Barbara Schmidt's Blog, page 32

My Favorite Reminder to Help Relieve Anxiety

There’s something really beautiful about being able to connect, share, and forge relationships with almost anyone in the world, through the wonder that is technology! I really, really love that I am able to write every week in this space, and you can read it from wherever you are, and you can feel my energy in my words and hopefully find some sort of relief from the topics discussed.

I love hearing feedback and comments from you all, but of course, there will be times when we disagree. I recently had an experience where I shared something on social media, something that felt true and inspiring to who I am, and I got a few comments from people who disagreed, and they really let me know. Some not so nice words were thrown at me, and for a minute I froze, I questioned myself, I felt a bit anxious, my heart started beating faster, and I had to pause.

Why was I feeling this way? I’m generally not an anxious person, but I felt a rush of anxiety in this moment. Certainly I know that not everyone is going to agree with my views, and that’s completely ok. So, what was it?

When I went a bit deeper with myself I unearthed that I had this underlying belief that I had to be everything, to everyone. What?! As crazy as this sounds, the people pleaser in me just wants to be liked and really dislikes criticism and confrontation.

Can any of you relate?

The second I remembered that I do not have to be everything to everyone, it immediately calmed my nerves and brought me back to a semblance of peace. What a relief! I can be me, you can dislike it, and that’s totally okay!

So what does this mean exactly? It means that you don’t have to have everybody like you to be a valid, worthy, and loved human being. You don’t have to stress yourself out trying “do it all” in order to be successful. You don’t have to save the world by yourself. You don’t have to be a superhero.

All you really have to do is to continue to show up every day, in your authentic truth, whatever that may mean to you. All you have to do is be kind and compassionate. All you have to do is notice and be aware of what lights you up and follow that. All you really have to do is be, the rest truly is just details.

So the next time an inexplainable bout of stress or anxiety comes your way. Ask yourself if you’re trying to live up to  the unattainable expectations of pleasing everyone and of being everything to everyone…and then take a deep breath, and let yourself off the hook. By simply doing what’s true for you, you’re always doing enough.

xo,

Michelle

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Remembering the Importance of Play

Last weekend I went on a retreat led by my friend Shaman Durek. It had been a while since I had been on a retreat solely to learn and take in information for myself, and it was so exciting and refreshing to be in that space. Shaman Durek is a beautiful and intelligent soul who really helped me to reframe some of my thought patterns that I know are going to greatly benefit my life. Of all the nuggets of wisdom that I took in that weekend, the one that’s been sticking with me this week is the concept of embracing time for play and playfulness in our lives.

How many of us consciously take time to stop and do something that brings pure joy to our lives? How often do we do something solely for the purpose of having fun? When was the last time you were just truly in the moment or took time to do something just for you? It is important to honor the playful side that we all have within us.

I think many of us feel the pressure to deny the hobbies that bring us pleasure with the belief that we must always be working, toiling, and producing—in order to be successful, valid, and worthy. We think we need to be adults, and that adults should work, not play.

In reality, who made those rules that we feel that we must abide by? This week, I’d love for us all to begin the journey of honoring the playful qualities we all have, but we may have shut off over time.

In doing this process with myself, I began to remember the love I have for dancing. I started dancing when I was very young, and it quickly became a large part of my life. I spent hours after school in dance classes. I performed, competed, and devoted so much of my time to dancing. This is because I loved it, and it brought me so much joy.

Dancing felt natural to me, and it was my outlet of self-expression and looking back on it, a way that I really connected with myself. I abruptly stopped dancing one day when I was fifteen because of an uncomfortable confrontation I had with my teacher. I let one painful moment taint my viewpoint on something I loved so much, and so I convinced myself that dance was something I no longer needed in life. I convinced myself that dancing no longer brought joy but sadness.

Over fifteen years passed before I ever danced again. But subconsciously, I thought about dancing almost every day in between. I would reminisce about old times, make casual comments about how I “used to dance,” and feel a deep and painful yearning every time I would see someone partaking in something that I hadn’t allowed myself to love for so long.

One day it hit me that I could choose again, I could rewrite my dance story, and I could heal this relationship, so that I could have this huge part of my life back. The funny thing is, the day I signed up for my first dance class in nearly two decades was on one of the lower days in recent memory. In that in that moment I was feeling so unhappy, stuck, insecure, and frustrated. A little whisper in my mind told me that healing would come from dance.

And dancing was the exact thing that I needed. I felt the spectrum of emotions going back to something that brought out the playfulness that lives inside me. Since bringing back dance to my life, my mood has changed, my creativity has been sparked, my outlook on life shifted, and suddenly there were new possibilities that now feel available to me. All because I chose to return to the joy.

So, what is the point in my rehashing my dance story for you? It’s to encourage you to take a moment and think about the pastimes, the hobbies, that secret loves or even burning desires that you never allowed yourself to participate in and invite yourself to play. Tap into that side of yourself that is carefree, limitless, and impassioned. Care for yourself in such a way where that you prioritize these moments. Release whatever judgment you may hold about fun in your life, and be open to this new way of being.

Life doesn’t have to be all work and no play. It’s time that we level the field, and make play the healing priority in our lives.

So let me know! What will you do this week to bring out the playful side of yourself? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments below!

xo,

Michelle

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The 4 Benefits of Setting Healthy Boundaries

Do you ever have synchronistic pile ons that really stop you in your tracks, and force you to listen and (hopefully) learn? I did recently, and to be honest, it’s one of my favorite experiences. When something or someone, repeatedly comes into my consciousness, I get giddy with joy because I know that I’m truly meant to learn something from it.

My most recent synchronistic experience has been with boundaries. Within the period of one week the topic of boundaries came up in my life a handful of times, which of course signaled to me that I had something to learn, and pass on to all of you!

Boundaries can be really tricky for people, myself included. Some of us fear that boundaries will isolate us, separate us, and disappoint the people around us. This is especially true for the people pleasers out there, I’ve definitely fallen into this category many times.

Others can take boundaries to the next extreme in closing off completely and losing trust and faith in the world at large. I’ve also been there too! Luckily, what I have discovered is that just like anything else, there’s a balance for boundaries.

Boundaries are more about taking care for yourself, and they are less about finding fault or negativity in something or someone in the external world.

There is a lot of beauty in balanced boundaries, and I’m so happy to share my four favorite benefits from this ultimate form of self-care:

1. Deeper sense of self. In order to properly create healthy boundaries, you must have a solid sense of self. When we start to become curious about who we are, what we want, what drains our energy, and what brings us joy, we start to get clarity regarding where we can set boundaries.

2. Protection of what’s precious. What do you value in life? Your energy? Your wellbeing? Your loved ones? Your inner peace? Whatever your answer is, boundaries can be the protective barrier for the precious valuables in your life.

3. Permission to choose. Have you ever noticed that when you don’t know where you stand, you’ll fall for anything? In knowing your boundaries, you give yourself the permission to make choices and to say no when necessary. Saying no isn’t negative, it’s an act of self-care, especially when said in a conscious, loving way.

4. Confidence. Do you notice how much better you feel when you make the conscious choice to take care of yourself? Self-care breeds self-confidence. Setting healthy boundaries is an ultimate act of self-care that can help you feel more empowered in your day-to-day life.

As always, I hope this break down helps you to create the healthy boundaries you desire and need for your life!

What does your relationship with boundaries look like? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments below!

xo,

Michelle

 

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Managing the Monkey Mind

What would happen inside your mind if I told you that while reading this blog, I don’t want you to think about sandwiches? Would your mind immediately latch on to sandwiches? Would you then start to think about maybe, the last sandwich you had, or the fact that you haven’t had one in a long time, or even the wide variety of sandwiches that exist in the world? Anything and everything about sandwiches. How long would it take for you to recognize that you went down a “sandwich thought” rabbit hole?

I start this week’s blog this way not to make you all really hungry, but to show you just how easy it is for our minds to wander, grasp on, and take completely random concepts for a ride, without us really intending or permitting them to do so.

Many people lovingly refer to this phenomena as “the monkey mind”. Our minds can be just like a monkey in the wild: unpredictable, uncontrollable, and scattered.

The reason why this all matters is because our thoughts are incredibly powerful. Our minds are always thinking, that is it’s job. We think on average 50,000 thoughts each day, and what we think is co-creating our reality, our life experience, and our mental state.

I know from personal experience that when I’m fully engaged in my monkey mind I don’t feel that great, I’m not as productive, I’m more irritable, and I feel completely worn out. Which makes sense!

Luckily, there are ways we can begin to manage our minds and take back control, and this week I’m here to share my top tips in doing so!

Become aware. Awareness is always the crucial first piece when looking to create change. Now that we know what our minds are capable of, we know what we are working with, we can have a solid starting point.
Give your thoughts a place to go. Our thoughts can often times repeat themselves, become negative, or take us on wild rides. Sometimes it can feel like an endless cycle. It’s helpful to release these thoughts, fully express them and give them somewhere to go. My favorite practice in doing so is journaling. Often times putting pen to paper and letting the monkey minded thoughts flow creates space for clear mindedness. Think of it as a brain purge, so that you can begin again with a blank canvas.
Train your mind. The brain is a muscle, and just like you go to the gym to strengthen the rest of the muscles in your body, we can also strengthen the mind, by practicing conscious thinking (aka meditation). When we sit with the intention of thinking or concentrating on one specific object, and consciously bring our mind back to that object when it wanders, we strengthen the mind and heighten our awareness to our thoughts. By training the mind in this way and in this practice, we can start to notice the mind wandering sooner, and bring it back to the present with greater ease and peace.
Have a plan. Create thought alternatives for when your monkey mind acts up. You can use affirmations and mantras to bring back a sense of focus and calm. You can also set limits for your thoughts. For example: I will let myself think about sandwiches for the next five minutes, and then I will move on. Having a plan equips you with the tools to empower yourself when confronted with scattered or difficult thoughts.

I hope these tools help you to start cultivating a relationship with your mind so that you can feel more in control, more present, and more mindful!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic in the comments below!

xo,

Michelle

 

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7 Mindful Practices for Starting a New Chapter

I find that there’s something truly magical about starting a new chapter. Whether it’s reading a book, listening to a story, and most importantly in our very own lives, new beginnings bring so much hope, promise, and excitement. It’s almost as if the slate as been wiped clean, and we truly can create anything we desire. I wish I could bottle up that feeling and carry it with me throughout the year.

Now that we are settling into a brand new year, I hope to share with you some practices that you can incorporate into your life to keep the magic going, to take care of yourself, and to continue creating all that makes your heart sing.

These are practices that are currently in rotation, and have served me well, and it is my wish that they help you on your path as well!

Daily Tune In. I am strong believer in the notion that when you are connected to yourself, you can do anything. With that being said, I’ll always recommend cultivating some sort of meditation practice into your daily routine. Not only will you feel less stressed, more centered, and clearer, you’ll also really get to know yourself. The real you. The you that is desperately trying to shine in this world. It is the connection to Self within that will help you to create the life of your dreams.

Getting Clear. For a long, long time clarity felt elusive to me. And that was frustrating because I know how beneficial it is to know what you want when you’re trying to start something new. Then I recognized that clarity isn’t knowing all the answers all at once; it’s picking up the pieces of the puzzle as you go along. Clarity can be a sense of a feeling, a notion, a hint, a direction. Start recognizing your desires, noticing the clues in your life and owning these as your clarity.

Body Connection. Just as much as I stress tuning into your Self on a daily basis, I have to stress the value of body connection as well. There was a period of time where I felt completely out of touch with my body; and it made me feel bad, sad, depressed, and really insecure. Perhaps the most profound way that I rekindled the connection to my body was through joyful movement. This is not my New Years spiel on working out or losing weight, this is about moving to connect and to feel. Bonus in this department is I’ve discovered so many hidden desires and hits (aka clarity) while in movement. Find a practice that resonates with you, that doesn’t feel like a chore, that connects you with your body and strive to do it daily. I’ve recently started taking dance classes and I’m loving it!

Saying No. My favorite self-care tip ever? Knowing that it’s ok to say no to something that truly doesn’t light me up. So many of us cater to the demands of the outside world. We say yes to really crummy things and feel really crummy doing them. You can take back your power and say no. Give yourself that permission when called to.

Be Patient. When we start upon a new chapter, we tend to get really exciting about the possibilities and potential outcomes. There’s so much that could happen, we just can’t wait for it all to unfold. And then we start to get down when it all doesn’t happen right away. Be patient with the timeline of your life. I truly believe that life unfolds exactly as it should, so have trust that whatever seeds you’ve planted will come to form in due time.

Release Perfectionism. Does anyone else ever have that feeling that in order to achieve a goal or desire we have to be perfect to make it attainable? I do, at least. Sometimes we think we have to tick all the boxes, and do all the self-care exercises to make us valid, valuable, and worthy. Even if you read this entire blog and don’t do any of these practices, you’re still worthy of having your dreams. The key of it all is to feel good while co-creating your life.

Bring Back Fun. When reflecting on the year that’s passed I noticed how serious it all was. And that’s great. But there’s a part of me that is always striving for fun and laughter, because life is so much more enjoyable when we are able to walk through it with a smile on our faces. Remember to bring fun back into your life.

I hope these practices help you to cultivate all your wishes in this new chapter of life! I’d love to hear your word for 2018, if you’ve chosen one, or something you’d like to cultivate in the comments below! My word for 2018: BRAVE.

xo, Michelle

Today is your final chance to register for our 28-day digital course “Master Your Life: Meditation and Mantra 101”

We have spent a year creating, writing, filming and producing a comprehensive online course that will take you through experiential exercises for accessing inner peace, strength, and creating success in your daily life.

You will receive daily videos, guided meditations, and a 150+ page e-book. Your 28-day journey begins tomorrow, Monday, January 8. Check it out here! 

 

 

 

 

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Mindful Practices for Starting a New Chapter

The post Mindful Practices for Starting a New Chapter appeared first on Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.

My 10 Lessons from 2017

Well, my friends, another year is about to come to a close. Can you believe it? So many feelings come up for me at the end of each year: a sense of pride of what has been accomplished, frustration for what didn’t go as planned, nostalgia for all that was and is no longer, longing for all the things not yet brought into fruition, and hope for a better tomorrow.

No matter how this past year has you feeling, I love honoring this chapter that is about to end in reflection and contemplation. A lot can happen in a year, and certainly a lot can be learned. 2017 was filled with lessons that will take us far and wide for the year ahead.

The 10 lessons here are ones that really stuck with me and ones that I will carry with me into 2018.

Difficult moments can provide valuable insights. There’s no denying that life can throw us curve balls and difficulty, the value in these moments comes when we are open to the lessons and guidance that they bring. The difficulties in my life this year brought me a unique sense of clarity and a reminder of the things I truly care about. There is always a silver lining.
Empathy can bridge the gap of separation. We all can live completely unique lives and still have compassion and understanding for each other’s circumstances. We don’t have to share experiences to remember that in the end, we are all one.
It’s fruitless to strive to be everything to everyone. Whatever it is that you bring to the table day in and day out, is enough. You don’t have to please everyone, be liked by everyone, and be accepted by everyone to be of value and importance, you just have to be all those things for yourself.
True change comes when pure truth is spoken. Having courage to speak your truth, even when it’s scary has the potential to create positive change, and to encourage others to do the same. I felt so inspired and empowered witnessing so many people bravely step forward to speak their truths this year.
You can change the world when you lead by example. We all want to create impact, see change, and promote peace and happiness, but we all know that the change we wish to see starts with us. We have to be the leaders of example and the beacons of light to pave the way.
Separated, we can do some things, united, we can do everything. When we work separately we can accomplish little, but working together we can accomplish so much. Teamwork, collaboration, and partnerships are the key to getting things done.
It’s okay not to always be okay. We are not meant to live life in one emotion. Happiness and peace may be the goal, but sadness, anxiety, and unease are natural parts of life’s process. You don’t have to be “perfect” every moment of every day. Whatever you are feeling is okay.
Change is the one true constant. We can feel like we are on unstable footing when we place our identities and our sense of self on the external world. Life is always changing, the world is in a constant state of flux, find solid foundation within yourself.
Listening is a practice to promote creative solutions. We can learn so much when we sit and listen. Take time to listen to the voice within. Take time to listen to a loved one or a stranger. There is much to gain by stopping and opening our ears to something new.
Knowledge is power. Life is the greatest classroom and we are forever students! There is always something new to be learned, information to be absorbed, lessons to gain and wisdom to take in. Be steadfast in your pursuit of knowledge, facts, and truth.

What lessons did 2017 teach you? Let me know in the comments below!

All my love and gratitude is extended to you reading this blog today. I am so grateful you are apart of this community and I so look forward to connecting with you all further next year. Wishing you all a safe, healthy and happy 2018!

xo, Michelle

We have re-opened the cart for our E-course Master Your Life: Meditation and Mantra 101

Happy New Year! May your New Year be filled with unexpected opportunities, kind people, and joyful moments.

Due to repeated requests, we have opened up some more spaces for our digital course that begins January 8th. This is the last opportunity to reserve your spot.

Over the past year, Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life has been building a comprehensive online course that will take you through experiential exercises for accessing inner peace and strength.

You will receive daily videos, guided meditations, and a 150+ page e-book. Check it out here! 

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Lessons from 2017

Well, my friends, another year is about to come to a close. Can you believe it? So many feelings come up for me at the end of each year: a sense of pride of what has been accomplished, frustration for what didn’t go as planned, nostalgia for all that was and is no longer, longing for all the things not yet brought into fruition, and hope for a better tomorrow.

No matter how this past year has you feeling, I love honoring this chapter that is about to end in reflection and contemplation. A lot can happen in a year, and certainly a lot can be learned. 2017 was filled with lessons that will take us far and wide for the year ahead.

The 10 lessons here are ones that really stuck with me and ones that I will carry with me into 2018.

Difficult moments can provide valuable insights. There’s no denying that life can throw us curve balls and difficulty, the value in these moments comes when we are open to the lessons and guidance that they bring. The difficulties in my life this year brought me a unique sense of clarity and a reminder of the things I truly care about. There is always a silver lining.
Empathy can bridge the gap of separation. We all can live completely unique lives and still have compassion and understanding for each other’s circumstances. We don’t have to share experiences to remember that in the end, we are all one.
It’s fruitless to strive to be everything to everyone. Whatever it is that you bring to the table day in and day out, is enough. You don’t have to please everyone, be liked by everyone, and be accepted by everyone to be of value and importance, you just have to be all those things for yourself.
True change comes when pure truth is spoken. Having courage to speak your truth, even when it’s scary has the potential to create positive change, and to encourage others to do the same. I felt so inspired and empowered witnessing so many people bravely step forward to speak their truths this year.
You can change the world when you lead by example. We all want to create impact, see change, and promote peace and happiness, but we all know that the change we wish to see starts with us. We have to be the leaders of example and the beacons of light to pave the way.
Separated, we can do some things, united, we can do everything. When we work separately we can accomplish little, but working together we can accomplish so much. Teamwork, collaboration, and partnerships are the key to getting things done.
It’s okay not to always be okay. We are not meant to live life in one emotion. Happiness and peace may be the goal, but sadness, anxiety, and unease are natural parts of life’s process. You don’t have to be “perfect” every moment of every day. Whatever you are feeling is okay.
Change is the one true constant. We can feel like we are on unstable footing when we place our identities and our sense of self on the external world. Life is always changing, the world is in a constant state of flux, find solid foundation within yourself.
Listening is a practice to promote creative solutions. We can learn so much when we sit and listen. Take time to listen to the voice within. Take time to listen to a loved one or a stranger. There is much to gain by stopping and opening our ears to something new.
Knowledge is power. Life is the greatest classroom and we are forever students! There is always something new to be learned, information to be absorbed, lessons to gain and wisdom to take in. Be steadfast in your pursuit of knowledge, facts, and truth.

What lessons did 2017 teach you? Let me know in the comments below!

All my love and gratitude is extended to you reading this blog today. I am so grateful you are apart of this community and I so look forward to connecting with you all further next year. Wishing you all a safe, healthy and happy 2018!

xo, Michelle

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Affirmations for Acceptance

“Accept – then act. Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it. Make it your friend and ally, not your enemy. This will miraculously transform your whole life.” Eckhart Tolle

I used to really struggle with acceptance, in every aspect of the word, until reading this quote by Eckhart Tolle. I used to equate acceptance with settling, failing, and admitting defeat. I used to resist accepting what was, for fear that it meant that I could never create what I really desired. And then I realized that that entire train of thought was upside down, and keeping me further away from the things I wanted in life.

Contrary to what I had allowed myself to believe, acceptance is not settling or failing. Acceptance is acknowledgment. It is a crucial piece of mindful living. Acceptance is an act of living presently and a sign of an awakening to what is. When we consciously accept what is, we can then consciously create the sturdy foundation to move forward in the direction of our dreams.

I also believe that acceptance is a form of surrender, a relaxing into trust, a pivot into possibility. Affirmations are my favorite way to cultivate acceptance. This week, I’m so happy to share with you my favorite affirmations that I use regularly to practice acceptance, and to open my mind up to trust and the infinite possibilities of life.

Everything is unfolding exactly as it should
I trust the timing of my life
All is well
It is always this or something better
What is meant for me will not pass me

I hope these affirmations help you on along your path in life! You can always edit them to suit your own style and needs! Let me know what your go-to affirmations are in the comments below!

xo, Michelle

Looking for a last minute meaningful holiday gift? 

Give your loved ones (or yourself) the perfect digital present!

Over the past year, Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life has been building a comprehensive online course that will take you through experiential exercises for accessing inner peace and strength.

Plus, you’ll receive daily videos, guided meditations, and a 150+ page e-book. Check it out here! 

 

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Self-Care Practices for the Holidays

Happy Sunday! We are officially in the full swing of the holiday season! Generally speaking, when we think of the holidays, we think of happiness, family, fun, and cheer. Expectations can feel high this time of year, and we can be pulled in many different directions.

For many of us, if we don’t feel all the “right” feelings we are supposed to feel during the holidays, we think there is something wrong with us. I’m here to tell you that this is just not true. While wonderfully festive and fun, the holidays can bring up so many feelings that aren’t incredibly pleasant for so many of us. Loneliness, disappointment, sadness, and even anger can arise during this time.

It is my intention to give you some tools to help you take care of yourself and your feelings this holiday season. Here are eight simple self-care practices for the holiday season…

If you’re feeling stressed:

Give yourself permission to stop. To-do lists can be a mile long, expectations can be high, your presence can be demanded in many different places at once, and all that can feel very overwhelming! If you’re feeling this way, rest assured it’s natural, you’re only human! You can only do so much, please so many, and be in many places. Release the desire to be a superhero this holiday season, and strive to be the most well-taken care of version of you. You don’t have to do it all. You can say no. It’s ok to stop, and start again!

If you’re feeling lonely:

While holidays are historically a time for family, friends, and loved ones. Sometimes, loneliness sets in when we think that our lives don’t match the cheesy holiday version of what we think life should be. Some of us are missing family members, some of us are going through loss, some of us are struggling personally, and again that is all ok. Remind yourself that you can be your own best company. If you have down time or alone time, take advantage of it by starting to cultivate the very best relationship with yourself. Honor yourself and your intuition, and know that you don’t have to be with other people to be loved and accepted.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed:

Remember to breathe. Our breath can work as the most basic and effective stress relief system available, when we remember to use it! Have you ever noticed that in some of the most tense moments of the day we usually aren’t breathing, or if we are, they are very shallow breaths? If the holiday events and to-do lists make you feel overwhelmed, remember you can always come back to your breath. Take a moment, close your eyes, and deeply inhale and exhale. It’s an instant mood shifter!

If you’re feeling confused:

Write it out. Whenever I don’t know how to make a decision, or am searching for clarity, I immediately reach for my journal. Journaling is a wonderful tool that has a myriad of benefits, but I find it most comforting when I’m searching for answers and getting stuck in my head. There’s magic when pen hits paper, and the inner workings of your soul come onto the page.

If you’re feeling frustrated:

Move your body. Whenever I feel frustrated, and can’t seem to shake it, moving through it physically helps immensely. There is so much healing to be received through mindful, enjoyable physical activity. Hit up a class that you love, or if you are short on time, take a few moments in your home to literally shake it out. It may look and feel silly, but vigorous shaking off of the bad vibes or the frustrating feelings is effective, I promise!

If you’re feeling angry:

Find activities that bring you joy, and do them unapologetically. Sometimes the holidays can make us feel like we are giving and giving and giving, and then we feel depleted and sometimes angry and bitter. What better antidote to this than doing something for yourself that brings you pure joy? Make time for self-care this holiday, and don’t feel guilty about it! My joyful activity go-to lately has been dancing, and truly I am so much happier exiting class each and every time. Rather than stewing on the things that are making you upset, be proactive and incorporate joy.

If you’re feeling distracted

Practice being present. The greatest present you can give this holiday season is your peaceful presence. We can be pulled into a lot of different directions during the holidays, which really can be stressful on the nervous system and our mental state. Rather than multitasking this season, try doing one thing at a time with purpose and intention. One thing I know for certain is that so many people often say that the holidays pass by so quickly. We can change that! Present moment living will allow you to fully savor the moments of the holidays, leaving you feeling satisfied and complete when the season ends.

If you’re feeling disappointed

Practice gratitude. The holidays can remind us of what might be lacking in our lives, I’ve definitely been there. Rather than focusing on what isn’t present in your life at this moment, try to come back to what is, and really honor it. Life can change so quickly, don’t take for granted the good that is in your life right now. Be grateful for the gifts of today to prepare for the fortunes of the future.

I hope these little antidotes give you some support this holiday season. Always remember to feel whatever you’re feeling, and know that it all passes in time!

Do you have any tips for managing the holidays? Share your favorite self-care practices below!

Looking for a meaningful holiday gift? 

Give your loved ones (or yourself) the perfect digital present!

Over the past year, Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life has been building a comprehensive online course that will take you through experiential exercises for accessing inner peace and strength.

Plus, you’ll receive daily videos, guided meditations, and a 150+ page e-book. Check it out here! 

xo,

Michelle

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