Tag: mindfulness

One of Those Days: Tips to Handle Life’s Challenges

by Mothersense, posted in This Life

One of Those Mornings: When Everything Goes Wrong and It Just Hurts

We all have them—those mornings where nothing seems to go right, where life seems to pile up problem after problem before we’ve even had a sip of coffee. You wake up feeling just as awful as you did when you went to bed, and as the day begins to unfold, you start to wonder if the universe is testing you. Today is one of those days for me.

I woke up hurting. Not just a little ache here and there, but full-body pain—the kind that makes you question everything. Is it perimenopause creeping in? Arthritis? The remnants of a cold or even COVID? Who knows, but all I know is that I hurt. It’s one thing to wake up a little stiff, but this? This is a deep, unrelenting soreness that makes every movement feel like a struggle. I rolled out of bed hoping a hot shower might help, but little did I know what awaited me.

As I trudged through the house, trying to shake off the grogginess, I discovered yet another unwelcome surprise: a leak in the kids’ bathroom shower. And not just a little drip-drip situation—oh no, the copper pipe had split at a joint. The kind of plumbing disaster that instantly sends your heart racing, your brain spiraling through mental checklists of what to do next, and your wallet weeping before you’ve even picked up the phone to call a plumber.

And because, of course, bad things come in clusters, my son isn’t feeling great after his EGD and colonoscopy. The good news is that he’s not throwing up daily anymore, which is a huge relief, but he’s still not himself. I know it’ll take time for his body to heal, for things to regulate, for him to start feeling like himself again. But as a mother, waiting for that improvement is agonizing. We want to fix, to heal, to make things better instantly. Watching him go through discomfort, exhaustion, and lingering symptoms makes me feel powerless.

So, yeah. What a morning!

The Emotional Weight of “One of Those Days”

Mornings like these make you wonder how much a person can take. It’s like standing in the ocean during a storm, trying to brace yourself against wave after wave, just praying for a moment to catch your breath. But when everything hurts—physically, emotionally, and mentally—catching your breath feels impossible.

If you’ve ever had a day like this, you know what I mean. The kind of day where you start questioning if Mercury is in retrograde (again), if the full moon is messing with the energy of the universe, or if you somehow unknowingly offended the plumbing gods. The kind of day where you feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, and all you want to do is crawl back into bed and try again tomorrow.

But life doesn’t work that way.

The shower still leaks, my son still needs care, my body still aches, and the world keeps spinning whether I feel up to it or not. So what do we do on these days? How do we keep going when everything feels heavy?

Everything Is Figure-Outable

One of my favorite mantras is, everything is figure-outable. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there are solutions. The leak? It’s annoying, frustrating, and expensive, but it’s fixable. My body’s aches and pains? They may not have an immediate answer, but I can take steps toward finding out what’s going on. My son’s recovery? It’s a process, but healing is happening, even if it’s slower than I’d like.

When life throws these curveballs, it’s easy to spiral into frustration and despair. It’s tempting to sit in that space of “Why me? Why today?” And honestly, sometimes you just need to feel that frustration for a bit. But once you’ve allowed yourself that moment, you have to remind yourself that you’ve handled tough days before, and you’ll handle this one too.

Just Keep Swimming

Dory from Finding Nemo had it right—just keep swimming. Some days, that’s all we can do. Even when our bodies hurt, even when the to-do list feels insurmountable, even when we’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and ready to throw in the towel. One step at a time, one breath at a time, one small victory at a time.

On days like today, the victories might look different. Maybe the win is simply making that plumber appointment. Maybe it’s drinking an extra glass of water. Maybe it’s letting yourself rest without guilt. Maybe it’s calling a friend and venting for a bit. Whatever it is, no matter how small, it’s a step forward.

Finding Light in the Chaos

Even in the worst mornings, there’s always something to be grateful for. Today, I’m grateful that my son is showing some improvement, even if it’s slow. I’m grateful that I have the knowledge and resources to handle this plumbing mess. I’m grateful for a body that, while aching, still allows me to move, to get things done, to be present.

When everything feels overwhelming, gratitude is the anchor that keeps us grounded. It doesn’t erase the problems, but it shifts the focus, even if just for a moment. And sometimes, a moment is all we need to reset, to breathe, to remind ourselves that this day will pass, just like every other tough day we’ve faced before.

A Reminder to Be Kind to Yourself

If you’re having one of these mornings, I see you. I feel you. And I want to remind you to be kind to yourself. It’s okay if today isn’t productive. It’s okay if you need extra rest. It’s okay if all you accomplish is making it through the day. Some days are about thriving, but others are just about surviving—and both are okay.

So, to anyone else out there who’s having one of those mornings, let’s take a deep breath together. Let’s remind ourselves that we are strong, resilient, and capable. Let’s find a little light in the mess, a little humor in the madness, and a little grace for ourselves in the struggle.

Love and light, y’all. Keep going. Everything is figure-outable, and just keep swimming.

Finding Balance: Overcoming the Need to Constantly Achieve

by Mothersense, posted in This Life

The Illusion of “Not Enough”:

Have you ever collapsed at the end of the day, feeling exhausted but still haunted by the thought that you didn’t do enough? Maybe you checked off multiple tasks, met deadlines, and even tackled a few extra chores, yet there’s a nagging voice whispering, You could have done more.

This feeling is so common, yet it’s rarely questioned. Why do we feel this way? Why does our brain insist on measuring our worth by how much we accomplish?

The Name for That Nagging Feeling

What you’re experiencing has a name: productivity guilt. It’s the psychological burden of feeling like you haven’t done enough, even when you’ve been productive. It often stems from a mix of societal pressure, personal expectations, and the ever-present hustle culture that tells us we should always be striving for more.

A close cousin of this feeling is imposter syndrome, where no matter how much you achieve, it never seems sufficient. Both can create a cycle of self-doubt, stress, and burnout—an exhausting loop where you’re never truly satisfied with your efforts.

Why Do We Feel This Way?

Our modern world thrives on output, measuring success in terms of productivity. We’re conditioned to believe that our value is tied to what we do, rather than who we are. Social media doesn’t help—scrolling through endless posts of people seemingly achieving more can fuel the belief that we’re falling behind.

But here’s the truth: you are not a machine. You are not meant to operate at peak efficiency all the time. Rest, slowness, and even unproductive days are part of being human.

Some Days Will Be This Way—And That’s Okay

Not every day will be a high-output day. Some days, your energy will be lower. Some days, your body or mind will demand rest. And some days, despite your best efforts, things just won’t go as planned.

That doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re living.

Be gentle with yourself. Progress isn’t about constant motion; it’s about balance. Your worth isn’t defined by how much you accomplish in a single day.

So, if today didn’t go as planned, take a deep breath. You are enough. You have done enough. And tomorrow is a new day.

Just a bad day, not a bad life

by Mothersense, posted in This Life

When the Universe Feels Like It’s Conspiring Against You: How to Cope on Bad Days

We’ve all been there—one day, you’re on top of the world, ticking off tasks like a productivity machine, and the next day, it feels like the universe is suddenly conspiring against you. Nothing goes right, every little thing seems like a mountain, and you wonder how you’re supposed to keep moving forward. The thing is, bad days don’t mean a bad life. It’s easy to get stuck in that moment, but when the walls feel like they’re closing in, there are ways to navigate the storm.

Let’s go over a few simple but powerful ways to cope with those tough days, and remember, this too shall pass.

1. Breathe, Seriously. Breathe

When stress starts to mount and the weight of the world feels heavy on your shoulders, it’s natural to tighten up, hold your breath, or start breathing shallowly. But guess what? Breathing is a simple tool that’s always available to you, and it works wonders for resetting your mind and body.

Try this: Close your eyes, and take a deep breath in through your nose for a count of four, hold it for a count of four, then slowly release it through your mouth for a count of six. Do this for a few minutes. This simple breathing technique can help lower your heart rate, reduce anxiety, and give you a mental reset, allowing you to move forward with a clearer mind.

2. Be Gentle with Yourself

We often put so much pressure on ourselves to perform perfectly every single day, and when we don’t, it can feel like a personal failure. But here’s the thing: You are allowed to have bad days. Everyone has them. They don’t define you. Be gentle with yourself. Recognize that you’re doing the best you can in the moment, and sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is show yourself compassion.

If things aren’t going well, take a step back and say to yourself, “It’s okay to not be okay right now.” Give yourself permission to rest and take a break. Perfection is not the goal; progress is.

3. Take a Short Walk

If you’ve been sitting in one place for too long or your thoughts are racing, sometimes the best remedy is to get up and move. Even just a short walk outside—whether it’s around the block or in your backyard—can shift your energy. Nature has a grounding effect, and the rhythm of walking can help clear your mind and release pent-up tension.

If you’re stuck indoors, consider walking around your home or office for a few minutes. A change of scenery and some movement can be a small but effective way to reset your mind and shift your perspective.

4. Stretch It Out

Stress can manifest physically in our bodies. Tight shoulders, clenched jaws, and stiff necks are just a few signs that tension has taken root. A few simple stretches can help release some of that physical stress. Try doing some gentle neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, or standing stretches. If you’re able to, a quick yoga session can work wonders, focusing on stretches that open up your chest and relieve back tension.

The key here is to listen to your body—don’t push yourself too hard, but give yourself the space to release what’s no longer serving you.

5. Take a Mental Break

Sometimes, the most helpful thing you can do on a bad day is simply step away from the stressor, even if only for a few minutes. If you’re bogged down by work or a difficult situation, give yourself permission to take a mental break. Whether that’s stepping outside for fresh air, grabbing a cup of tea, or listening to some calming music, the break can help reset your mental state.

Remember, your productivity will often be much higher when you allow yourself to step away from the stress momentarily, rather than pushing through and exhausting yourself.

6. Reach Out for Support

Bad days don’t have to be faced alone. Sometimes, just talking to a friend, family member, or colleague can help alleviate the burden of a tough situation. Don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Whether it’s venting or getting advice, a supportive conversation can bring a fresh perspective and remind you that you’re not in this alone.

7. Focus on What You Can Control

When everything feels out of your hands, it can be helpful to focus on the things you can control. Is there something small you can do right now that will help you feel more grounded or accomplished? Sometimes, taking just one step forward—whether it’s organizing your desk, finishing one small task, or even just drinking a glass of water—can give you a sense of agency and start to lift your mood.

8. End the Day with Gratitude

No matter how challenging the day has been, there’s always something to be grateful for. Before you go to bed, take a moment to reflect on what went well, however small it may be. Maybe you handled a difficult conversation, or you took the time to rest when you needed it. Remind yourself that even bad days are full of lessons and opportunities for growth.

Wrapping Up: Bad Day, Not a Bad Life

When it feels like the universe is working against you, take a deep breath, show yourself some compassion, and give yourself the gift of rest and perspective. Every day, no matter how hard, is a step forward. Bad days are just that—days—and they will pass. With small tools like breathing, stretching, walking, and focusing on what you can control, you can manage the stress and come out on the other side stronger.

Remember, this too shall pass. And on the days when it feels like you’re overwhelmed, remind yourself that a bad day does not define you. You’ve got this!

In times of chaos

by Mothersense, posted in This Life

Remember to Listen to Your Own Advice

Life has a way of sweeping us up in its whirlwind of chaos—whether it’s work, relationships, or the day-to-day demands that seem to grow the longer we ignore them. Last week got very chaotic for me on Wednesday afternoon at 4:04 pm. I won’t share details at the moment as it is all very raw, but I will remind myself and others that it’s ok to pause. It’s easy to forget what we know we need to do to take care of ourselves. But sometimes, in the midst of all the noise, we need a reminder. So, this is me reminding myself to slow down, take a breath, and go back to the basics—the things that help me stay grounded.

1. Stick to Your Routines
When everything feels unpredictable, routines are a stabilizing force. It’s tempting to throw them out the window when life gets hectic, but those routines are anchors. Whether it’s starting your day with a cup of coffee and a few minutes of quiet, or setting aside time for a walk or a workout, these small acts of consistency help create a sense of control, even when everything else feels out of hand. They’re not rigid rules; they’re your lifelines.

2. Eat Good Food
It’s so easy to fall into the trap of convenience, grabbing whatever is quickest or most comforting in the moment. But I know that eating well—not just grabbing food to fill the void—makes a huge difference in how I feel physically and mentally. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and balanced meals don’t just fuel the body; they fuel the mind, too. When you’re tired, stressed, or overwhelmed, it’s especially important to nourish yourself in ways that help you cope, not just survive.

3. Take Your Meds
I’ve been there—thinking that maybe I can skip a dose, or that I’ll be okay without them for a while. But the truth is, my medication is part of what helps me stay balanced, mentally and emotionally. There’s no shame in needing support, and the routine of taking meds is a tool in my toolkit for coping. I need to remember to stay consistent, to not let the chaos or distractions of life take me off course.

4. Rest
We often mistake being busy for being productive, and in doing so, we forget the importance of rest. Whether it’s taking a 20-minute power nap or simply stepping away from the hustle and bustle for a few minutes to reset, rest is essential for both body and mind. It’s not a luxury; it’s a necessity. In the chaos of daily life, I need to pause and honor my need for recovery.

5. Breathe
In the rush of the moment, we forget to breathe. Not just the shallow breaths that keep us alive, but the deep, mindful breaths that ground us. When stress builds up, my chest tightens, and my mind races. Taking a few moments to simply breathe, to center myself, helps me regain focus and calm. It’s a simple yet powerful tool to reset and remember that everything doesn’t have to be solved in one moment.

6. Reach out for help if you need it. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t been so great at keeping in touch. Call the friend. Text the family. It takes a village and honestly we get so caught up in trying to face things alone, either for shame, or whatever, we hurt ourselves more. Get the help, if its just a hand to hold or professional help, reach out.

Pause and Remember
In the chaos of life, it’s easy to forget to take care of ourselves. But I have to remind myself—especially when I’m feeling overwhelmed—that these simple routines are the things that help me cope. Taking care of my body, my mind, and my spirit is not a luxury. It’s the foundation that allows me to face the chaos with more resilience.

So, when life starts to feel like it’s spinning too fast, I’m going to pause, take a deep breath, and return to the basics. I’ll remind myself of the advice I’ve given before and continue following the steps that help me move through this life with more ease and less stress. Because at the end of the day, I can’t pour from an empty cup.