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Holidays

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 22:32:59 GMT

The holidays can be a joy and can be difficult

The holidays can be a joyous time for many, brining many happy and positive memories of family and friends. It is important to keep in mind, that it can also be difficult time for many. Not everyone has been able to enjoy the holidays whether through trauma, financial difficulties, deaths, or religious beliefs that do not align with mainstream culture.

This is a time of year to treat everyone with grace and gratitude. To acknowledge within ourselves that we do not know every story nor do we know the inner struggles of others. To remind ourselves that what we see on social media is only a picture perfect expectation, it does not make it a reality for everyone. To remember that we ourselves have gone through hard times, so maybe someone else is too.

Spread joy, love and compassion this season

--Mindful MN

New moon

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 03:12:25 GMT

Setting realistic goals

Today is the night of a new moon. A new moon is often associated with new beginnings. A time to start over, to gather your thoughts, and make a plan for the upcoming month. Setting frequent times to revisit, reflect, and set new goals can often make them feel more attenable.

Many of us fall into the trap of setting lengthy goals, or goals with no timeline. While this seems more effective at the time, it can often lead to a lack of motivation and disappointment. Most people have better luck obtaining their goals when they are time limited and more specific.

Try reflecting on your ultimate goal and then breaking it down into parts. Each month, work on one of those parts. Taking time to reflect on your progress, barriers, and success and adjust accordingly. Then watch the magic happen!

-- Mindful MN

The Waves of Motivation

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 02:47:46 GMT

Motivation

Do you ever feel like you have been doing great, then you just hit a wall? Surprisingly enough, that is what happened when I started writing this post. So here I am, several days later, to finally finish this. We all experience different waves of motivation. Sometimes those waves are huge and we can ride them for a long time, sometimes they are just little baby waves that last a short time.

How do we help level out those waves?

Set realistic goals for what you are trying to accomplish
Break up larger task into something smaller
Start with the areas you feel most confident in on before moving to other areas
set yourself up with a reward for completing your goals!

--Mindful MN

Glimmer moments

Sun, 22 Oct 2023 12:07:59 GMT

Afternoon Tea

It is often the little things in life that can make us the happiest and are the easiest to over look. According Polyvagal theory, these moments are called "Glimmers". Glimmer moments occur many times throughout the day. They bring us those small joys that can be powerful but often fleeting. Finding those joys and holding on to them can recreate those feelings during tough moments.

Over the weekend, my daughter and I went to baby shower that was "afternoon tea" themed. The time was full of little glimmer moments. From my daughter in a fancy gloves and hats to cuddling with her cousin, there were so many times of joy. However, this time was also filled with frustration. My daughter refused to put on her dress and instead went to the party with no pants on and I was less then happy with my outfit.

It is human nature to dwell on these less then happy moments. To second guess our life choices. For those experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns you may be even more prone to focus on these moments. Incorporating polyvagal techniques throughout your day can help us focus on those glimmer moments instead. They can help you focus on the laughter of watching your child run around a fancy party in an oversized sweatshirt or how cute it is for her little cousin to try to rock her to sleep.

Those are the moments that can mean the world to us.

--- Mindful MN

Start every day fresh

Sat, 07 Oct 2023 12:57:40 GMT

New Beginnings

Starting something new can always be a terrifying prospect. Whether you are starting a new job, new school, or just a new hobby, the anxiety that comes along with these adventures can be paralyzing.

I have been working on starting this business' for about 9 months, I have had all the resources and things ready to go for about 8 of those months. The thought of venturing into something new was exciting and uplifting at first. A new challenge, something to really push myself to accomplish. As I got everything in order and ready to go, the anxiety, fear, and self-doubt began to set in. Despite all the skills I know that could have helped me move through this block, I became stuck in what felt like a never ending pattern of freezing. My meditation and yoga practice began to suffer, I was getting more distracted on a daily basis, and I was feeling more like a fraud every day.

Like any good provider, I went and found myself by own therapist to help me over this mental block (like they say, behind every good therapist is another good therapist!). Not only did my therapist help me talk through my mental blocks, but they reminded me of all the little ways I was my skills to help me preserve through this challenging time. They helped me reframe that the months of sitting here, making post, researching things, setting things up, was my way of preparing. I wasn't a failure, I wasn't putting things off, I was doing what I always do. Making list, researching, and preparing to start something with, hopefully, the least amount of mistakes.

With a new found confidence and drive, I am officially opening up my website, have started my social media accounts, and am ready to move forward on this new adventure. I hope anyone reading this is able to find inspiration in it as well. Whether you are seeking services through Mindful MN or just checking us out, we wish you all the best.

-- Mindful MN