Mindful Living For The Modern Mom
Goal setting shouldn't be something we only do because it's January 1st. Just as we change with the seasons, so do our goals, our dreams and our lives. Jumping on the new year's resolution bandwagon is a great way to kick start setting goals for your life but it's only the first step. You need to take stock throughout the year, reassess and revise your goals as you change. Change is a process not a check box.
September is Self-Improvement month and I think it is the perfect time for it! If you're a parent, the kids are back in school and the craziness of summer is finally over. It's also early enough that the obligations that come with the holiday season haven't started yet. It gives us a perfect opportunity to reflect and take time to focus on ourselves.
When Winter starts to fade and every now and then a day pops up with sunshine and slightly warmer weather I start getting the itch to throw open the windows and knock down the cobwebs! Is there anything more satisfying then kicking the doom and gloom of winter out of your house with a good scrub and purge?
If your read any self-help book or sign up for any self improvement program some form of journaling is always a key factor. Why is that? I was never one to keep a diary growing up but the more I learn about the benefits of journaling, maybe I should have. Journaling can help us with everything from achieving goals to building self-confidence, improving communication skills to reducing stress and anxiety. I don't think it really even matters how you journal, only that you do!
Do you take care of yourself? I mean beyond basic hygiene, sustenance and sleep. What does it mean to truly take care of yourself? The term “self-care” is one we have all heard but what does it really mean? Is it Starbucks and a manicure? It might be, for some. What you need in order to truly care for yourself is entirely unique to you.
To create something, is creativity. Your creativity cannot be compared to creations of others. It cannot be bad or less than. Creativity is an expression of you and your unique perspective of the world. Not everyone will appreciate your specific creativity, but it isn’t for them, it’s for you. Here are some examples and tips for how you can add creativity to your life.
Learning creates new connections between neurons, giving you a rush of those happy hormones. If you feel stuck or bored with your life, try something new. You don’t need to quit your job or move to a new town, something simple can give you the spark you need! There are more opportunities for learning new things in your community then you may realize. Don’t stop with just one! Make lists of things that you are interested in learning; things that will improve your career, personal life and mental well-being.
Technology has fundamentally changed how we live our lives and not entirely for the better. The dangers of texting while driving and cyber bullying become more apparent every day. As a society we have started putting laws and policies in place to protect us from these dangers. What about the more subtle dangers that we don’t think about? Each of us should also consider within our own daily lives, how is technology affecting our happiness?
I feel it is misguided to wait for happiness to happen to us. Happiness is something we create not something we find. If that one elusive thing you have been dreaming of finally happened for you, you might be surprised to find that you still aren't truly happy.
Fortner Thoughts 