Being Me: Week 13 (Mindfulness)

"The soul usually knows what to do to heal itself. The challenge is to silence the mind "~ Carolyn Myss 

Being Me: Week 13 - Mindfulness

March theme - All you need is tea and warm socks

Small mindful changes can make a big difference in your life.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, mindfulness reveals science based evidence of its power for our brain, immune systems, mental health as well as reducing chronic pain. The information on wellness and the positive response of slowing down is worthy of our attention.

How can one be mindful when a constant beep, chime or ding captures our attention? According to Apple, the average person checks their phone 80 times a day, or every 12 minutes. And while smart phones have their place in today's world, it seems they now control us, more than we control them.

Boredom often leads to random scrolling, or distractions from the latest update on Facebook, but at what cost? To get back to a mindful usage of cell phones and social media, change the habit by setting boundaries or removing the apps all together.

The 5 minute journal asks "how could I have made today better."  Repeatedly I wrote not waste time on social media and do the things I claim I don't have time for. On January 1, to create the habit, I logged out of Facebook on Sunday until the following Friday, besides for the occasional birthday or memory post, for the past 3 months I have stuck to that rule. Now, not only do I look forward to the time I allow on social media, but I also have the time to  fulfill other wishes in my days.

When we say we don't have time for things, sometimes it's just a matter of examining where our time is spent.  When you become aware of your phone and social media usage, you can create a more mindful habit. 

Small starts make a big difference.

 Themes for each month to journal, create or contemplate on your journey

• January - The best time for new beginnings is now

1. Morning routine
2. Mission statement
3. Create your YES list
4. Goals, baby steps, tiny promises
5. Putting it in motion

• February - Before anything else, find yourself, be yourself and love yourself

1. Take care of your body
2. Meditation and solitude
3. Food choices and ideas for change
4. What makes you happy

• March - All you need is tea and warm socks

1. Enjoy the simple things
2. Letting go of thoughts and things
3. Both hands
4. Mindfulness (social media and smart phones)

• April - Water your roots so your soul can blossom
• May -  The difference between a flower and a weed is judgment
• June - Believe you can and your halfway there
• July - Bold stripes, bright stars, brave hearts
• August - We are who we choose to be
• September - Sometimes we can learn and study & know, and sometimes we have to believe, trust and hope
• October - We can't become what we want by remaining what we are
• November - Small seeds of gratitude will provide a harvest of hope
• December - Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of hope

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