Ponder this...experts estimate that the mind generates an average of 60,000-80,000 thoughts a day. Isn't that incredible! I do believe that I might be on the high range... "squirrel!" thoughts!
"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers-so many caring people in this world." - Fred Rogers
*Reclaim your Thoughts -
*Help and Connect with Others-
*Change the Outcome.
Ba-Bam! Reset!
In an April 12, 2020, interview with MSNBC’s Stephanie Rule, New York Times columnist David Brooks said that the Coronavirus was like “an x-ray on our society…we know ourselves better when you are in a valley. So, I am hopeful that we’re going to have a great reset.” Lets get on the MRI.
COVID-19, now front and center on the "This Ruined My Life" list, is one "elephant in the room" that can’t be ignored. It has to be faced, by educators who are trying to nail down how to teach remotely (hello, Microsoft Teams/Zoom), and by parents who are now home 10,080 minutes a week, indefinitely, with their kids. This novel "Ruined my Life Virus" is actually an opportunity to take the mud out of our blinders and take the time to see our kids in a bright, new, beautiful light. It can be a reset point for us as families and as a society in how we— collectively raise our kids.
Point of Reset!
COVID has given us an opportunity to begin to reset, and ponder thoughts of helping and connecting. What is connection? Perfectly defined by Brené Brown, connection is "the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgement; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship." Turns out we are hardwired for connection - works for me!
So, how come many of us feel all we do is communicate, but the connecting part has hit steady flat line? Well, that flat line is sometimes a clear indicator of living in the past. Living in the "trigger zone" and basing today on what clearly occurred yesterday or "that time... two years ago." Or better yet..."that time at band camp." Really, when we truly consider each day a new beginning, with new thoughts, in fact thousands of them, why not make them positive and helpful? Reset.
Introduce, the Law of Attraction. For those not familiar, the Law of Attraction is the belief that positive or negative thoughts bring positive or negative experiences into a person's life. The universe creates and provides for you that which your thoughts are focused on.
This reset, when viewed through our positive thoughts is an opportunity to help our kids during this time realize connection in new ways and, ironically in some ways, more deeply. This is thrilling if you think about it (insert Rocky theme music)! Because we know that this new way of thinking is a critical first step towards getting our children back on track, not only to get through this pandemic but permanently, so they can develop into happy, successful, independent adults. Brooks also said he hoped "We are not going to go back to the way it was.” I hope so too, especially when it comes to our kids!
Be a helper...help your kids...look around help others! Here's to new beginnings, new thoughts and an opportunity to get to know our kids on a deeper level. Parents, put the iPhones (yes...you!) down, see your kids, tell them that you love them. Ask them if anything is bothering them, and actively listen without judgment when they tell you. This can be challenging... but just try it. Strive to have a positive impact on your world. Be the helper that Mr. Rogers was talking about. Choose to have a impact...Choose Reset!
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need additional guidance.
Reset to a new way today!
Lastly, with all those thousand of thoughts running through your mind today, reset and bask on this....and thank you Eleanor!
"With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts." Eleanor Roosevelt