well being

Who and What Really Matters? [Monday Mojo & Magic]


'Each morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.'
(Buddha)

This Monday morning, I'm thinking about who and what really matters in my life....

Who and What Really Matters? Circle of Daydreams. www.circleofdaydreams.com

My Mum, who was just starting to feel a glimmer of her old self again after triple bypass heart surgery late last year, had a fall a few weeks ago.

She fractured several ribs and crushed a vertebrae in her back, and spent 3 weeks or so in hospital. She's just come home (literally 30 seconds around the corner from me) and is still shaky and frail. I love her so, and it sobers me to realize at 87 years of age, this woman who has always been so energetic and full of life for her age, is starting to really slow down and is in pain much of the time.

Then, earlier this week, a dear friend received the news that her own mother, the same age as my Mum, is suffering from a nasty form of cancer.

It's reminded me how short life is.

Yes, 87 years is a long time, but the years seem to fly more quickly the older I get, and time now seems measured in moments more than it ever has. If perchance I were blessed to live as long as my Mum has so far, it still means much more of my life has passed than I have left.

Of late, life has also seemed to grow exponentially stressful, overwhelming, and demanding.

Small things pile on top of bigger things, on top of even bigger things, and the load seems extreme.

Time for me to once again take stock.

Breathe.

Step back and consider from a calm perspective.

To let go of the people, activities and tasks making the important moments seemingly part of an ever muttering and mumbling crowd clamoring for my attention.

Time to re-focus on my gratitude practice, and prioritize the things, and more importantly the people, that add true meaning to my life.

I know if I don't care for myself first, then others in my life get a paler version of me, and I fail to give myself the compassion and kindness I deserve as much as anyone.

I want the best me to show up for the time I spend with my loved ones.

I want the best me to stand in the classroom when I'm teaching.

This Monday morning, may you return to what and who really matter (including yourself)...

... and may your mojo be with you, and your inner magic shine through once again.

Linda. xox

PS. I'm adding this blog post to Open Slather and Denyse Whelan's link up this cold and chilly Monday!

PPS. Also linking up with Micro Blog Mondays!




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Daydream Deliveries + The Garden of Gratitude...


If you'd like a beautiful print, insights, and an encouraging nudge towards your dreams once a month (or so), take action and sign up for my Daydream Deliveries. Free access to The Garden of Gratitude is also yours as soon as you subscribe. It's a secret oasis with over 30 resources/printables that support the development of a successful gratitude practice.

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YOU Matter - A Five Day Expose`Of Your Significance (Part 4) Are You Taking Care Of These Fundamentals?

Welcome to Part 4 of YOU Matter!

You can find all three previous parts by clicking the links below.

YOU Matter - Part 1
YOU Matter - Part 2
YOU Matter - Part 3

Now, on with today's musings....

If YOU mattered, then you'd be treating yourself well.

Right?

If you can make a difference in the lives of others (as we spoke about in Day Two), then tending to your own health and well-being is a protective shield for all the value you bring to the world.

Allowing yourself to wither or shrivel from self neglect, is like robbing the world and the lives of others of your best self.

This begs the question...

Are you providing sustenance for your mental, emotional, spiritual and physical needs?

For me, there are a basic set of self care tasks and requirements I need to focus on to get the best from myself.

These are: good food, movement, sleep (a HUGE one for me), drinking lots of water, connecting with friends and family, showing gratitude, and being mindful as often as I can.

I find if I focus on doing my best and maintaining regular routines in all these areas, my life is significantly easier and more energetic than if I don't!

Let's take a closer look at some of these, shall we!


“Self-care is never a selfish act - it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on Earth to offer others. ”
(Parker Palmer)

Are You Cultivating an Attitude of Thanks?

Gratitude is such an easy and simple way to start feeling better about what you have in your life. It's an expression of appreciation for all that is good! If you're feeling grateful, you're also practising mindfulness, because you can't feel gratitude without first bringing your attention to what you're experiencing.

Positive psychology researchers tell us that being 'grateful' on a regular basis has a significant impact on our wellbeing. Grateful people have better immune systems, are more optimistic, deal with adversity better, are more generous and forgiving, feel less isolated, and are generally just more happy!

An easy way to start being more grateful is to take time at the beginning of the day when you first wake, and the end of the day when your head hits the pillow, to consciously think of 3 things you are grateful for, no matter how small.

You can find the desktop wallpaper below featured among other lovely wallpapers here. Download the wallpaper size to use on your computer by clicking on the image below.

Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude. Desktop wallpaper to download for free. Circle of Daydreams. www.circleofdaydreams.com

The Most Crucial Pieces of The Puzzle (for me):

Let's take a look at the other crucial pieces of the puzzle... the ones we neglect at our own peril. I'm really good at neglecting some of these (especially sleep), and when I do it always comes back to bite me in the bum.

 

SLEEP:

If I burn the candle at both ends, I find myself lacking in clear thought, unable to focus properly, more likely to make mistakes, and less likely to be able to be creative! Sleep gives me time to mull over ideas and process things, as well as time for my body to heal and balance itself out. I think we all neglect sleep at our own peril.

I'm actually at the peri-menopause stage and sleep is a hard thing to snag some nights, and the day after a 'poor sleep' night is always tricky for me.

Here's a lovely page (it's actually a site for selling blinds believe it or not!) about all manner of ideas and tips for sleep, and a sleep calculator. Pretty cool actually.

The app called Noisli is something I use often. You can mix and match your own soundtrack of background noises and sounds to provide a soothing all night soundtrack to your sleep. The app promotes itself as a productivity booster, but for me, its best use is as a sleep aide! I just sit my iPad beside the bed all night, and away I go!

 

STILLNESS AND SOLITUDE:

I'm not the best at meditation (yet!), but I do love listening to meditative audios. Taking time to myself to just be, is so important. It's a way to retreat, regenerate, and renew my spirit and my energy. Even just 10 minutes sitting in nature, day dreaming, or focusing on my breathing provides such relief and refreshes my mind ready for whatever is next!

A special place I've discovered, with stacks of meditations to listen to for free, is Audio Dharma. The talks, downloads and meditations are centred around the teaching of Buddha and Buddhism. I've been interested in Buddhism for a long time, and find myself drifting closer towards its teachings as time goes on. Even if you're not interested in it at all though, this site is a huge sanctuary with resources to soothe and calm.

Also, Radio Magico has some wonderful meditation audios and info. You have to check this site out. It's terrific (I mention it again below!)

And, last but not least, Jack Kornfield's site has some amazing meditations you can begin to experiment with and use daily. These are written mantras and meditations. You can also shop for beautiful books and audios.

 

NOURISHING FOOD:

I suffer from chronic fatigue, and have to be very careful with my diet as a part of my maintenance plan. I try really hard to include lots of green vegetables, other vegies, simple proteins, the grains my stomach can get by on, and other simple unprocessed foods. I really know it if I eat too much junk food over too many days!

I really do believe in that old adage 'You are what you eat'. Or put another way 'You get out what you put in'. If you want a quality life, then you need to fuel yourself with quality food.

 

MOVEMENT:

Movement (or exercise to put it more bluntly!) gives you a rush of feel good endorphins, creates mental space, and gives your body the chance to maintain flexibility, fitness, and strength.

Numerous studies have shown how beneficial it is to mental and physical health. It helps keep depression and anxiety low, and can add years to your life!! Why wouldn't you? I get most of mine from dancing, some walking and orienteering... doing things I love always motivates me to get going.

Alexandra Franzen agrees... When you 'don't have time' is when you need it most of all.

 

CONNECTING:

I'm an introvert, and I love my own space and time to decompress. Being in a room with lots of people can drain my energy big time, but catching up with a small group of friends is like gold. I make regular time to nourish my friendships and family connections because even though I'm a bit of a loner, I still need those connections.

As humans, we're wired to be social (so I seem to read everywhere), and especially as we get older, I think, they remain crucial to our mental and emotional well being.

Friends to share a laugh with, offer a shoulder to cry on, be there through thick and thin.... these are the things I value, and they do too!

 

SPARKING JOY:

As I've mentioned before, I think we all need to make time for moments and activities that bring us joy. I believe they're vital to anyone's best life. And, as YOU matter, you need and deserve these things.

Something that sparks joy for me is music! I couldn't live without it. If you're looking for some wonderful background music to stream whenever you work, try this site and click on the Radio Magico box. Music 24/7 whenever you want!

You can also download the app for free.

The music ranges from zen, to dance, to relaxation.

Amazing sounds!


“Self care is not selfish or self indulgent. We cannot nurture others from a dry well. We need to take care of our own needs first, then we can give from our surplus, our abundance. ”
(Jennifer Louden)

Today's Take-aways:

  • Taking care of yourself first is not selfish.
  • Everyone benefits when we nurture ourselves.
  • Focus on the fundamentals.
  • Use resources to support and help your self care.
  • Be kind to yourself, and pamper yourself!

Top Resources To Use:

I look forward to seeing you for the final 'YOU Matter' in our next installment! 

Linda. xox


The Mini Jumpstart To YOU Experience

The Mini Jumpstart To YOU Experience is a free, 5 day, inbox gift to help you 'reach for the real you' and ignite your dreams. Each day comes with a beautifully designed mini guide booklet containing prompts, activity sheets, clarifying questions, printable quotes, and journal scaffolds.
It IS possible.... you just need to begin.


Please share!






Daydream Deliveries + The Garden of Gratitude...


If you'd like a beautiful print, insights, and an encouraging nudge towards your dreams once a month (or so), take action and sign up for my Daydream Deliveries. Free access to The Garden of Gratitude is also yours as soon as you subscribe. It's a secret oasis with over 30 resources/printables that support the development of a successful gratitude practice.

CLICK HERE