What: Mindful Mindset
Thoughts: As a former therapist and person involved with a wide range of people from children to adults, I’ve always thought this was something that was important. Quarantine has only strengthened this thought and my resolve to share with others the importance of “leveling up” in your thinking. While life can be tough, we have shown resilience time and time again. Life literally is an endurance builder and anyone that builds muscle is aware that the process is painful at time. In spite of the pain, there’s purpose on the other side and your entire body and life will thank you for going through and fighting.
How Can You Do This: There are so many ways to address this process. It can be totally tailored to your life and needs. Here are a few things I think are important to consider or are a benefit of having a mindful mindset:
- Understanding the power within to have better control of your emotions and overall wellbeing- in a time where so many people like to offer the “same energy”, you may want to make sure you aren’t allowing yourself to willingly engage in negative behaviors and thoughts. What you eat on fuels you (This is both physically and emotionally)
- Creating the life you want with the thoughts you think daily/often- The brain is so powerful and can really shape your entire life. Your thoughts have the ability to impact your beliefs and eventually what you will do. Sometimes you need to “see” yourself differently and in a more favorable situation long before you tangibly experience it.
- Think about what you’re thinking about (take ownership of those negative thoughts that pop up and reframe them into something positive)- I can’t tell you how many times I have to talk myself off of a ledge that leads to anxiety and complaining. I refuse to live my life based on “what ifs” and being stressed over others not living up to unmet expectations and/or not fulfilling their word. I will control what I can and be okay with accepting the things I can’t.
- Daily gratitudes- This isn’t suggesting that life is perfect, but it’s finding that sweet spot that says even though it’s not I’m grateful for what I do have and some of the things I don’t. If you have a job, there’s someone that’s been fired and would love it. If you have children, there’s a woman that’s been praying for years for her womb to product. If you have a dirty house, someone is sleeping on the streets everyday. I can’t tell you how to view your story, but starting small makes it so easy to see the big things.
- Know your strengths and weaknesses and choose where you need to focus to improve as well as exert most time and energy- It’s easy to say just focus on your strengths, but all weaknesses don’t have to remain that way. You can improve and they can become areas where you’re not an expert, but you have some knowledge. If not, collaborating with someone you probably already know in your weak areas will make your life much easier. You don’t have to be a superhero!
- Make sure what you’re surrounding yourself with matches the life you want to live and/or are currently living- The old saying of association leads to assimilation is so true. You are more likely to become the people you hang around versus them becoming like you. I’m not telling you to put folks on the chopping block, but I am saying that you have to be aware of what you’re receiving in regards of relationship reciprocity and it needs to be more positive than negative. Just like a car battery, being connected to parts that aren’t operating properly can drain your energy or worse can make you inoperable.
- Give yourself grace instead of becoming your own punching bag- We have enough people outside of us already making us feel less than. Don’t add to that number! I struggle here the most. Sometimes I still feel like I should be further along with my blog and even projects I’ve desired to do that I haven’t started or are still unfinished. Truth is, I’m human and I’m trying to do a lot. Unfortunately, I’m human so there’s only so much I can do. There is a healthy balance and I have to search for it daily and I’m sure I’m not alone.
Is it Worth it: Yes, because you are worth it. There is only one you and fighting to ensure that you’re the best authentic version is priceless. No amount of trips, car, houses, etc. will replace the work necessary for you to be mentally and emotionally stable. Be intentional about living your best life as your best self.
What are some things you currently do or plan on doing that improve your mindful mindset?