Emotional Resilience: Wrap Up

Hello Friends! 

It's hard to believe that it has been eight weeks since I started this journey. I have learned so much and feel that practicing these tools will help me throughout my whole life. Learning about something doesn't commit it to memory like actually doing it does. 

My class project (doing this emotional resilience journey) had an end date for today. You can't believe how good it feels that I actually did it! I wrote on my blog and did the tool-of-the-week every day, even when I didn't want to or forgot about it until right before I was going to get in bed. That's quite an accomplishment for me. 

It's been amazing how using this blog has been such a great accountability tool for me.  I wonder, would this work for other things I'm struggling with doing? 

These tools have helped me understand myself better, recognize quicker when I'm getting stacked with emotions, not getting overwhelmed like I used to, feeling more calm and seeing things more clearly. I've had so many great experiences using these tools and hope to continue having them and gaining even more clarity. 

I wish everyone had these tools and would actually use them. The game changer for me to actually using them was using my class and this blog for accountability. 

Do you need accountability to help you move forward with your goals? What would help you? Whom could you be accountable to?  

Look at all these tools that we have practiced over the past eight weeks....

- Truth & Lies: We uncovered lies we were telling ourselves and replaced them with truth statements. 

- Gratitude: For experiences, things and people. We also expressed gratitude to someone. 

- Service: Daily ask, "Who can I lift and serve today?"

- Crazy Happiness: This raises our energy and happiness by dancing/moving to uplifting music. 

- Release & Refill: Release emotions by writing about them and then refill with positive. 

- Quick Forgive: I forgive myself for_____, I love myself for_____, Now I choose____.

- Create Order: Consistently doing small things around your house that has been bugging you or that has been on your mind. 

- Simmer Down: Meditate and write to unload

Plus, here are some other tools that I mentioned...

SODAS, which is a problem solving tool that stands for Situation, Options, Disadvantages, Advantages, and Solution. 

And also, prayer, studying scriptures, exercise, reading a good book, using a timer and doing something you love. For me, a couple things I love are holding babies and doing puzzles. 

So, from here, and at least for now, I'm not going to be posting on my blog every day.  It might be just once a week. 

I still plan on using several tools on a daily basis. And continuing to practice using new ones as well. 

How are you going to use these tools in your life? Will you use them every day? Once a week? Do you need accountability? 

I would love to hear about your experiences using these tools! Please comment below and let me know. 

Emotional Resilience: Simmering Down #Week8Day6

Hello Friends! 

Something happened yesterday that I needed to write about. I needed to simmer down. Remember, though, my simmering down is internal. That's something that is different for me to think of... my going inward, basically shutting down, is a way of becoming UPtight. 

Well, after writing about it, I did see it in a different light. I could think more clearly. It was quite amazing actually. I ended up thinking it was a blessing seeing it in this light. When it originally happened I was sad, I didn't talk, I even left the room. 

Those reactions were so subtle. It's looking back on the whole scenario that has helped me see it even more clearly. 

I was looking for things in my past to write about, but when this situation came up yesterday I thought, "I need to write about that."

As I have been writing about all those things in my mind and my heart I now want to change, or improve them in some way. 

Honestly, I didn't know if this tool would really work, but I feel like doing the writing and meditation together has been a powerful way to clear my mind. 

Have you noticed that your mind is more clear after using these tools? 

Emotional Resilience: Simmering Down #Week8Day5

Hello Friends! 

Since working on this tool I've been trying to be more aware of my responses to my emotions. I tend to go more inward so my responses would be more... quit helping, quit talking, blaming, and then I would get triggered and/or push away from people. 

If you are more of an external person you might be intense, then move to being loud or yelling, then say mean words and finally, push or run away. 

Each of these (internal and external) start with not doing something. For example, you're nervous about something and so you don't do it.

Here's the order in which your emotions seem to go....(from bottom to top) This is how you become UPtight. These emotions fill you up. That is why we need to know how to simmer down. 

Panic 

⬆️

Afraid

⬆️

Scared

⬆️

Worry

⬆️

Nervous

Can you see how this would work? You get nervous so you just don't do it. You think about it more and your emotions increase to worry and so you quit helping or you increase your intensity. You then feel scared and then afraid which leads you to quit talking or being loud and even yelling. Then you experience fear and you start blaming or saying mean words. And finally you panic which causes you to be triggered and push away or run away. 

Which one seems more like you? 

I go inward. So, I need to look for when I don't do something. If I miss that cue, then I need to look for when I quit helping then quit talking... and so forth. 

These emotions and responses would also be good things to look for when I'm doing my writing. 

This tool is a great preventative measure, but if you don't use it to prevent, then start meditating and writing when you see those cues. 

Do you see any of those cues coming up in your life? 

Emotional Resilience: Simmering Down #Week8Day4

Hello Friends! 

My meditation audio says, "When we are experiencing stress our amygdala fires up and it's difficult to make thoughtful decisions. So if we find our mind is clouded due to overwhelm we can use meditation as a tool to calm the mind down. Ideally we want to meditate in a preventative way so we don't get to that point."

Here is one definition of amygdala: a roughly almond-shaped mass of gray matter inside each cerebral hemisphere, involved with the experiencing of emotions. 

And then this: The amygdala helps control our fear response, but it also plays a crucial role in many other cognitive functions. Therefore, damage to the amygdala can cause serious problems, such as poor decision-making and impaired emotional memories. 

It's interesting to learn that deep breathing helps calm our amygdala response down. I do that a lot! Something will happen that might be a little stressful or I'll learn something about one of my kids or be in crazy traffic or something that happens often is I'll start feeling overwhelmed and I'll take a deep breath...or several. It really has helped a lot over the years. Now I know why. 

My writing and meditation exercises have been going well. I want to keep working on the writing and going deeper with all the stuff on my mind and things that I haven't said. 

How are you doing with your meditation and writing? 

Emotional Resilience: Simmering Down #Week8Day3

Hello Friends! 

Well, I did do a little bit of writing yesterday. I see how it will be more helpful the deeper I go. 

Something that I struggle with is I quit talking when things are bothering me. Other people yell and say mean words. I really want this tool to be preventative in helping me not get to that point. 

So, what is bothering you? Do you go inward and quit talking? Or do you go outward and yell or say mean words? Have you put what's bothering you in writing? 

Emotional Resilience: Simmering Down #Week8Day2

Hello Friends! 

Honestly, the only thing I have been doing is the meditation each day. I'm on vacation and haven't done any typing yet. 

Today I am committed to write (type) at lest for a few minutes. 

The meditations have been going good. I am still trying to figure out how to relax certain parts of my body, but it's getting better. 

How about you, have you tried the typing tool yet? How is the meditation tool going for you? 

Emotional Resilience: Simmering Down #Week8Day1

Hello Friends! 

I took some time yesterday and chose a meditation audio. It was a free one on YouTube. I will probably look for others as well. For now I will try this audio a couple of times and see how I like it. 

Did you find a meditation audio that you are going to try? 

Emotional Resilience: #Week8Intro

Hello Friends!

Are you excited to learn and start using a new tool?! I am! 

Here is the video explaining the new tools. There is always more in the video than I write on my blog. So, if you want to understand these tools better and know how they will help you and why you need them, watch the videos.

We have a lot of emotions that get built up. We become uptight. Have you ever yelled or said mean words to your kids or anyone else? Do you blame others? Do you quit talking to others? When these things happen it is because you are overloaded with emotion. In order to simmer down we need to have a preventative maintenance program. (Lots more explained in the video about this.) Here are a couple of tools that will help us simmer down.

New Tools:

1. Meditation

• Find a meditation audio that will help you relax all parts of your body. 
• Listen to daily

      2. Write to unload

• Write down (type) everything on your mind and on your chest. Include things that you wish you could talk about. Type all of your issues.  Continue to ask yourself, "What did I not say or own up to?" "What don't I want people to see about me?" Our ego keeps us from a complete confession.
• Delete (don't let anyone see it)

Benefits:

The mentor that taught me these tools, Kirk Duncan, says that the benefit of doing these tools and simmering down, besides being relaxed, is that we will start to think and feel. We will then be able to make better decisions and be able to talk to people. (Refer to video for more explanation of this.)

Will you join me in using one of these tools each day this week? 

Emotional Resilience: Create Order #Week7Day6

Hello Friends!

I got so much done yesterday! 

A few days ago I cleaned under our washing machine. It needed to be done for a few weeks now because some laundry detergent got spilled and went under the washer. I also moved things around and got rid of some stuff. I hadn't cleaned behind the dryer yet and so I wanted to get that done. Basically so that the laundry room would be 'done'.

My son helped me pull the dryer out so I could get behind it and I got a surprise. There was a bird's nest in the dryer vent tubing! So many sticks and lint from our dryer! I wondered how air could even get through there. That's probably why I kept feeling like I should clean behind there. 

I also put up some paintings that I have had sitting next to our piano for at least a year. I did get the family pictures put on the wall as well.

We have had a stand up clock in our living room for years that hasn't worked...it just needed a battery, and I finally got that cleaned up, put a battery in it and set it on top of our piano. It looks so nice in there now with the paintings on the wall, everything dusted and cleaned up. 

I hope to keep the momentum up by continually working on my list and adding the other rooms to my list. I also need to add the projects that I didn't add to the list before because I knew they would take longer...besides the papers.

How has this week been for you? Did you get a lot done that has been weighing on your mind? How do you feel now?

Emotional Resilience: Create Order #Week7Day5

Hello Friends!

Yesterday I spent some time on creating my schedule. I have a list of things that I want to include in my daily and weekly plan.  As I was developing the document for my schedule I realized that I don't know if I am going to like that type of schedule. 

Here might be another time to use SODAS. Using this problem solving tool really helps clear my mind. 

Another thing that got done on my list was actually completed by my daughter. I just told her that I would like to go through the cupboards in the bathroom and get them organized and she went right in there and started decluttering, cleaning and organizing. That's the best way to get something on your list done...have someone else do it. 😃 Actually, it really does feel good when you are the one that does it. There is a feeling of accomplishment when you complete a task, especially when you have had it on your mind for a long time.

Are you getting lots done? Have you experienced that feeling of accomplishment? 

Emotional Resilience: Create Order #Week7Day4

Hello Friends!

I did it!!! Yesterday I told you that I was going to try another tool to help me with my paper problem. Well, it helped. 

Have you heard of Nicholeen Peck or Teaching Self Government? That is where I got the tool I used to help me. She calls it SODAS. It stands for Situation, Options, Disadvantages, Advantages, and Solution. I went through each of these steps to figure out what to do with my papers. I listed three options. Then listed disadvantages and advantages for each option. It really helped me get more clear.. 

So, I had the thought to do SODAS, worked on it, and then had a desire to go through my papers again. This time it seemed almost easy to decide what to do with each piece of paper. It was amazing how much I was able to get done. I threw away a few, put others in a folder, and took pictures of some and put them in OneNote. 

Last night as I was expressing my gratitude for being able to move forward with these papers I had an overwhelming feeling that it was the Lord helping me. Isn't it great how he helps us in steps? After doing the SODAS my mind felt more open. That's when the Lord could work with me. 

So good, right?!

That was a huge win for me! I still have some more papers to go through today, but it is not weighing on me like it was before.

I hope that bonus tool will help you work through problems that you might be facing. 

What is the Lord directing you to do? Maybe it's your next step to finding a solution to what you are facing right now.

 

Emotional Resilience: Create Order #Week7Day3

Hello Friends!

My daughter came over yesterday and we finally went through our family photos so that we could choose some to put in our picture frames. My daughter even ordered them, picked them up and put them in the picture frames. Now we just need to hang them. That has been needed to be done for maybe around a year. Actually, more than a year. 😬 Wow, that felt good to get done. Not only did we get the pictures chosen, but I am now able to get those frames out of my library (my grandkids call it my office). 

The papers that I have been talking about every day so far this week (can you tell they are on my mind?) are still needing some contemplation. I thought I had a great plan just working on them a little at a time. I think that would be a good plan, but I feel like I am on decision overload every time. I am to the point where I want to toss the whole pile out and be done. 

Thinking about throwing them all away puts my stomach in knots though. If you all have any ideas on what I might be able to do with these papers I would love to hear them!!! For now, I have time today to try using another tool to help me with this problem. I'll let you know how it goes.

A better system to start with is needed. That's another thing I need to figure out. Again, suggestions are welcomed! 

Other than my papers, everything else is going great! It is amazing what I'm able to get done. I just go to my list when I have some time and see what there is to do. Loving it!!

Do you have something that is causing you some problems (like my papers)? How are you going to tackle it? 

Emotional Resilience: Create Order #Week7Day2

Hello Friends!

Remember the pile of papers I said that I was going to work on yesterday? Well, I did work on them for a while. I realized that it's going to take longer than I had hoped. There are just too many decisions to make with each one. So, I made a new plan. 😄 

The new plan is to work on my papers for at least 10 minutes every day. That way I am not spending all of my time on the paperwork and not seeing any progress with the rest of my list. This is very freeing. I'm not just putting them in a pile to be forgotten somewhere. My plan allows my brain to know that those papers will be taken care of. 

I did also dust the ceiling fan in my bedroom, put my thimble collection out to give away, figured out what to do with some pump supplies we had in our closet that are no longer needed...but now I need to see if there is anyone that would like them. 

My hope is that I will be able to make a big dent in my list today. However, besides my 10 minutes working on papers, just spending at least 10 minutes working on the other things on my list will be good if that is all I can do. 

I love checking off those to-dos on my list! What a great feeling!

How about you...are you having any success with creating order in your home? 

Emotional Resilience: Create Order #Week7Day1

Hello Friends!

Wow! This tool is amazing!

Yesterday, right after I finished my blog post, I decided to do something that has been on my mind to do for weeks. All I needed to do was to update a form and resend it by email. Sounds easy, right? 

It was easy. However, in my mind there were too many steps. I wanted to get on my husband's computer to work on it because it's easier. So that means I would need to find a time when he wasn't on it that I could actually do it. Then, I needed to pull up an email that had the corrections I needed to make to the form. There were just a lot of small steps that made it feel like it was a huge deal in my mind. Well, it probably took me less than 10 minutes. 

All that thinking about and worrying about getting it done...and in reality it only took less than 10 minutes!! It was liberating! It felt so good to have done and not have to worry about it any more. It felt like it actually freed up brain space.

I also went around the upstairs of my home and made a list of what I wanted to get done in each room. This time around I tried to write only the things that I could get done in a week. For instance, one thing that I really want to do is repaint all the main areas in our home. That is not going to happen this week. So I didn't write it on the list.

I have many pages of things to do and I didn't even get to the downstairs rooms. However, there are a lot of small, simple things on the list. Yesterday I spent some time and got a few of them done. It felt so good! I returned something to a friend that we have had for a long time. I took some clothes to the dry cleaners that have been sitting in my room for at least a month. I was also able to get some decluttering done that was on my list. It feels so good. 

One thing I should mention. I didn't give a priority number to each item on my list. I'm just going to do whatever I have time to do and what is bugging me the most, or what I can do in the amount of time I have available in the moment.

Remember those piles of papers that I mentioned yesterday? I finally have an idea on what to do with them all. It's going to take some time to do it, but it will be so freeing. I have had this on my mind and it has been weighing heavy on me for a long time. So, even though I would rather get a big chunk of the other things on my list done, this project is what is bugging me the most and will bring the most relief. I'm doing it. Or, at least, starting it today. 

Did you make a list? Were you able to start creating order in some part of your home? 

Emotional Resilience: #Week7Intro

Hello Friends!

I'm so excited about this tool! 

New Tool: Create Order

This week we are going to go around our house and determine those things that need to be done, or are driving you crazy. When I see something that needs to be done, but put it in the back of my mind, it weighs on me. I'm either constantly thinking about needing to do it, or it's weighing on me subconsciously. 

Have you ever gotten upset with others because your house was a mess? Or became frustrated with yourself because you still haven't done something that has needed to be done for a long time? Or maybe you have some decisions that you need to make that you keep putting off? Or you have so much stuff that your house is always messy because there isn't room for everything to have a 'home'?

This tool is going to help us feel lighter. It's going to help us feel good and have more peace.  

Here are some suggestions on how to use this tool:

• Go through each room in your home and determine what there is to do. Maybe there is something that needs to be returned to the store, or a pile of papers that needs to be filed, or perhaps there are a pile of shoes by the door that you need to figure out a system for so that they don't always end up there, or maybe something needs to be dusted, or decluttered. The ideas are endless.
• After you made the list, go through it and put each task in order of importance (to you). 
• Then start tackling the first item on your list. Make time each day. Set a certain time each day that you will work on this. Even if it is only for 5 minutes it will make a difference. 
• Keep working on it for however many days it takes to finish the first task.
• Now, move on to the next one.

Another suggestion is to take it day by day. What is bugging you the most today? Or what is weighing on your mind the most today? Choose the thing that will help you feel lighter when you complete it.

Something else that might be helpful is to do a mindsweep or a brain dump. Get everything out of your head and onto paper. That way you can have something to look at and not have to keep everything in your mind of all the things to do. For instance, maybe on my mindsweep I wrote down that I need to get a birthday present for my mom. Or, I need to call a certain person to get information about a project I'm working on. When we get all of the things down on paper then we can start working on them. If they are just in our mind then we get overwhelmed. If our minds know that we are going to start sytematically working on this list then it will start to relax knowing that those things will eventually get taken care of. 

Example:

About a month ago or so I noticed that the door to our main bathroom had, I assumed, some dirty water (from the mop bucket) all over it. I thought, "I need to clean that." Well, it didn't happen. I noticed it again a few days later. Had the same thought. Still didn't clean it. Finally, it bothered me so much and kept coming to my mind that I chose a day that I was going to do it and put it on my list for that day. It got done! It was so freeing! I felt so much lighter! And now when I see that door it brings a smile to my face. 

What is weighing on your mind? What is driving you crazy? How will you implement this tool?

Emotional Resilience: Quick Forgive #Week6Day6

Hello Friends! 

It worked! That turned out to be a good plan - to ponder about what and who to forgive while preparing my food. And then sticking to it until something comes to mind. 

Being intentional with when I work on these tools is very helpful. 

How important to you is your emotional health? What are you doing to be intentional with using tools to help you increase your health in this area? 

Emotional Resilience: Quick Forgive #Week6Day5

Hello Friends! 

Again I didn't even try to think of what I needed to forgive until right before I went to bed. 😕

I think I'm going to try something different today and tomorrow. I'm going to attach it to something else I'm already doing. For instance, while I am preparing my lunch I will ponder about who and what I need to forgive. And do the quick forgive then instead of waiting until I'm ready to get into bed and I'm tired. 

What are you doing that is helping you implement these tools? 

Emotional Resilience: Quick Forgive #Week6Day4

Hello Friends! 

It was another one of those days again yesterday. Right before going to bed I realized that I hadn't worked on the tool yet. I considered just not doing it. I didn't want to take the time to think about who and what I needed to forgive. 

I'm so glad that I did it anyway. It was someone I had a little more difficult time forgiving. I didn't think I had a hard time forgiving this person until I started saying it out loud. 

I am not going to share who or for what I forgave, but I wanted to share what I felt guided to do for the 'now I choose...' part. And I will also share that it was a little difficult to come up with what I loved about this person. However, Heavenly Father is so good because after I shared the first two parts of the tool I felt strongly to say, "Now I choose to give it to the Savior." I pictured myself giving it to the Savior. I felt better and lighter after that. 

How about you, are there people or situations that you struggle to forgive? Have you tried giving it to the Savior? 

Emotional Resilience: Quick Forgive #Week6Day3

Hello Friends! 

It wasn't until I was getting ready for bed that I realized I hadn't used the Quick Forgive Tool yet. Does it seem that we are so used to feeling certain emotions that we might not recognize them...unless we look? 

So, after I realized I hadn't done the tool yet, I started reviewing my day. Was there anything that I needed to forgive myself for? Or forgive someone else for? 

Is there something that I feel bad about, or am experiencing regret for? 

Something came to mind...

I have the wonderful opportunity to be in a class where all of us are able to discuss things we are learning and ask questions through a Marco Polo group. Well, the others have been having some great comments and questions. I would listen to all of them and want to add something, but felt like I didn't have anything of importance to share, or I just didn't know what to say. (I haven't said my truth statements for a couple of days. It looks like I need to work on them some more.)

 I went through the quick forgive tool: 

- I forgive myself for not commenting on the Marco Polo group. 

- I love myself for the desire to want to get out of my comfort zone and share something. 

- Now I choose to be intentional and share something I've learned or ask a question on the Marco Polo group. 

Remember, I had been feeling this way probably for the last couple of days, and I hadn't noticed it until I asked myself some questions.

So, here are some other questions I thought of that might help:

• Did I choose doubt over faith in some area?
• Is there someone that said or did something that hurt or offended me or someone I love? 
• Did I not respond to a prompting I received?
• How am I doing with the way I spend my time? (Every once in a while I start scrolling Facebook. Afterwards, when I look at the clock, I can't believe how much time I wasted. Not a good feeling!)

So, why am I looking for these, searching them out even? Well, for me, when I bury my emotions it affects me physically, emotionally, spiritually and also in my social interactions. Why not look for them and then have the opportunity to change my response? 

One thing that I want to be more consistent about is repenting daily. I feel like this is a great tool to help me do that. And the questions I posted on here will be a great start to help me 'see' more clearly what I need to repent of (to change) and seek forgiveness. Seeking forgiveness, to me, is showing the desire to change, to do something different.

Have you tried out this tool yet? Did you need to ask yourself some questions in order to come up with what you needed to forgive yourself or others for?

Emotional Resilience: Quick Forgive #Week6Day2

Hello Friends!

Can you believe that it has been six weeks into this emotional resilience journey? I can't. However, it has been a powerful force for good in my life. Let me give you an example.

Yesterday was good in a lot of ways. However, a couple of things happened that were sad. One of my sons said something that hurt a little. He didn't mean for it to be hurtful. He was just stating something that he saw in our family and thought it was funny. He was referring to something that was going on with his sister. Both of these things were feeling a little heavy...what my son said, and the thing going on with my daughter. So, I did a quick forgive for my son. Then I did a release & refill with the emotion of being sad and I topped it off with prayer. I also read an uplifting book. 

Because these tools are on my mind and I have been practicing them it is easier to know what to do when I'm in the middle of an emotional slump or breakdown. Last night was one of those emotional breakdown times, but because I had these tools I was able to use them and recover pretty quickly. I used multiple tools...quick forgive, release & refill, and prayer. You probably guessed that I used 60 seconds of crazy happiness to refill. 😂 Before when I would have emotional breakdowns or a slump it would sometimes take days  before I would start feeling better. 

Because I have been practicing several tools, those are the ones that come to mind when I need them. I have learned about many tools, but only the ones that I have been working on have come to my mind. How powerful is that?! Practicing can be applied to so many areas of our lives. 

Are these or other tools coming to your mind as you face hard things in your life? Or that help you get out of a slump? 

Emotional Resilience: Quick Forgive #Week6Day1

Hello Friends! 

This is going to be short. 

Honestly, the only time I used this tool yesterday was when I used it in the video I posted. I didn't notice anything else come up.... maybe I need to pay better attention. 🤔 

Did you have an opportunity to use this tool? How did it go? 

Emotional Resilience: Quick Forgive #Week6Intro

Hello Friends!

Quick Forgive Tool: (Another tool I learned from Becky Edwards)

• I forgive myself for __________
• I love myself for ____________
• Now I choose ______________

An example of how to use this tool is in the video. 

You can also use this tool to quickly forgive others as well. 

Each of these tools that we are learning can go in your emotional resilience toolbox. As things come up in your life you can choose a tool or tools that will help you with that particular situation. 

Here are the tools that we have learned so far:

• Truths & Lies (Truth Statements)
• Gratitude
• Serve
• Crazy Happiness
• Release & Refill
• Prayer (mentioned in one of my recent posts)
• And now Quick Forgive

Emotional Resilience: Release & Refill #Week5Day6

Hello Friends!

Happy Mother's Day to all you women! 

I did something a little different yesterday after I wrote and released emotions. This time I wrote a question on how I could improve in that particular area that I was releasing about and then set a timer and started writing whatever came to my mind. Let me tell you, it was so good. It was definitely a different way to refill with something positive. I think I'm going to do this again. 

I love to learn. I love to work on things to improve myself. So this was exciting for me. If this is something that would add more stress to your life then, of course, don't do it. This is just another option to try for those that would like to.

A friend also mentioned something to me that she does to refill with positive. It is something that I do a lot as well and so I thought I would remind you of the power of this tool, too. The tool is prayer. It is so good to talk with Heavenly Father about anything that we might be struggling with knowing that He understands and can see the whole picture and what will help us through it.  

How did you do with this tool? Have you seen a difference in your life?

Emotional Resilience: Release & Refill #Week5Day5

Hello Friends!

Have you noticed that as you write to release different emotions the same experiences come up? That has happened to me. One situation that comes up for me for probably every emotion that I have written about is homeschooling. It makes sense. There are definitely a lot of emotions that can go into homeschooling. I love all the layers that this tool uncovers so that I can release them. 

Well, you probably guessed that I went back to my crazy happy dance yesterday. I think there are several factors that make this a favorite. First of all, you are moving your body. Exercise is good for your mental health as well as your physical health. Then, the upbeat rythym of the songs gets your heart rate going. And really getting into the music, whether you are singing along with the music, dancing, waving your arms in the air like you just don't care, brings a smile to your face.(Have I mentioned that before?) 😄 At least it does mine. 

Do you experience different emotions for the same situation? 

How are you doing with this tool? 

Emotional Resilience: Release & Refill #Week5Day4

Hello Friends!

You might be shocked. I didn't use the 60 seconds of crazy happiness tool yesterday.

I'll tell you about that in a minute. 

Yesterday was a good day of healing for me. I was able to spend some time in a holy place which was amazing! Then I was blessed to spend some time with my husband's cousin's wife. She was so kind to let me hold her new baby while we talked. I love babies! After that I went and visited my mom and dad for a couple of hours. It was a wonderful day!

When I finally got home I did my release, and then to refill I just felt so full of gratitude to my Heavenly Father that I spent some time writing down what I was grateful for.  

What tools are you using to refill yourself with positive? 

What things uplift you?

 

Emotional Resilience: Release & Refill #Week5Day3

Hello Friends!

My heart was so heavy yesterday. I didn't use the release tool until after I wrote my blog post last night. However, I did it a little differently. This time I started off the same, but then it turned into more of a plea to Heavenly Father for help. I just wrote whatever came to my mind and that is what was coming. It was really healing. 

And, of course, I did a crazy happy dance afterwards. Actually I danced to two songs. 😀

Even though there are some crazy things going on in my life right now, I feel the weight being lifted each time I release and fill with positive. Like I said yesterday, it has been a huge blessing to be using this tool in my life right now. 

The original plan was to use this tool (Release & Refill) last week. However, I felt like the tool needed to focus more on positive and that is why I did the 60 seconds of crazy happiness tool. If I would have switched the order I don't know if I would have been as good at releasing every day this week. The Lord works in small and simple, yet powerful, ways to bless our lives!

How about you? Are you seeing a difference in your life? Do you feel the weight being lifted?

Emotional Resilience: Release & Refill #Week5Day2

Hello Friends! 

What a blessing that I am doing this emotional resilience journey right now. There are so many things that are really heavy going on in my life that if I wasn't working on these tools and being accountable to you I think I might be curled up in a ball right now. So, thank you, again, for being there!

I have definitely noticed how important it is to fill with positive after you release. Yesterday I did another happy dance after I released. I really like that tool!

Have you used this tool yet? How is it going? 

Emotional Resilience: Release & Refill #Week5Day1

Hello Friends!

When I used the release part of the tool yesterday, I set my timer for five minutes and started writing. The timer went off and I still had more to get out so I went for another five minutes. After that, I set it for another five minutes. I didn't use that whole five minutes before I decided that I was done. 

My penmanship was not pretty. I didn't care. I was just trying to get all my thoughts out as quickly as possible knowing that I was going to destroy the paper anyway. 😄 Afterwards, I did repeat a mantra or two and then I turned on some music and did a crazy happy dance. Like I said before, doing a crazy happy dance brings a smile to my face. 

As I was thinking about the different emotions that we have I thought of another one that seems to come up a lot, actually two more...fear and worry. 

Did you try it out? How did it go? What positive tool did you use to refill yourself with?

Emotional Resilience: Release & Refill #Week5Intro

Hello Friends!

This video explains the new tool for this week. 

Release & Refill Tool:

Release:

• To release emotions that you are feeling - overwhelm, sad, angry, frustrated, stupid, lonely, etc - write down on a piece of paper I feel (your emotion) because....
• Write everything that comes to mind even if it doesn't seem to go with your emotion. Get it all out.
• Then destroy that paper...tear it up, shred it, burn it. 

Refill:

• Refill yourself with something positive - 
• Truth statements
• Gratitude
• 60 seconds of Crazy Happiness
• Mantra
• "Done is better than perfect"
• "Christ/God is bigger than all my problems"
• "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me"

This tool and why we would want to do it and the mantra are explained more in the video. 

You don't need to spend a long time doing this. Set a timer and write for 5-10 minutes. Then refill for 1 minute.  I'm hoping to see a big difference in those emotions that seem to keep coming up in my life like overwhelm - as mentioned in the video.

Will you join me? 

Emotional Resilience: Crazy Happiness #Week4Day6

Hello Friends! 

How did things go this week for you? Did you try out the crazy happiness dance? Did it help? 

I thought this was a fun tool. A great way to uplevel your happiness and energy in the moment. 

Will you continue using this tool? 

I'm sure that I will still use this tool. Probably not every day, though. Just at those times when I need a little boost.  

Are you ready to start a new tool tomorrow? Can't wait! 

Emotional Resilience: Crazy Happiness #Week4Day5

Hello Friends!

Have you noticed that when you do your crazy happiness dance that you can't help but smile? Yesterday is when I really observed that I do that...every time. 

What about you? Do you smile every time that you do a crazy happiness dance? 

Loving this tool!!

Emotional Resilience: Crazy Happiness #Week4Day4

Hello Friends!

A friend of mine asked what songs I listened to for my crazy happiness. What a great idea to get ideas from others! This also helped me to go through my playlist and see which ones would be good to use. Now I can be ready with some songs instead of choosing the same one over and over because I didn't want to take the time to look for one in the moment. 

Here are some on my playlist that I thought I would share with you.

• Brave (Sara Bareilles)
• If you Believe (Patch Crowe)
• Do Something (Matthew West)
• Try Everything (Shakira)
• This is Me (Greatest Showman)
• Theme song for Rocky

As I was going through these songs I turned up my volume and we danced while we were getting dinner ready last night. So fun!!

What songs do you use for your crazy happiness? I would love it if you shared in the comments!

Emotional Resilience: Crazy Happiness #Week4Day3

Hello Friends!

Has this ever happened to you? One of my daughters was feeling down yesterday. So, I thought that I could do crazy happiness with her when she got home from work. I imagined how fun it would be to do it with my grandkids as well. However, when they all finally got home it was busy and I never ended up doing it. 

I didn't realize that I hadn't actually done the crazy happiness tool until this morning. Of course I thought, "Why didn't I just do it when I was thinking about it? It wouldn't have been a big deal to do it twice." Next time I will just do it right then AND when the others get home. 

Do you ever put things off thinking it will work better at a different time? 

Emotional Resilience: Crazy Happiness #Week4Day2

Hello Friends!

I fell asleep on the couch yesterday. I felt like I could sleep for many more hours, but instead I got up, turned on some music and danced around the room. My 16 year old son fell asleep on the couch too. I got him up off the couch, moved his arms and hands around but to no avail...he didn't start to dance. He did sing with the music though. And he did stay up. So, I call that a win. 

One thing I'll mention, when I dance to the whole song it sure takes a lot out of you. Part way through I tone it down a little, but I kick it up as much as I can. I really try to go all out when I'm dancing. 😀

Since we are talking about happiness I thought I would share a thought I had this morning. Sometimes it is good to have a good cry to get out all those sad emotions that you might have been holding in. Just let it out. Maybe watching a sad movie to help you get it out, or just take some time to let it go. Don't hold back. Let it pour out of you. Then fill yourself up with positive. Say your truth statements, express gratitude, do 60 seconds of crazy happiness. There are lots of ways you can fill yourself up with positive. Do what lifts you.  

Have you tried doing 60 seconds of crazy happiness? Do you need to get out some emotions and have a good cry? 

Emotional Resilience: Crazy Happiness #Week4Day1

Hello Friends!

A friend of mine sent me a text yesterday about my blog. I just want to let you know that it means so much to me when you text, comment or tell me how you are using these tools, the benefit you are receiving or when you send encouragement! Thank you!! 💞💗 It really is those small things that can really make a huge difference in our lives. I know that whenever I receive a message from one of you it lifts me and brings a smile to my face and sometimes tears of joy. I am so grateful for you!  

Yesterday, I didn't use the crazy happiness tool in the afternoon. I finally used it right before going to bed. It would have been better if I had done it when I was feeling a little tired in the afternoon. So, I am recommitting to using this tool in the afternoon, or whenever I am feeling a little down, tired, or just need a little boost of energy and a lift.  

Did you use the crazy happiness tool yesterday? Did you invite family to do it with you?

Emotional Resilience #Week4Intro

Hello Friends!

Time for a new tool! I think you are going to like this one. It's a little, or maybe a lot, different than the ones we have done so far. 

Shared in video:

• Rough past week - serving
• I plan to continue serving
• New tool: 60 seconds of crazy happiness
• Continue using previous tools

New Tool: 60 Seconds of Crazy Happiness

1. Turn on some uplifting music (with good lyrics)
2. Set timer for 60 seconds (or dance to the whole song)
3. Then dance around the room. 
4. Raise your arms above your head and say things like "I am so excited!" "I am so happy!" 
5. Sing to the music while you're dancing around
6. Invite family members to join you

This is a great way to raise your energy! And it just brings a smile to your face. Try it out and let me know how you like it.

I learned this tool from a class a friend of mine offers called Life on Purpose. My friend's name is Becky Edwards. It is so good!

Have a crazy happy week! 😄 

Emotional Resilience: Service #Week3Day6

Hello Friends!

Well, I was more intentional yesterday. I prayed and asked and pondered (which really I didn't have to ponder too long) and a neighbor came to mind. A different neighbor than the ones I've mentioned before. 

I was just going to go over to her house and check on her. When I started walking over there I saw a car there that's not one of her family's and I almost turned around. I didn't want to bother her if she had company. I pushed through those thoughts and continued on. 

Her husband answered the door. She wasn't there. She was in the hospital...again. I never would have found that out if I hadn't acted on that prompting, or listened to those thoughts that told me to go back home. 

What a blessing it is to take heed of those promptings that we receive to reach out to others. Sometimes, oftentimes for me, we need to overcome our fears - whatever they may be - and move forward anyways. 

"One true key to happiness is to labor for the happiness of others." 

There is one thing that I think I should share. I don't think that I have mentioned this before. If I have then it will be a good reminder. 😄 Something that I do every day is study my scriptures and pray. Every day is not the same. Sometimes I study intentionally. Other times I just read some verses. It is always better when I actually study to understand, to learn more about the Lord, to know His commandments and apply them in my life. I love when I come away from my scripture study with ah-has. It lifts my spirit and brings me joy. I know that the Lord was speaking to me.

Prayer is the same way.  When I really pour out my heart and take time to listen I feel so much closer to my Heavenly Father.

Scripture study and prayer are powerful in helping with my emotional health. My day starts out on an uplifting note. I use these other tools - truths and lies, gratitude, service - to help me overcome those thoughts and fears throughout the day. Right now I am still reading my truth statements about twice a day, each night writing down things I am grateful for and now striving to be intentional about reaching out to someone with love daily. Starting my day out focusing on Christ helps me focus on Him and creates a desire to want to seek out His ways of handling each area of my life.

"As we look heavenward, we inevitably learn of our responsibility to reach outward....'Love thy neighbor' is more than a divine truth. It is a pattern for perfection."

In the New Testament it says, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren ye have done it unto me." I love what a leader of my church said about this..."there is no road to the heart of God that does not lead through the heart of man." ~Thomas S. Monson

Wouldn't it be so great if we could let down our walls, our fears, our insecurities and just reach out to others in love with no fear of what they may say or how they will react? If we are truly doing service out of love we will have their best interest at heart and want to bless and lift them however we can. Sometimes that might mean getting others to help as well. After all, one major reason we are all down here on this earth is to serve others. If we are on the Lord's errand we can know that what we are doing will help the other person and most assuredly will benefit us in some way as well. Even if it is only that we have more love for that person whom we are serving.

Things to ponder

Are you including scripture study and prayer into your day? In what ways do you look heavenward?

In what ways do you look outward? Who is the Lord telling you to reach out to?

Are there fears keeping you from following those promptings?

Emotional Resilience: Service #Week3Day5

Hello Friends!

It happened again...I really didn't feel like I did any service yesterday. I picked up my grandkids from daycare and I took a daughter to a doctor appointment. Maybe I did other things, but my kids are older. My youngest is 16. I just don't feel like I serve as much as I did when my kids were younger. 

I realized today that those times when I was intentional about my service it was better. When I pray and ask who I can lift and bless that day and then take time to ponder it really helps me to feel like I am actually serving and doing the Lord's will. Yes, the other things that I do daily are service, but at this time in my life I don't do a lot of daily service for my family. Or, at least, it doesn't seem like it. 

Actually, now that I think about it, there are many things that I do just not daily. For example, doing laundry. I not only wash my clothes, but I do my husband's laundry as well. My kids are all old enough to do their own. However, I have helped them with their laundry on occasion. Making meals, cleaning up, and the other things that I mentioned in another post are services that I provide on a consistent basis. 

Service = Love

For now, I know that what will help me the  most is to be intentional about my service each day. Some of you, or even most of you, are most likely serving daily with your current circumstances. For me, I feel like I need to be more intentional to make service - or to me, it's really showing my love for others which often entails getting out of my comfort zone - a daily ritual...a part of my everyday life.  

An ah-ha

Actually, about making meals, I'm thinking that perhaps I need to be more prayerful with how much I am making dinners...which isn't that many days a week...and pray to know God's will about having more of  my children help with dinners. We used to do that - rotate who was in charge of making dinner. When kids get older and they have jobs that have them working many nights during the week it is difficult to have a schedule. I see that I might be doing a disservice to them by not having them help more. 

Well, thank you for going on that tangent with me. That thought, that just came as I was typing this post, helps me realize a different way to serve that I might not have really recognized before...serving others by helping them learn new skills or to practice skills they already know. If I was to do all the cleaning and cooking and laundry around here my kids would leave the house without those skills that they will need when they get out on their own plus, learning hard work, responsibility, working even when they don't feel like it because others are counting on them, etc. 

Are there ways that you are serving by helping others learn or practice a skill? Toddlers can learn new skills all the time...tying their shoes, brushing their teeth on their own, getting dressed by themselves. I know often times, even with having older children, I sometimes put away their things because it is easier. Am I doing a disservice by not allowing them to take responsibility for their things? 

Well, that was a lot of food for thought. I would love to know what you think! 

Emotional Resilience: Service #Week3Day4

Hello Friends!

Do you ever plan doing service ahead of time? That's what I did for yesterday's service. 

I have a friend who can't drive on the freeway. Before covid, I would pick her up and we would go serve in the Temple almost every week. After covid, and when the Temples reopened, it was a little more difficult to make appointments when we both could go. However, this week we were able to make appointments for the same time! It was so much fun to visit with her like old times as we traveled to and from the Temple and then to be in that beautiful, peaceful place.

What service opportunity can you plan in advance? Is there someone you can ask to do it along with you?

 

Emotional Resilience: Service #Week3Day3

 Hello Friends! 

Have you ever had those days where you don't feel like you have given any service? That's how I felt yesterday. 

There are some things that I did, but it's something I do often. So it doesn't seem to count. Things like picking up my grandkids from daycare, fixing or helping with dinner preparations and/or cleanup, helping choose hymns for the songs we will sing (and I will play) at church, practicing those songs. 

I also got together with one of my daughters and we painted our toenails, watched a movie and worked on a puzzle. I'm not sure if that was service, but we had fun and it was good spending time with her. 

Are there things in your day that you do all the time that you don't consider service? 

I think when we really take a good look into our lives we are doing more service than we realize.  

What are some of the small and simple ways that you are serving?

Here's a great article giving 5 ways on how to serve well so that we actually bless and uplift those that we serve. What a great way to check our hearts when we serve so that we don't serve with a 'better than' mentality, but with a 'we are all children of God' mentality.  

Emotional Resilience: Service #Week3Day2

Hello Friends!

Here's a poem that I came across that embodies what we are trying to do:

Go visit the lonely, the dreary;

Go comfort the weeping, the weary;

Go scatter kind deeds on your way.

Oh, make the world brighter today!

(Mrs. Frank A. Breck.)

Yesterday I went and visited my next door neighbor. We talked for three hours! It is so good to get back out there and be able to talk to people face to face. I have missed that. I know I was supposed to be there because of other things that happened. It was a good experience for me. Hopefully it blessed and lifted her. I know it blessed and lifted me. 

Is there someone that might be weary or lonely that you can lift today?

Emotional Resilience: Service #Week3Day1

Hello Friends!

Yesterday was a good day. I had a thought to go see a lady that lives in my neighborhood a couple of houses away. I usually try to text or call her with no success. Not this time. I needed to reach out to her in a different way. This time it worked. I went to her home; she was there and we had a good conversation. 

It's amazing how many people are struggling that you wouldn't know about without talking with them. What a great blessing it is to be an instrument in God's hands to reach out to others and let them know that you love them. That they matter. That they are seen. That someone cares. 

Who have you felt inspired to reach out to?

Emotional Resilience #Week3Intro

Hello Friends!

Are you curious to know what gift I'm giving the Savior? Well, the gift is also going to be the tool for this week. 

One thing that I have noticed in my life is that I get caught up in my own stuff and don't reach out to people very often. The Lord has commanded, not just asked, for us to love our neighbors. That thought came to me as I was pondering what my gift would be. I need to love others. Okay, well, how do I do that? What would my gift actually be?

The answer seemed obvious...after it came to me. Serve! It seems so easy. However, I realize that I get pretty consumed with my family and things that I am working on in my life (like this blog) that I don't reach out to others very often. I believe that, sometimes, focusing on your family is what you need to do. This time I feel like my focus needs to be outward, and to invite my family to do it with me as often as I can. 

Serving might come easy to some. It is not the case with me. I had a couple of bad experiences doing some service years ago. That has made me second guess any service I have given since then. I know how I am filled with love when others say some kind words, bring a small gift, send a text with information that they think I would like, and I want to be that person in someone else's life. 

Service Ideas

Service doesn't have to be big. In fact, as I have been researching a little about what service really is I have learned so much about what service can look, or be, like. Let's go over some of these...

* Helping others succeed

* Recognizing others' talents/gifts/strengths and your own

* Provide small acts of kindness

Helping others succeed - Lift others and help them be successful.  The only way to truly succeed is to help others succeed as well.

Recognize others' talents/gifts/strengths and your own - people like sharing things and talking about things that they enjoy and are good at. Ask someone to share with you a talent that they have. I have friends that have strengths in many different areas that are actually creating material to help others. I can't wait for them to finish. 

Provide small acts of kindness - these can be anything from a high five, sending a positive text, visiting someone, attending and cheering on a friend or family member at an event, share tips and tricks, pray for them, share a clean joke: "[Laughter] will extend your life and make the lies of all those around you more enjoyable." ~ Joseph B. Wirthlin

My Plan:

- Each morning pray and ask who I can lift and bless today

- Write down the thoughts that come to my mind

- Act (pray for guidance in what to do and/or say)

How are you going to implement doing more service in your life? 

*Ideas taken from a speech given at BYU by Robert D. Hales

Emotional Resilience: Gratitude #Week2Day6

Hello Friends!

Happy Easter! Yesterday I told you that I wanted to give a gift to the Savior and I was going to ponder about what that gift was going to be. Well, I know what it is. I will tell you what it is tomorrow. 

Today, I would like to share a quote that I read that reflects what I have been going through this past week. What a great reminder of the importance of gratitude in our everyday lives...

"We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues." ~ Thomas S. Monson

This reminds me of a story from a book, The Hiding Place, that I read many years ago. Two sisters were sent to  a concentration camp for hiding Jews. While they were there they had to stay in a room that was infested with fleas. The older sister said that they needed to thank the Lord for the fleas. The younger one did not want to thank Him for the fleas, but she did at her sister's request reminding her that they needed to thank the Lord for all things. Later they found out that because of the fleas the guards would not come into the room. They were given more freedom and were able to study the Bible. This was such a blessing...and it came because of the fleas. 

Are there things that are hard right now in your life that you can express gratitude for?

My heart was so full today. I thanked so many people for their talents, their message, their influence in my life. It really does lift you when you have an attitude of gratitude and it lifts others as well when you express that gratitude. 

My hope is that we will continue to have an attitude of gratitude and express it to others. 

Are you going to make the commitment to look for things, people, and experiences to be grateful for in your daily life? I am committing to this in my life. 

Have you seen a difference in your life (day) when you have expressed your gratitude to others? 

Emotional Resilience: Gratitude #Week2Day5

Hello Friends!

When my kids were younger they would always ask me what I wanted for Mother's day. I would tell them that I wanted them to get along with their siblings. They didn't like that answer. They wanted to give something that they could go and buy and be done. Getting along with your siblings would be a lot of work...and it probably seemed to them an impossible feat.

Now that my kids are older all I want for gifts is for them to turn to or keep following Christ. That would be the best gift they could give me. I'm pretty sure that is how our Heavenly Parents feel. In order to express my gratitude for the gift of the Savior and His Atonement, I want to give Them a gift. My gift will be keeping His commandments better in some way. One that I might be struggling with. One that will stretch me; that might seem like an impossible feat. And then I can use His gift of the Atonement to help me. Isn't that what He wants, for us to use the gift He has given us?

I will be pondering that today...what gift can I give to my Savior? 

Will you join me? What is a gift that you can give to the Savior to show your gratitude for Him?

Emotional Resilience: Gratitude #Week2Day4

Hello Friends!

Let me give you a little update on what's been going on over here. I have actually felt a little down the last several days. I have been reading my truth statements, I have been expressing gratitude and looking for God's hand in my life. So, I wondered, why have I been feeling down? 

I've pondered about it and had a couple of thoughts why I might be feeling a little down. One thought is because of what I learned about one of  my children...that brought feelings up of being an inadequate mother. I didn't recognize that I was having that thought go through my mind until yesterday. And then after going to the funeral a few days ago it reiterated those thoughts. I think the adversary is trying hard to work on me right now. 

If you have feelings of being down or feel like this is too hard to do, please be aware of where those thoughts and feelings are coming from. Don't dwell on them. I am turning to God and asking for His help in knowing what I can say or do to counter those lies. 

Maybe I need to up my game with expressing gratitude to others. That always lifts my soul as I think of how others have blessed my life. This one lie "I am not an adequate mother" has a lot of power over me right now. So, I think it would be beneficial to combat that lie by repeating hourly the truth statement in order to get it planted in my heart. 

My truth statement to combat this lie is, "I have good, kind children. I am really blessed with such loving kids. I learn a lot from them. God accepts my offering and He will make up the difference." 

Sometimes I revise my truth statements when I don't like the wording or it needs something else. Do any of your truth statements need to be revised?

How are you doing with your gratitude? Are you still using truth statements in your day? Do you have down days? What do you do when you have down days?

Emotional Resilience: Gratitude #Week2Day3

 Hello Friends!

On Tuesday my youngest son backed into the side of my older son's car. When my older son found out, he was very calm about it, didn't get angry with his brother and then just started to try and figure out the best way to fix it. I was so grateful that he acted with love towards his younger brother, because he was already quite distraught about it.

So, yesterday, I called my oldest son and thanked him for handling the situation so calmly. We had a good discussion. He told me that he acted in the same way that he would want someone to treat him if he were in a similar situation. 

Are there experiences that have happened in your life that you are grateful for? Who was responsible for it? Have you thanked them?

Emotional Resilience: Gratitude #Week2Day2

Hello Friends! 

Yesterday I went to a funeral of an Uncle. It was good to hear from his kids, my cousins, talk about their dad. One thing that always seems to happen at funerals is they mention all the good things about that person...how grateful they are for the lessons they learned from the now deceased person. 

Wouldn't it be great if we looked for those things now and then expressed to those people while they are living how they have impacted our lives? I know it lifts my heart when someone has learned or gained something valuable from me.

I just found this quote and thought it expressed what I was trying to say so eloquently: 

"We often take for granted the very people who most deserve our gratitude. Let us not wait until it is too late for us to express that gratitude. Speaking of loved ones he had lost, one man declared his regret this way: “I remember those happy days, and often wish I could speak into the ears of the dead the gratitude which was due them in life, and so ill returned.” ~Thomas S. Monson

After the funeral we went to a luncheon put on by church members that knew one of my cousins. I expressed my gratitude for them and how much it meant to us for their time and effort. My heart was full for an opportunity to connect longer with extended family that I haven't seen for quite some time.  

Here are some more thoughts on gratitude from resources and leaders of my church:

"People are generally happier when they have gratitude in their hearts. We cannot be bitter, resentful, or mean-spirited when we are grateful." Gospel Topics

"Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love." ~Thomas S. Monson

"We can lift ourselves and others as well when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues. Someone has said that 'gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.'" ~Thomas S. Monson 

What gratitude can you express to one or both of your parents, or family member, today?

Emotional Resilience: Gratitude #Week2Day1

 Hello Friends! 

My son and his wife were down here visiting yesterday. I was trying to get as much time in as I could with them while they are here. So, my blog post didn't get posted until last night. However, I was still able to do the action steps I wanted to take! Yay! 🥳 

My goal was to write what I was grateful for and express gratitude to someone, repeat my truth statements and look for God'shand in my life that day. I was able to do all of that yesterday. 

Have you expressed gratitude to someone today? 

Emotional Resilience Journey #Week2Intro

 Hello Friends!

In this video I describe some of the takeaways I have had over the last week. Here's a list of the things I talk about:

• When I've changed my lies to truths it's like my mind goes to work on how to make it true. Example: Spanish, replying to comments on blog (described in video)
• The first of the week started out with gusto. Towards the end and especially through the weekend it petered out.
• The amount of joy and happiness has increased as I have changed my thoughts and have taken action on ideas I've had.
• My confidence has increased. 
• I receive so much joy from seeing how others are benefiting from this information and from their comments of encouragement.

Today, I am going to start using another tool. After reading up on it, I am even more sure that this is the tool I want to work on next. 

The new tool for this week: GRATITUDE

The video lightly touches on some things I learned from my research. I included links below to articles and videos that have gratitude experiments and talk about the science behind gratitude. 

My plan for this week: 

• Spend a few minutes every day writing about specific experiences, things, and people I'm grateful for that day. 
• Also write down how I noticed God's hand in my life each day. 
• Express gratitude to someone every day. 
• Continue working on my Truths & Lies morning and night.

This article shows the power that gratitude can have in our lives; what our regular frequency runs at; what happens when it goes below that; the effect of gratitude on our frequency. 

Here is a video about doing an experiment using gratitude and ideas you can start using. The Gratitude Experiment 

Here's an article about the energy of words. This article reinforces the power of our words and how they are spoken. Words Carry Energy

What commitment are you going to make this week to uplevel your emotional health? 

Emotional Resilience Report #Day6

Hello Friends!

Oh. My. Goodness!! I did it! Would you like to know what happened? Here it is for those that are interested. 

The Story

First, I think I'll start with what happened last night. I laid in bed, trying to sleep, but instead was being blessed with ideas for conversation starters. Those ideas gave me more confidence that I could actually approach someone.  I laid there with my heart full of gratitude for this small, but significant way that the Lord knew would help me to succeed. 

Here are the highlights from the rest of the story...

- Woke up excited, and a little nervous, to keep this commitment. I felt confident that I would succeed.

- I showed up a little early and sat closer to the front. Normally I sit in the very back.

- A couple of men came and greeted me, at separate times, and each talked to me for a few seconds.

- I didn't think that really counted so I talked to several people after the meeting ended. There was a couple sitting behind me that I talked with and also another couple with small children that I talked with for several minutes...all in Spanish! 

- I didn't use any of the ideas that I had last night to start a conversation with, but those ideas gave  me the confidence that I could open my mouth and be able to say something.

- It was so exhilarating! This experience has increased my faith in Jesus Christ that He will fill my mouth when I open it. 

Another ah-ha...even the ideas to sit up closer and arrive before the meeting started were also ways for me to be able to succeed. These were all small, little changes that I could make and they made such a huge difference! When we receive those ideas we need to act on them. I definitely need to be better at following through with those ideas (promptings) I receive. 

I love noticing how we can use the gospel in our every day life...Faith in Jesus Christ, Repentance (turning to the Savior - change), making and keeping covenants (commitments), receiving the Holy Ghost, and enduring well. 

Isn't it such a great feeling when you do something, no matter how small, that you have feared for well, any length of time, and have success doing it?! It feels like anything is possible. This would definitely be a great experience to add to my Remember List.

Did you make a commitment to do something? Are you taking the baby steps needed to keep that commitment? I would love to hear your successes! 

Emotional Resilience Report #Day5

 Hello Friends!

Yesterday was such a game changer for me! Through pondering my friend's question and thinking about how I can apply the suggestions I shared I had another ah-ha.

In the scriptures it says, "Open your mouths and they shall be filled." Three different places it says this! This scripture came to my mind when I was thinking about a lie that has been coming to my mind for many years. Let me preface it by saying that I have been working on learning Spanish for many, many years. Here's the lie, "I don't know what to say to natives in Spanish; I don't even know what to say to people in English." 

The Lord requires work. In this case the work seems simple...open your mouth. However, what is also required is faith and courage. I have noticed this principle to some degree when writing. I like to write something from my scripture study every day. It doesn't happen as often as I like and now I think I know why.😄 When I do write, I often have things come to my mind to write about. Just taking that little bit of effort to put my pen to paper and to start (a form of opening my mouth) the Lord blesses me with more. 

I think this can apply to me speaking Spanish to natives. I often go to a Spanish speaking church on Sundays. Most of the time I sit in the back and leave as soon as it is over. Sometimes I leave even before it has ended. Tomorrow, I am committing to talk with someone...in Spanish. I am going to trust (cast out the doubt) that if I open my mouth then the Lord will fill it. Let me tell you, this is taking a huge dose of courage and faith for me! (I think I have now forgotten all the Spanish I have learned just thinking about this. 😏😅)

Another Tool:

The example I shared above about having things come to my mind when I start to write is another tool you can use to help you overcome these lies. I learned it from my friend, Becky Edwards. She calls it a Remember List. You can use it multiple ways, but I will just share how it applies to this. After you have written down the Truth, think back in your life of experiences you have had that verifies that truth. For me, remembering that I would have insights come to me after I started writing is one of those experiences I could put on my Remember List. 

In the Scriptures...

The scriptures use this tool multiple times. The prophets have used it to remind the people of the great things that God has done for them...Moses parting the Red Sea, receiving manna in the wilderness, etc. (This is another part of the tool.)

So, what action are you going to take to show your faith? How are you going to cast out the doubt? What are you going to commit to doing?

Emotional Resilience report #Day4

 Hello Friends, 

"I don't know...what to say, what next steps to take, how to solve this problem...." How do we combat these lies? This is a question that a friend asked me this morning and I thought it was such a great question I wanted to answer it here. 

Today I decided to make another video explaining the ideas I had and how I used the 'as if' tool in my life. So powerful!

Here is what I talked about in the video:

• The question stated above and how I too struggle with these thoughts.
• Suggestions to overcome these lies: 
• Use "With Christ's help, I know...what to say, what next steps to take", etc. 
• Act as if (gave an example in the video of when I used this)
• Trust - cast out the doubt. Believe that Heavenly Father will answer you and help you.
• Role play - gave examples in the video
• Change your story

Again, there is more information in the video. If you have more questions about any of these, please reach out.

If any of you have any other suggestions on how to overcome this particular lie of  "I don't know..." we would love for you to post them in the comments.

My day yesterday was still pretty good with repeating my truth statements. I am not saying them every hour, but so many more times a day than I ever would without this focus! This question that was asked was a game changer for me. I am on fire about using these suggestions in my own life to 'combat' these lies! Thank you, friend, for this great question!!

How are you doing with repeating your truth statements?

Emotional Resilience #Day3

Hello Friends,

Mentioned in this video:

• The difference between my last attempt to consistently post on my blog and this time.
• Thank you for helping me be accountable!
• Do you need an accountability partner?
• More lies at night 
• Is there a time of day when you notice that lies come into your mind more?

Today, notice when those lies come to you. Are they coming at a certain time of day? Or when you are doing something in particular? See if there are any patterns happening.

And please feel free to comment on these posts if you need some accountability. 

  

Emotional Resilience Report #Day2

Hello Friends! 

Something unexpected happened...

Repeating my truth statements went pretty well yesterday. Honestly, it didn't seem that I had any lies pop into my head throughout the day except one. However, just before getting into bed, I had several come to my mind.😳 I keep paper by my bed and so I wrote them down, but left it at that. 

This morning I felt a little down and didn't really want to wake up and start going on my day. Perhaps having those lies in my mind right before I go to sleep affects me more than I realize. Plus, it took me quite a while to be able to fall asleep. I guess it shouldn't be too surprising that focusing on lies would create feelings of sadness, a level of depression, and not wanting to move forward. I just didn't think it would be so noticeable that quickly. 

If that happens again, I think that I will turn them to truths right away and repeat those truths before going to bed. The difference I feel from having those lies in my mind and then changing them to truths lifts my spirit already. 

It felt pretty good watching those lies burn this morning! 

How are you doing with implementing this tool in your life? I would love to hear about it!

Emotional Resilience report #Day1

 Hello Friends!

Yesterday, I wrote down those thoughts about my experience that I have believed for so many years - the lies.

Then, when I went to write the truths, I didn't always like what the opposite of my lie would be. So, I looked up some of the antonyms and also some synonyms, depending on how the lie was worded. It helped me come up with truth statements that resonated more with me. 

I did set alarms to go off every hour. However, I didn't always have my phone near me. I think I missed one or two, but I still said them when I remembered. All in all I think it went pretty well! 

Did you try it out? How did it go for you?

Emotional Resilience Journey Intro

 

Welcome Friends!

Things talked about in the video:

* Starting my journey to become emotionally resilient because of past experiences and walls (false beliefs) that were built from them.

* My definition of emotional resilience is being able to overcome obstacles, false beliefs and emotional challenges by choosing how I will respond to situations. 

* Experience I had in High School that has affected all areas of my life.

* Method I will be using: Tools learned over the years and The Gospel of Jesus Christ - Faith in Jesus Christ, Repentance, Making and Keeping Covenants, Receiving the Holy Ghost and Enduring Well. 

* Outline of my weekly plan: 

    1. Mondays - Choose a tool or tools (explain what it is and how to use it)

    2. Decide how to use the tool(s)

    3. Keep track of my efforts 

    4. Report back here each day to keep me accountable

    5. Thursdays - possibly post another video giving more detail describing how things are going

For more detailed information please watch the video.

The Tool - Truths & Lies

* Tool: Truths & Lies 

    1. Get a piece of paper, put a line down the middle from top to bottom 

    2. Write down the lies that you have believed on the right side of the piece of paper

    3. On the left side of each lie write two truths.

    4. Tear or cut paper down the line and burn, shred or tear the side with the lies

    5. Say truths out loud during the day (use alarm)

More Ways to Use Truths & Lies Tool

*  Throughout the Day

• When lies or false beliefs come to your mind record them on your phone, paper, or computer.
• At the end of the day, record two truths for each of the lies you wrote. 
• Delete or otherwise destroy the lies.
• The next day say those truths throughout the day while still noticing the lies and false beliefs that come to mind and taking note of them, repeating the pattern.

I'm confident that relying upon Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will break down the walls that I have put up, allow me to approach situations and challenges differently and develop more confidence in all my communications.

I am so excited to start this journey and with the Lord's help see vast improvement in my life!

 

I would love you to join me on this journey. Tell me in the comments the changes happening in your life.