As the end of the year approaches, many of us look back at the previous year - the victories, perceived defeats, highs and lows. It can be very easy to slip into the trap of self-doubt, regret, "if only" thoughts. These thoughts can weigh heavily upon us and become burdens that we begin to carry with us into the future. They color our vision and steal our potential joy....The good news is our thinking CAN change!
Every moment of our lives is a new moment, and with the arrival of each and every moment we can let go of everything that has happened and begin anew - a clean canvas...I know what you are thinking. "Easier said than done." Yes, indeed. I struggle every day with letting go. It's a constant battle. I have found, for me, a tool that helps. When I start to recognize that my thoughts are spiraling and a "storm" is on the horizon of my mind, I stop and take a cleansing breath - just a simple big, full breath in and out. Better yet, I try to do a little one minute meditation. I take one minute to focus only on my exhale as I breathe. As thoughts arise, I label them "thinking," let the thought go, and return to my breath. I affectionately think of this process as "sorbet for the mind," like sorbet between courses to cleanse the palette. Give it a whirl. See if it works for you, too.
Days will arise during parenthood that are challenging and make us question our parenting abilities. We spill (soy)milk all over the table. We burn the food on the stove. We get cranky and lose our cool in front of our kids. There are days as a parent where you feel like you did far from your best...but the great thing is you get a brand new fresh start the very next moment! Take a breath and let it go! Choose not to let your heart become heavy, but celebrate the lightness this unburdening will bring. It is then you can be fully open to the joy of this moment with your child. As Jean-Louis Servan-Schreiber said, "Every moment of your life, including this one, is a fresh start."
