One thing Hope Yoga Studio's instructors are always reminding us is that we are the ones in control of our minds. We dwell on the past and stress about the future, when what we really need to do is let it go. The past is over, and the future isn't here yet - and this brings us to the never ending effort to stay present. But what happens if your present moment is overwhelming or stressful?
One thing I have repetitively told myself lately is this: things are only stressful if you allow them to be. This one little sentence may not seem like much, but it has helped tremendously. When both kids are screaming and I feel my tolerance plummet and my blood pressure rise, instead of lashing out and yelling (or crying), I take a moment to myself, breathe, and say aloud: things are only stressful if I allow it to be. These 10 little words completely level me, and I can then think with a clear mind - "Lyla missed her nap today. Hannah is bored in her seat and needs to be held" - Okay. I move forward, and do what needs to be done. Maybe Lyla needs a few minutes in her room alone to calm down - and now, I can tell her to do so calmly instead of lashing out, frustrated.
I use this sentence to help me get through the day, being the best mother/wife/person I can be. Anytime something isn't going as preferred or planned, it helps me take it for what it is, and move on. My best days are days where I feel I was fully present with my girls and husband - and this one sentence helps me reach this goal nearly every day.
Our mind is in our control, and this means stress, frustration, and overwhelming feelings too. Who wants to feel that way, anyway?
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