My Map

Trying to sleep.

No luck.

Those pesky thoughts of things gone by

keep swirling In my mind.

Some are good, but many are bad.

How to stop them taking command.

They are uninvited guests for sure.

But …

do I have this all wrong?

Maybe they’re nothing to fear.

Just a map of my life so far

showing me where I’ve been

and where I need to be.

The Door

In the mind there is a door that leads to a secret room where regrets are stored.

It’s said, “Don’t open that door.”

Sometimes the curious nature of humans causes the door to be opened just a little bit.

What happens then is chaos and utter misery.

I say, “Open that damn door and let the regrets be Free.”

Without negative energy, regrets become life lessons learned,

And simply blow away in the breeze.

Emotional Triggers

I think we all have experienced getting emotionally overwhelmed from time to time, and sometimes we act out. It’s not good for us or anyone else if we do that. So, what should we do? A deep dive into what triggers our emotional response is the first step. Some can do this alone and others may need professional help. We are not alone. There is always help.

Once the triggers are identified then set a plan to keep away from them, or more realistically, learn techniques to handle these emotional responses.  Some of these techniques could be creating some space by walking away even for a few minutes. Try concentrating on breathing and being mindful of how the body is feeling. Sometimes petting or cuddling an animal can bring calm feelings. I’ve heard putting your hands in water and focusing on the feeling is very relaxing. And taking a walk and connecting to nature is a great way to clear the head. Find what works for you. And don’t forget to get enough sleep. The body so needs that rest and escape from the world.

That deep dive into the mind of why we get emotionally triggered is the most important step we can do for our self care.  Don’t ignore negative feelings. They won’t go away without positive action. We all need a little help to live a balanced and happy life.

“Empty yourself of everything – let the mind become still.” ~ Lao Tzu

You Deserve Flowers

Life can get so hectic sometimes, especially if you are working and raising kids. And, if you have one of those jobs where you are giving to others, it’s a double whammy. Self-care isn’t something we give much thought to. Probably because we are taught it’s selfish to think of ourselves. And even if we do think of it from time to time, it’s usually put on the back burner.

You know what happens if self-care remains on the back burner too long—you burn out, and when that happens you’re no good to yourself or anyone else.  Here’s an idea for self-care. Make a list of all the things that bring you JOY. They don’t have to cost an arm and a leg, and most will cost nothing at all. Each week pick one of the items on the list and treat yourself. It could be a long walk somewhere beautiful, a soak in a bubble bath, or a cup of tea and a good book. Maybe buy yourself something once in awhile. You get the idea.

The world is a loud place to be, and we can lose ourselves in that loudness and become so stressed out. Be good to yourself and soon you’ll see how much calmer and happier you feel.

 Your soul deserves to be loved. Go ahead and give it some flowers.

Standing in Your Truth

Standing all alone in your truth will you do what’s right for you, or give into what others choose?

Deep into your mind and spirit let the quiet calm wash over you cleansing all doubts and fears away that only weaken you.

Everyone is born with a special gift, and all you have to do is connect with it. Breathe, and see yourself free from the chains that bind you. We all get tangled up in chains as we travel on this journey, but we don’t have to keep them on.

Work with your rhythm in your own time. We are all different and flow with our own internal clock. Practice gentleness with yourself. Don’t rush, don’t compare, and soon you will see that all you have to do is “Just Be.”

Lose Yourself

There are times when you find yourself out in nature and you are compelled to lose yourself in the breathtaking environment. Maybe, like the picture above, you find yourself on a foggy beach and somehow the sight and the feel of the fog wrapping around you becomes comforting and safe. You dig your toes deep into the soft sand, and before you know it, the sea splashes over your bare feet and the icy cold water makes you jump like a giddy child. Immediately you feel so alive and one with your surroundings.

There are so many ways to connect with nature, and this is one of my favorites. Sometimes we just need to stop and take a breath, and let nature handle all the rest.

Finding Peace

Find your peace in quiet places that speak to you. Sometimes the world is cruel, and we need to take a break from all the noise and craziness. Cover yourself in love and nature’s beauty, and don’t forget to breathe. Tomorrow is another day.

“Lose yourself in nature and find peace.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Don’t let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.” ~ Dalai Lama

Caring Too Much

Can we care too much? Perhaps. But better to care too much than not at all.

What sets us apart from evil is “Conscience.” Some of us might have an overactive conscience and it only becomes a problem if we think it is. Accepting who we are and trusting ourselves will keep us from self-doubt.

Letting our life force flow with our Spirits calling the shots without constraints, or stress, will indeed spread goodness and love upon this planet we call “Home.”

Caring too much might be a burden at times as we expect a lot from ourselves bringing some anxiety and sadness into our life. We have to realize that caring doesn’t mean we will always make the right decisions or even do the right thing. What’s important is that we keep trying and remembering we are only human. This is how we evolve and become better humans.

Caring too much puts gentleness upon the earth and its inhabitants. Sounds like a special gift to cherish.