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.
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
Let yourself flow with the season, with the people in your life, and life in general.
It’s such a burden to always feel you have to be in control. So, step away, breathe. Everything will be okay.
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 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.”
Water will find its way to flow gracefully forward.
We can too.
No fears, or worries, keeping us still.
Emotional and physical pain won’t paralyze us for long.
We are strong.
Kindness, and love, for ourselves and others will help us in
Finding our way.
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.
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
“Only this actual moment is life.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
Let nature help you to connect and relax into the beauty of who you really are. There are so many times that stress enters our life and the holidays are one of those times. When you feel anxiety coming on think about taking a step back from this crazy world, and breathe. Sometimes we don’t see what’s there. Open your eyes and connect to all that surrounds you. There will always be good days and bad days, but this is life; embrace it.
Don’t let stress rob you; stay present. Remember, each moment of life is so precious and should be used wisely. Dance, sing, laugh, go with the flow, and enjoy yourself. Nothing is, or has to be perfect.
Open your arms and feel connected to your life; it’s a beautiful thing.
Everything we do can have a ripple effect. The little acts of kindness, or meanness, the caring for nature, or trashing it. Literally how we act can have a ripple effect making deep imprints just like the ocean does along the sandy beach.
Let us all think before we act, and be the protectors of nature and all her beings, and the keepers of our planet.
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” ~ Mother Teresa
Life as a Garden 