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.

October 30, 2023October 26, 2023

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!

October 23, 2023

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:

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.

December 21, 2020December 21, 2020

Mindful Monday: 2020, Thank You!

Thought:

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:

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! ❤️