For several months now, I have been sitting in a place of discouragement and even despair. This school year has been hard. My family has gone through some trying things. Several of us (including myself) had covid back in January which meant 6 of us stuck at home. Three of my children having learning struggles meant me trying to navigate keeping them going while also getting over sickness. A product of the quarantine resulted in my oldest having some major academic issues. Following his return to school, a few weeks in, I had to have almost daily emails with his teacher and academic counselor- phone calls, tutoring, homework studying strategies, and major anxiety surrounding it all. My child with Autism began having major aggression issues resulting in , at times, physically restraining him. These were just a few of the things making me feel pulled in so many directions. I felt there was little of me to go around.
The easiest thing for me to do would be to give into defeated thoughts. My default would be to let sadness take its course and worry to overwhelm me. At times, I felt so paralyzed by all of it that I could only sit on my couch and scroll social media to zone out. But, I knew I couldn’t just.do.that. I had to fight and take practical steps to address my mindset. It had come down to working on my mindset. I feel like that is where it all starts and sets up my actions to work through my stressors or be overtaken by them. So, I wanted to share some of the things that I do on the regular that have made a big difference in my having a positive mindset!
- Word of God and God’s presence!
I always start my day off inviting God in it! I know God is always there with me, but giving my day to Him sets the tone for my mood and outlook going into the day! I also begin with a 5-10 minute devotion with either “Jesus Calling” or my First 15 app. I long for the day when I can do more time with God in the morning. It just helps me so much when I am centered on Him!
- Wear the Reminder!
Lately I have found clothing and accessories that have significance in my life are helpful reminders that I am loved and cared for by God, family and friends! I love to wear shirts with scripture on them or declarations like “Faith over Fear.” They remind me to stand by those beliefs and not give into negative thoughts! I have bracelets that I have been given that all through-out the day bring to mind how much I am blessed and how faithful God is!
- Weekly Treat
Once aweek I am giving myself permission to invest in my mood with a loaded tea, Starbucks or shake. My favorite thing right now is a loaded tea! My current flavor fav is Captain America! I love all their fun names!! I am a bit obsessed at the moment!! It lifts my mood and gives me something to look forward to each week. And, if it has been a tough day or I have a lot on my plate, it is also motivation and spurs me on to being productive or getting through! I feel like these things are an investment in myself and keep me going!
- Walk Everyday!
I love to exercise! There is so much science to back up the benefits of exercise! My favorite exercise is walking! I particularly love walking at sunset! There is so much variety and beauty in the sunsets I see each day! To me, sunsets are God’s goodnight kisses! Yet, he is still there when the sun sets! Walks just put me in a good head space! My mind quiets as I take in the sounds of nature and my body relaxes as I move!
- Worship Music
In the morning or working around the house and times in between I blast some good worship music from the Pandora app on my phone. As I listen, I am reminded of how good God is and take my mind off of the stressors I have! I splurge on the $5 Pandora Plus membership so it is add free! Playing my music and singing along put me in a good place!
These are just a few of the things that help me to be more positive and less given to being dragged down in negativity! By taking these practical steps each day, I set myself up for success. Now, I still have those days where I am just struggling, but I am so grateful for the new opportunities we are given each day! I need to maintain a positive mindset for myself and for my family! I want to exude joy and help those around me to as well!
