Focus on the good

The last couple of weeks have been different than ever before. For all of us. It is not usually something we can say: all of us are going through the same challenging circumstance, Of course, each of us is having our own experience, but we are all living through this pandemic.

It is easy to focus on the fear. To watch and read all the news we can and worry about things we cannot control. But where does that get us??

Instead, I challenge you to focus on the good... the hope. What is the good you ask? Where is the hope? Just stop and look around you!

•  Communities are coming together
•  Strangers are helping strangers
•  People are checking in with friends or family they haven't talked to for a long time
•  Businesses are giving their products away, and finding new ways to use their resources to help those in need
•  You have time on your hands.... time to reflect and connect on a deeper level
•  You have time to have real conversations
•  You have an opportunity to spend quality time with your kids
•  Spring is springing! Spring brings new hope and new life with it

I challenge you to add to this list! What good and hopeful things are YOU seeing around you? Write your answers in the comments! For me, I have challenged myself to post something that I am thankful for EVERY day. It is a way to remember those things we are grateful for and change our focus. You can find it on Instagram and Facebook. Please join me!

Blessings,

Kara

Just checking in with you.... how are you feeling? Not just physically (although I hope all of you are well and free of COVID-19!), but emotionally? Mentally?

We are in unprecedented times. Not one of us have lived though anything quite like this before. In a world where there is so much unknown we need to find a place where we can stop, take stock, and breathe.

Here's the thing.... a lot of you are confined to your home, all of a sudden having to stay home from work, needing to help your kids with schooling options, and keep yourself from going stir crazy at the same time!

It is times like these that we have been practicing self care! It is also times like these that we will need to rely on some more.... unconventional or creative self care techniques. Your usual "go-to" options are likely either not available or not a good idea... So what on Earth can you do instead??

I want us to collaborate and start a list together! What can you do, or are you doing, to remain calm and relaxed and take care of yourself right now? Let's be creative, and share our ideas!

But before we get started, I just want to say one more thing. This is a time where we need to model things for our children.  We need to model listening and following directions, being thoughtful but not reactive, and caring for ourselves and our loved one in positive ways. Show them how it's done! Encourage them to join in! Create a safe space for them to share their thoughts and feelings without judgement and reassure them as much as you can.

Ok, here goes! I am going to start us off with a couple of suggestions. Please add to the list! I am excited to see what we come up with together!

1.) Turn up the radio! Play fun uplifting music. Sing along. Get up and dance! This could be PE for the kids!!

2.) If you are feeling stressed and anxious, practice mindful breathing. Stop what you are doing and close your eyes. Take a deep breath in, hold it, slowly exhale and pause. You can do this counting to certain numbers for each step, or just what feels good to you. The idea is to slow your breathing and pay attention to your body as you inhale and exhale. As you inhale think about breathing good things in, and as you exhale think about letting the bad things out.

3.) Read a book aloud with each other. Maybe it is something "school appropriate", or maybe it is a favorite childhood book. It doesn't matter! Decide together if one person will read or if you will take turns reading.

Blessings,
Kara