Month: May 2020

The beginning of this summer feels bittersweet. We may be used to having structure during the year with work and school and may have been looking forward to the summer. Now our plans have probably changed. What is something you can do to maintain some structure and receive some joy throughout your days during this time?

What do you like about yourself? What is the first thing that comes to mind? What are three things that come to mind when you think about what you like about who you are?

The thought of the day is what you think about yourself. Now let’s think about how you came to identify those qualities. Are they physical or personality based? Are they centered around things you have done or relationships with others? Was it easy to come up with the list or a challenge? Do you feel that your list was kind to yourself or more critical? Is it possible that you are not giving yourself credit for the good in yourself? What we say to ourselves about who we are is a big determinant in the quality of our life outcomes. It either stifles or allows us to flourish. Worried? Don’t be! The list isn’t written in stone. It’s your mental list. If you find yourself wanting more out of the list you created, it’s your responsibility to add to it or change it. Try adding something to the list today and practice it. It can be something small just for today and just for you. Like yourself a little more. Craft the list of liking like a love story to yourself, a promise. A list that accepts, challenges, and changes but always a list that is kind to yourself. So again, what do you like about yourself?

Usually, work can be tough to begin. When we are overwhelmed and have anxiety, the goal is daunting. Sometimes we forget how to take things in small steps and enjoy the process. There is something to be said about enjoying the process. The process of working towards achieving a goal can be just as inspiring as the finished product. The process is what we need to think about more often. If we want, we can achieve goals within the process or take small steps that measure our growth during an activity. By not rushing the process and taking mindful reflection, we can engage more with our work. Look back at your growth in the process. Leave your tension and thoughts, and just be with what’s in front of you. The process is all there needs to be. It is the act of becoming. The process is how we grow. We come into ourselves by engaging and being present, so be mindful and enjoy the process.

If there is a time for sleep it is in the middle of a pandemic. A restful and consistent night of sleep is vital to maintain mental and physical health by preserving your immune system. The thought for today is staying consistent with sleeping. Setting a scheduled time to work, relax, and rest is critical when our routine is broken. Time is something that is easy to lose track of if you are currently unemployed or transitioning, so it is crucial that we mark the days and the hours with purpose. That we bring meaning to the hours that we spend and are intentional about working and resting. Normal is taking a break from our routine but life didn’t stop and your health will continue to tick like a clock. You must be consistent; you need consistent sleep. Take time to rest but don’t overdo it. Find your sweet spot. Stay with it.

“And those who were seen dancing, were thought to be crazy, by those who could not hear the music.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche. What does this quote mean to you and how can we apply this quote to our lives during quarantine?  

“We compare other people’s best to our own worst.” Social media can be a place for connection, and it can also be a place for dangerous comparison. The thought of the day is about how we often post on social media when we are connecting with others and trying new things. This is especially important to remember during a time that often feels stressful and disheartening. We don’t publically share when we are feeling unmotivated, tired, and upset. Remember this if you feel yourself comparing yourself to how other people seem to be doing.

You did it! We’re used to having certain cues that let us know the semester is over whether that’s conversations with professors and friends, cleaning out our dorms or offices, or going to “end of semester” events. This is a different way of ending that we’re not familiar with. The thought of the day is to try to do something for your self to send that same message. Pick something you enjoy doing (something relaxing, fun, comforting, etc.) to help give yourself those experiences of closure and reflection. 

We are in a new month of what feels like a long year. For many of us, there are have been personal and financial difficulties with all that is happening. Many have lost loved one and the ultimate toll on the country and world remains to be determined. This is scary. But with all that in mind, I am hopeful. We can be resilient in the face of many things. We can be present and engaged and so much in the moment of fear. We are allowed to be worried and afraid but we don’t have to succumb to fear. Do not let this month be consumed with fear and uncertainty. We have a road to walk together and it will be longer if we don’t hold our heads high. We have to endure, create balance, and find moments to laugh. This is how we get through this. Fear can have its place but it cannot be the end all be all. So the thought is to stand and move forward despite the fear. 
Be Brave!

“What you resist, persists. What you accept, transforms” 
    -Shamash Alidina. 

What does this quote mean to you?

A lot has changed. For a lot of us, our work, school, relationships, and way of living have changed. For many of us, we gain a sense of identity and meaning from our careers, our studies, and who we spend time with. It may feel that our sense of meaning has changed or been lost. Famous Austrian psychologist Viktor Frankl believed that even in the most challenging circumstances, life has meaning. How are you creating meaning during these circumstances?