"Wholehearted living is about engaging in our lives from a place of worthiness. It means cultivating the courage, compassion, and connection to wake up in the morning and think, 'No matter what gets done and how much is left undone, I am enough.' It's going to bed at night thinking, 'Yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable and sometimes afraid, but that doesn't change the truth that I am also brave and worthy of love and belonging.' - Brene Brown
Mental health is so important. If we, as parents, do not continuously fill our cups, it will be impossible for us to give and give to our children without feeling lost ourselves. In a world surrounded by daily negativity, it is easy to get bogged down. Here are 5 quick ways to include in your daily routine to help create a positive mindset.
1. Daily Affirmations
Each morning when I wake up, I remind myself that I am enough. I am beautiful. I will work out today. I WILL have a good day. These positive thoughts help set the tone for the rest of my day. When I start feeling overwhelemed or not myself, I repeat these affirmations to myself while on a walk to reset my mind. Choose a positive affirmation in an area in your life that you would like to feel more positive about. Repeat this affirmation to yourself in the morning, at night, whenever you are feeling down, etc.
2. Sticky Notes
Much like when you write reminders for yourself, kids, or spouse, use sticky notes to reiterate your daily affirmations. Why? Sometimes that little note to yourself on the bathroom mirror will help remind you of how awesome you are as a human being. Some examples might be: "Stay Positive." "You are loved." "You are enough." "You are beautiful." "You are an awesome parent."
3. 5 Things You're Thankful For
Keep a journal by your bed. Each night, write 5 good things that happened that day or 5 things you're thankful for that happened. This is a great way to self-reflect, self-mediate to calm your mind, and end the day on a positive tone for a good night's rest.
4. Change Your Mindset
This is a game changer. Seriously. It takes time though to develop a strong, positive mindset. When you find yourself criticizing yourself, or asking why you didn't more that day, begin to change the way you think. Maybe you wanted to work out, but all you did was chase your toddler around all day. Guess what, you were up running around and not sitting on the couch all day. Maybe you wanted to clean the kitchen, but instead your teenager wanted to go shopping with you. Your house may not be cleaned, but you were able to spend extra time with your teen that you don't normally get. When you start thinking you aren't doing enough, begin thinking about what you DID accomplish that day/week/or month.
5. Positive Inner Talk
Negative self-talk is definitely something I struggle with on a daily basis. It is that inner critic versus inner best friend. It is so easy to look in the mirror and pick out the flaws. It is so easy to talk yourself down and tell yourself that you can't. My best advice? Talk to yourself like you would your son or daughter. You wouldn't point out all the flaws of them. No, instead you would build them up and tell them they are amazing. Be your own best friend.
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