LEARN TO RELAX
In order for me to be relaxed it's a matter of pacing myself. I try not to take on so much that I feel run ragged or frustrated. I cannot go from break-neck-to-do-list-conquering-ninja-mum to sit-on-the-couch-with-book-and-tea-mum. I need to ease into relaxation. It is getting easier, especially since starting my daily practice of meditation (even if it's only folding laundry). The best way for me to ease into relaxation is by being mindful of my breath. In through the nose, 2, 3 out through the mouth, 2, 3 and repeat.
The assignment: Take some time today to relax. End the week with a relaxed body and mind. (Remember, this project was designed for October 2013, so the days of the week can be wonky. I'm just going with it and plan to enjoy some mid-week relaxation!)
Today, a regular Tuesday, is full. All good things, of course: Chloé to the orthodontist, a private reformer Pilates class for me followed by a half hour in the sleep pod. Then a quiet night when I get a chance to make dinner and catch up with the kids. Likely the kids will do their homework, the television will be off and I'll spend the evening writing, creating digital pages, or go old-school and pull out a book.
I have managed the paradox of scheduling relaxation time into my day. It is critically important for me to do it and over the last few months I've just leaned into the discomfort of this "indulgence" and learned (again) that on the other side of "should" is some really good stuff!
Just breathe: in through the nose, 2, 3 out through the mouth, 2, 3 and repeat. Repeat for as long as it's needed!
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Like Bree Hester, I believe you choose to be happy. Sure there are bad (out of your control) things that happen, but how you handle them is completely up to you. Your choices are your responsibility - there is no blame, no shame, no nothing but accountability. Your attitude is your decision. I choose to be happy. Happy within the context of not wearing the proverbial rose-coloured glasses or any expectation that those who populate my life have made the same choice :) Last October, Bree put together 31 DAYS TO A HAPPIER YOU and, armed with her PDF, I'm using March - that dreary time between winter and spring that seems to drag on forever - to make the conscious choice to be happy every day this month!
