A Much-Needed Escape

A few weeks ago, our family went on a short vacation with three other families. This was our first time going on a trip with people outside of our own family, and we loved it! Everyone got along well, and the kids all had an awesome time playing together. 

The trip was a spur of the moment decision as we were sitting around the pool one day talking about how we were all starting to go stir crazy because of the stay at home order.  A few of us got on VRBO to start looking at houses and locations, and we finally found the perfect house in Port Sanilac, Michigan. Since social distancing was still important and not everything was opened back up yet, we decided to get a nice house with lots of amenities and stay just 3 nights. 

The property where we stayed was PERFECT for what we needed. It had plenty of room for everyone to sleep and have their own space. There was an indoor pool in the basement, which the kids loved! There was a game house (yes, a separate house not just a room) with pool, foosball, video games, ping pong, air hockey, and more. We were also located right on Lake Huron with our own little private beach.  There was a boat house with kayaks, paddle boards, and other beach must-haves. The fire pit right by the lake was an awesome bonus too! 

We had a very relaxing time, and it was so nice to get away from home for a little while. I wasn’t sure what to expect traveling with a group, but we all had such an amazing time, we are already planning a future trip! 

If you have any suggestions on places to stay and/or things to do for a large group, I’d love to hear them!

Powerful Affirmations

One of my favorite benefits of my Young Living business is the confidence and personal growth that I have gained. Our leaders strive to help us, not only with our businesses, but also to become better all-around people. 

Last week, I took part in a Zoom call led by Young Living Platinum, Kim Mahr. She was so honest and real, which is what I love in a leader! I want to share some of her knowledge that really hit home with me that I thought might also help others. 

When we are chasing after a goal, most of the time, we are the only things holding ourselves back. Language, especially self-talk, is so powerful! Negative self-talk leads to limiting beliefs, so it is important to practice manifestation and visualize how you want your life to look. 

Kim shared the 5 P’s of Powerful Affirmations:

1. Personal- You need to use “I,” “me,” or “mine.” You cannot affirm stuff for other people, only for yourself. 

2. Present Tense- Use the words “am” and “is” instead of “will.” The affirmation should be about right here, right now...not in the future!

3. Positive- Do not use negative words. 

4. Powerful- It needs to be strong, not weak. 

5. Praise- Pack it with gratitude! “I am so grateful that...”

Pick 3-5 of your limiting beliefs (I’m too shy, I’m not smart enough, etc.) and turn them into positive affirmations. Write each of these affirmations in a notebook five times everyday. Look in the mirror and say them to yourself each morning. You can also write them on sticky notes, put them on your computer or phone background, or anywhere else where they will be visible to you. 

Kim stressed that the motivation has to be for you, not anyone else. You cannot make it about your spouse, kids, parents, etc., which is the hardest part for me! We deserve to find a passion and to fill our own cups, which will, in turn, improve the lives of our loved ones as well! 

I have always struggled with affirmations. I’ve heard over and over again how important they are for a positive mindset, but I have never really put them into action. This time, I am going to give it a try and see the difference it makes. Below is one affirmation that I came up with and wanted to share. I’d love for you to come up with one of your own and share in the comments if you’re comfortable doing so.

Life Lessons From a Basketball

What do you notice about these two basketballs? One looks old and worn out and the other looks almost like new. My girls got these at the same time, so why is one in better shape than the other? The main reason is because the basketball on the right was taken care of better. Instead of being left out in the weather, it was kept in the garage when we weren’t using it. The one on the left has been used a lot more so it has more wear and tear and has even started losing air.

Seeing these basketballs side by side got me thinking how our minds and bodies are similar. With too much overuse and not enough care, our bodies start to wear out, and we might start developing health problems. By not taking care of our mental health, we might start to suffer from anxiety and/or depression.  Also, if we let ourselves be exposed to too much of the “weather” of the world, it can start to take a toll on our attitude and mindset.

So, what can we do to help keep our minds and bodies more like the ball on the right? This will be different for everyone. Maybe you need to take a break from or reduce your time on social media or other news outlets. You might need to exercise more or eat healthier. Some people benefit from positive self affirmations. It might help to pick up an old hobby that you used to enjoy but haven’t made the time for lately. Some enjoy listening to podcasts or reading inspirational and motivational books. Many of us need to learn to say, “No!”

Figure out what works for you, and make the time to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Don’t wear yourself so thin that you start to “lose air” like the ball on the left. Surround yourself with positive people and don’t be afraid to lean on others for support when you need it.

The Importance of Empathy

I have seen and heard a lot lately about how certain groups of people's situations are nothing compared to trials that others have faced.  While this might be true, it does not lessen the feelings that people experience for any number of reasons or make their struggles any less important.  Everyone handles situations differently and people are affected to differing degrees.  What might seem trivial or unimportant to some, might be life-shattering or drastic for others.

For the high school seniors who have had their last year of high school cut short by the current school closures, this is a big deal. In the grand scheme of things or compared to events that other 18-year-olds have faced, such as going to war, some might say today's kids have nothing to complain about. However, to them, this is a huge deal! They are missing their friends, not getting to have a graduation or prom, and missing other milestones that are very important to a lot of people.

For people struggling with depression, alcoholism, drug addiction, or any other mental illness, social isolating might be a big deal.  I understand that essential workers are making huge sacrifices for all of us, and I am so very thankful for all of those people.  I don't know if I could be strong enough to be in their shoes right now. However, we also have to remember that asking some people to stay away from friends and family and to just stay home is also a huge sacrifice for them. They might need the distraction of work or other social interactions to keep them from falling off the wagon or having suicidal thoughts.  Both groups of people's feelings and struggles are very real and important, so we need to show empathy for all.

When we use phrases like "at least" or "it could be worse," it gives the impression that we are not empathetic toward their situation and don't understand it.  Instead of showing compassion, we seem to belittle or shame them for their feelings.  We don't need to compare our hard times and determine whose is better or worse, we just need to show empathy and understand that, to each individual, their feelings are real and justified.

Perspective in Adversity

While listening to the Rise Together podcast this morning, I took away a lot of great inspiration and practical tips that I thought might help some of you in this crazy time we find ourselves in.  The part that I most related to was about controlling our perspective and how we cope when we are faced with a difficult situation. Of course, this is fitting right now because of the pandemic, but this logic can be applied to any trying time. 

We cannot control what happens to us or around us but we can control our attitude and how we handle adversity.  In any situation, you can choose good or bad coping mechanisms. Some bad choices might include alcohol, pills, food, etc. Some good choices might be exercising, journaling, spending more time with family, etc.  

We have all heard that it takes 30 days to establish a habit, and we all know that this pandemic and social distancing is not going to disappear anytime soon.  Whatever habits you choose to form now will become your normal, whether you plan on it or not.  

While I have given in to some of the unhealthy ways of coping with stress, I am trying very hard not to make these my habits.  Instead, I am hoping that some of the positive changes I have been making will become our normal once all of this craziness settles down.  I have been exercising much more and making it a point to move my body in some way everyday.  I have been spending a lot more time outside.  I have been taking the time to do more things like shoot baskets or throw a softball with our girls when they ask. (I really can’t make the excuse of not having the time right now.)  We have been making more meals at home and eating together as a family. 

I know that this current situation is affecting everyone differently, and each person will need to cope in their own way. Just please remember to choose wisely. Strive to find joy everyday and help others do the same.