Controlling Your Thoughts Before They Control You

Controlling Your Thoughts Before They Control You

Just like most of you, this time of isolation has been hard on me and my girls for multiple reasons. I too am worried about the future. I am not going to deny the stress that this Coronavirus pandemic has put on our entire existence. Worries about the economy, my own personal finances, my daughters' educations, gas prices and the stock market plummeting, the mental health of my friends and family, the loss of jobs; the list can sometimes feel endless. I feel you my friends. Times are tough right now. Not knowing when this is going to end, or when we can make plans for the future is really messing with us all. However, how we handle this situation is completely up to us and can also lead to a much better future than we could ever imagine if we can just get control over our own minds. If we don't control our thoughts soon they can over take and control us.

Now, this is much easier said than done for sure, but it is still something we can control. So, try to be proactive about your thoughts. What you put into your mind has a lot of impact on your mental health and well being. When possible, choose positive over negative. 

Inevitably, negative thoughts and worries will surface. When this does happen, acknowledge this and ask yourself, "Is this thought productive? What can I do about this right now?" If the thought is not productive and/or if it is something you cannot control, change your thought to something else, something positive. You can also find something positive and productive to do as a distraction, take a walk, turn on a positive podcast, do anything that makes you happy. Sit down right now and make a list of things you can do that brings positive to your life.  Here is mine. Use it as a a starting point in making your own....

1.  Listening to music

2.  Exercising (running, biking, weight lifting, CrossFit, hiking) 

3.  Motivational podcasts

4.  Reading

5.  Playing games with my kids

6.  Talking on the phone or video chats with friends and family

7.  Writing

8.  Making jewelry

9.  Watching a good show or movie 

10. Coloring

11. Shooting my bow

12. Home improvement

When your negative thought is something you can control, write it down. Brainstorm a list of actions you can take to work on making progress on exterminating this negative. For example, if you lost your job, make a list of things you can do to recover that income. The top of that list is to file for unemployment. If you miss your family or had to cancel a trip, call them or video chat. 

There are almost always things you can do to turn a positive into a negative, sometimes it takes some creative thinking or research. The most important thing is to not dwell on these negative thoughts or feelings. 

Seek out others who are in the same situation as you. Ask for advice on how they might be handling it. You aren't alone. The whole world is going through this together even though at times this isolation can make you feel like you are completely alone. 

Last, take a break from social media. Turn off the news. Right now, there is information overload from all directions. This can really influence our thoughts and feelings. Do your best to filter what is going into your mind before it has a chance to even get there.

This takes practice my friends. I still have moments when I panic. feel anxious, cry.... it's ok. Sometimes, we need to do that in order to express our feelings, so we can move past them. If you feel like this, do it.

My thoughts are with you all.  May we all come out of this stronger, wiser, and mentally strong.

Fondly,
Ann

Celebrating Abby

Celebrating Abby

On April 16, 2009, when I was in labor during a snowstorm, little did I know the amazing gift this 6 lb 9 oz baby girl was going to be to me as a mom and all those around her. Yes, I had an idea, as she had an almost 2 year old big sister over the moon excited waiting for her at home. But, I really had no clue how her own unique personality would develop as she grows becoming completely her own person. She has her own opinions; likes, dislikes, strengths and weaknesses etc that make her an amazing little lady.
So today, as we celebrate her 11th birthday, I reflect on and celebrate this gift that keeps giving and surprising  me daily. Abby is wise beyond her years blessed with an old soul. At a very young age, she would keep tabs on things. I fondly remember leaving the house to go on a trip and her asking, "Did you close the garage door?" She was 5. 

Over the past several years, her father and I have watched her handle high pressure situations with ease and grace. It amazes me the pressure that she can handle. From the time she was 7, she has competed at the Wyoming State swim meet and always pushed herself to get better and improved her times earning trips to Age group Sectionals and Zones. Along the way, she has earned high point awards and set state records. She has also become a leading point scorer on the field in her age group in soccer. And most recently was offered the opportunity to take 7th grade honors math as a 6th grader. 

Abby strives to be the best at everything she does, and the amazing part is most of this motivation comes from deep within herself. What most people don't see is the hours she puts in on her own time outside of practices and the school day working to improve her skills. To me this is the most amazing thing to watch as a parent. She sets a goal and executes. 

Yes, she receives support and guidance from her dad and I as parents; she is still only 11. But, we really try to keep this to a minimum. If it were up to her, she would be in the pool or at soccer or basketball practice every single day. However, we work to limit this and keep it age appropriate. We definitely don't want her to burn out! At times, during early season swimming, she only goes to 2 practices/wk. She hates this!

Abby can often be found watching sports videos or seeking out inspirational quotes to post on the wall in her bedroom. She has also been known to ask for math workbooks for Christmas! I love how she is always working to improve herself. I am confident this little lady will go far in life due to her drive and work ethic.

This being said, I also love that she can be a bit goofy and is still very much a little girl. Her laugh is a deep belly laugh and so very contagious. You cannot help but laughing when she is around. She still builds with legoes, makes forts, and plays in the snow.

Abby has a huge heart and cares very deeply for those around her. She is a loyal friend and sister and always finds an amazing group of girlfriends to spend time with. Abby is always one of the first ones to know when I need a hug and still sits on my lap. I know this time is limited, as she keeps growing and is almost as tall as me.

While I cannot wait to see what her future holds, I really wish I could stop time sometimes and keep her from growing up. She truly has been a gift to me and many others. I cannot imagine my life without my Abster. 

Fondly,

Ann