I think sometimes we try to get many things done as quickly as possible so that we can feel fulfilled and accomplished. But there is great beauty in being able to slow down, take a deep breath and BE. It’s okay if we don’t get every single thing done on our to-do list today. If we are able to become one with our mind, body and spirit, embracing our whole being and moving mindfully through the day, we have already accomplished something amazing.

Tip:

Thank you, wholeheartbeing for this opportunity to explore our connections with those around us. Reflecting on what our relationships bring into our lives and how they impact how we understand ourselves is a significant part of relational health. Assess your relationships. Be willing to positively contribute to the healthy ones and release those who are not. You’ll be glad you did!

Thanks:

Some days are harder than others. Yet, here you are, striving to accomplish big things. Whether it’s forcing yourself out of bed while deep in the blues or pushing to conquer that intimidating project, show self gratitude for your courage to give your best effort. Your resilience and persistence will pay off. I wish you warriors the best of weeks!

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

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!

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!!

Thought:

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!