Take Care of YOU....

Ok, your kids are back in school and you’ve begun adjusting to the new fall rhythm. Or, perhaps your kids are adjusting better than you are. Do you find you are so busy taking care of everyone’s needs you can’t catch your breath? Do you feel responsible for so much at work and home that you don’t think you’ll ever be able to come up for air, much less pause and connect to Spirit? 

 

It doesn’t take a trip to Canyon Ranch Spa or an esoteric revelation to feel better. It simply takes a little imagination, the intention to care for yourself, and a willingness to actually take the time to do so. When you feel cared for, your kids enjoy the happy repercussions.

Make taking care of yourself a priority this week by choosing one of the actions below and following through.

 

*Dive into some soulful reading.  Turn down the volume of your racing thoughts and pick up an inspirational book or a great piece of fiction.  I love “Peace Like a River” by Leif Enger and “The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd. Both stories are full of spiritual significance, rich characters, and swiftly moving plot lines. 

*Call that friend who makes you laugh until you cry. A huge belly laugh can zap you right into bliss.

*Refresh and revitalize by giving yourself the gift of 15 minutes of creative think-time. Yup, just you, a notebook, and a good pen. You might grab this time while waiting to pick up a child or on your lunch hour. Sink into the solitude and allow the ideas to fill  the page. You might explore by writing your response to the following questions: How do I feel? What do I need? If I could, I would………………… !

 *Plan a trip. Even if you don’t have a date in mind or savings in the bank, pretend you are traveling to the destination of your dreams. When you need a dose of “feel good balm,” get out your trip folder and add tidbits from your research on the internet or simply look at what you’ve gathered and visualize yourself there.

*Fill a pitcher with purified water and lemons and allow yourself to pause throughout the day to take in the healing liquid. You will quench more than just your thirst.  

*Dig in the garden. For some parents, taking care of one more living thing sends them over the edge. For others, getting their hands in the dirt is an immediate mood lifter.

*Call your spiritual mentor. Don’t have one? Call a prayer hotline and allow the person who lovingly answers the phones to be with you for a moment in complete focused prayer. Not only will you feel better, but you will open your armor a crack for miracles to slip right in. One organization that is there to support you through prayer is Silent Unity. Prayer is for anyone who requests it, whatever denomination, creed, or location in the world. Each prayer requested is held within the daily vigil for 30 days.Call: 816-969-2000.

I'll be with you in seeking spiritual nurturing!!!

 

Family Connection -- 7 Core Concepts

As you start this new semester of your life...shifting gears into "school mode" and out of that lazy summer rhythm...Make sure to keep my 7 T's for Connected Families somewhere you can see them.  When you make a decision, refer to the T's -- doing so will help keep you grounded and balanced.

Yes, we are all busy but by choosing to embrace the 7 core concepts, the 7 T's, our lives will become balanced. When we are living balanced lives we soar.

 
1. Tolerance: let the little things go.

 

2. Time Together: being together is what it’s all about.

 

3. Trial and Error: never give up just keep trying new approaches for a deeper connection with your kids.

 

4. Take it Out Into the World: practice compassion in action as a family.

 

5. Teach Less Listen More: honor each other’s viewpoints and dreams -- learn from your kids.

 

6. Tools For Living: agree on your family’s unique toolbox of beliefs for life.

 

7. Total Love: you can’t go wrong when you love deeply.