It's OK to cry

It is OK to cry. It is OK to get mad. It is OK to be frustrated and angry and to feel like it is all so unfair. Have your feelings!

The thing about feelings is that if you don't allow yourself to feel the bad ones, you won't be able to feel the good ones either. It is all or nothing.

If you allow yourself some time to be mad and hurt and cry you will feel better. Crying is actually a physiological release. And then you will be better able appreciate and feel the good things. Because those good things ARE there too. Sometimes we just miss them in the middle of all the hard things.

In 1972 Marlo Thomas created a project including an album and a book called Free to Be.... You and Me. It was turned into a television special in 1974. I have very fond, warm memories of this from when I was a kid. If you have time, I recommend looking it up on YouTube to see if you can watch and/or hear the whole thing.

But, here is a link to one of the songs called It's Alright to Cry. I think of this often when I remind myself of someone else that it's OK to cry.

Blessings,
Kara

When my son was very small, he used to love to draw and tell stories on paper. Every Christmas his Auntie would give him a ream of paper and pencils or crayons or something. He looked forward to it every year! 

When I looked at the scribbled on pieces of paper lying all over the house, I didn't see the beauty. I thought he was just scribbling and throwing the paper aside.

One day I asked him about it. For him, each of those papers was a story. He would start with a character he drew, and then as he made the story up in his head, he would "act out" the story on the page.

Each one of those scribbles was a story. It was his imagination at work. It was a creative expression.

Creative expression is a great way to practice self-care! Someone else must have recognized this too, as there is a huge market for adult coloring books! The benefit of creative expression is disconnecting from the stressors of life, being in the moment, and creating something beautiful. Our breathing slows down and we start to relax. It allows our bodies to rejuvenate.

Creative expressions can be all kinds of things. It can be painting, coloring, writing stories or poetry, drawing, playing music, baking or cooking, playing with hair or doing makeup, building model airplanes, sewing.... the list is limitless! Whatever sparks your creativity!

Blessings,
Kara

We can do hard things

We can do hard things. I like this statement. No, I LOVE this statement! .

This is a motto from Glennon Doyle at momastery.com.

I love it because it is so empowering. No matter how you say it, it brings forth courage and tenacity and our fierce love for our children!

WE can do hard things

We CAN do hard things

We can DO hard things

We can do HARD things

Sometimes when things seem so difficult and it feels like we are running into walls, or beating our heads against walls, it helps to remember this. It is a reminder of how strong we are. And, it is reminder that we are not in this alone. It is a reminder that we are doing these hard things WITH our children. They are going through some really hard stuff, and we are right there alongside them trying our best to help them in any way we can.

So, today, look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself that you can do hard things. And look at your child and tell them "we can do hard things".

Blessings,
Kara

Tell yourself good things

When things are difficult and days are dark it can be hard to remember the good things. One way to help you cope and keep a good perspective as you are going through trying times is to say affirmations to yourself.

You are the person that influences yourself the most. When you have negative self talk, you believe the things you tell yourself and you feel awful. Practice saying some affirmations to yourself on a regular basis. The more you tell yourself positive things, the more you will believe it! And if you find yourself saying something negative, chase it down with 2 positive affirmations! Here are some examples to get you started:

• I am worthy
• I am loved
• I am a good mom/dad
• I am loveable
• I am learning
• I am trying
• I forgive myself for the mistakes I have made
• I am good at (fill in the blank)
• I can do this
• I am strong
• I am not alone

As you start your own list you will find affirmations that are meaningful to you. If you struggle with finding your own affirmations try talking to yourself like you would talk to your best friend.

Blessings, 

Kara