Happy New Year!
Just when we thought all the madness was going to magically go away with the emergence of a new year; the first few weeks in has been rough. I needed to take a break from social media and any communication from the world because things were hitting very close to home.
Two extended family members and a dear colleague of mine became angels due to complications after getting COVID19. I also had so much built up anxiety and stress due to the holidays, and a desire to escape the reality around me. This break was just what I needed. A time to truly reflect on my goals, intentions and health. To recharge and refresh.
While I am still processing the grief; I can say that my intentions and goals for this year have been brought into perspective.
One of the qualities I cherished most in the family and friends I lost, was their ability to see optimism in everything. They were compassionate and put others before themselves. Their hope and confidence that all things would work out has given me new motivation to seek out the silver lining for 2021. It's been almost a year since I've been working from home with my two children and with a world agitated by a pandemic that just seems to worsen day-by-day. The situation is unreal and has desensitized me to the tragedy going on around me. Having said that; with this new perspective in my life; I cannot imagine not being home with my one-year-old to see her first steps, hear her first words, and witness her first jump. I cannot imagine not seeing my 3-year-old turn into a potty-trained 4-year-old who has aspirations to be on Broadway performing a musical.
When I really think about the changes that have occurred in my life over the past year and those changes and challenges that took place in my life and my friend's lives; I can't help but think how much stronger, how much more resilient we are, and how much more we cherish each others company. I acknowledge all the difficulties, stress, rage and sad times during the last year and release them to be just forgotten memories. In order to move forward, we must release the past.
mindfulness
I know it might sound cliche, but coming from someone who suffered from severe postpartum depression; practicing mindfulness is such a meaningful way to remain present for yourself, your family and sane during all that is going on in the world. It is harder than it looks; particularly if you have a very strong voice in your head telling you over and over how bad things are. I promise; give yourself 5 minutes to try it once. You should feel a relief of tension. Practicing regularly will help with getting through the day to day struggles we face whether it be through work, through family or just the current situation we are all in.
What is mindfulness:
Becoming more aware of where you are and what you’re doing moment-by-moment, through your thoughts, emotions, senses and without becoming overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around you.
How to practice:
Most people will take a seat in a quite environment
Set a time limit: start with 5 minutes and extend by 5 minute increments as you are able to.
Do a full body scan starting with the feelings in your toes and working up to your head
Feel your breath in your chest and it moving through your throat, and pay attention to its strength. Remember how your breath feels and its pace. This will help in the future when you come into situations that cause you stress or anxiety.
If you mind wanders during the time you are practicing, be sure to be gentle to yourself. Practicing mindfulness is hard to do but once you have mastered this practice you will have a tool to help aid you in situations that can be overwhelming.
Pro- Tip:
Many people sit in a quite environment or listen to sounds of white noise. When I am really in the zone, I love putting on my favorite dance music and practicing mindfulness by letting my mind dance to the beat of the rhythm as I conduct a body scan.
Here are a few resources on mindfulness and how to practice that have been beneficial to me throughout the past year:
celebrating you
I reviewed my text messages, direct messages, emails and posts from the last year to gain perspective from my friends, family and social media community about the troubles and challenges they faced over the last year. I remember reading some and wishing things would get better. When I re-read these same messages over the last few days; I read them with this new intention of seeing the good in all. I learned that most of you grew, most of you learned and most of you were faced with situations that were beyond comfort; and for that I commend you.
As we start this new year, I urge you to see the best in everything and take a moment to truly reflect how you are growing in the moment. Life is to short to be in a cycle of negativity and self doubt. This is why each week on my Instagram I will ask you to share one thing you are proud of achieving from the week. I will share the things shared every Friday in an effort to build positivity and to celebrate you.
Please use the hashtag #celebratemethisweek and tag me by adding @babeeta
Lock-down is so depressing but we have no option
As we look back on 2020 for a moment; let's look at some of the stories you have shared with me and bask in the brighter side of things together.
(note: I have left out names, places, and any other sensitive information to protect the identity of the people behind these stories)
We're actually on our way right now. First place that we've attempted to go at all since before this all started
Let's celebrate the fact that you got to get out of the house and travel!
I am on vacation this week and hope to sprinkle some of my mom's ashes near where my grandma's were
Being able to take time off and focus on family has been invaluable and to be able to come to peace with a tragedy brought closure and solidarity
back at work from maternity leave. It's been great to be working from home
Countless moms, including myself are thankful to be working from home with their little ones. After all we are totally saving on daycare expenses!
Half of my department was let go today...
Many people have lost their jobs and my heart goes out to them. In the moment it feels like everything is at a loss; but consider this an opportunity to apply for that dream job you always wanted or to build that passion you knew you should spend your life doing.
I miss my friends and can't wait to start seeing more of them
Friends that really care about you are still keeping in touch. Cherish that relationship.
I step on Legos and clean up food crumbs all day long
This one is a hard one to see the silver lining in and being a mom is definitely a second job. But hey, bending over and cleaning up is an amazing exercise. You get your daily steps in and your squats!
Came to terms that I can't fit it all in everyday
Prioritizing what actually needs to get done vs what you'd like to cram in your day should feel like a lot of pressure and burden has come off your shoulders. It's okay not to be perfect.
My wife is at home with our daughter and I am at the office every day or traveling. I think she's at the breaking point
Your husband just realized how much you do for your family.
I wanted to loose 10lbs in my tummy and thighs. Having kids is rough.
Coming to terms that loosing that weight is not the priority allows you to Instacart the soda and chips you've been depriving yourself of!
Lockdown is so depressing but we have no option
Lock-down has enabled us to be creative with our time and space
I am dealing with something professionally and I don't know the best way to approach it
Girl, you've got a professional job! way to go!
Due to Covid all the stores are closed and its hard to find maternity clothes that will fit. Are there any places to shop online?
There is an excuse to shop shop shop!
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