Breaking toxic cycles, releasing harmful relationships, and creating a peaceful environment are crucial to improving mental and physical health.
It’s 3 a.m., and my head is already rambling through the day’s coming tasks. Listening with one ear to my mom’s breathing, I attempt to work through what might happen at the doctor’s today. How will I approach the subject of her failing health when she won’t do it herself? At least, how will I do so in a way that ensures she’ll still talk to me after we leave his office?
Hours later, with unresolved issues, I fell back to sleep, and the alarm went off in only minutes. I stumble out of bed to get coffee, hoping that it will wake me up this morning and give me enough energy to remain coherent throughout the day.
That scenario was many years ago when I was caregiving, yet I still find myself occasionally slipping back into the old pattern. Einstein said, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly, expecting different results.” I wonder how many of you have gone through similar circumstances?
Whether it be the restless night’s sleep or the brain train on a fast track, somehow, as humans, we seem to think we can keep pace with miraculous results. I am here to challenge you to try something different. Break the toxic cycle.
What can you do throughout your day to pave waves to clarity – to be conscious of your patterns? If you find something keeping you out of alignment, whether a conversation went awry or you’re worrying about something you have no control over, do something about it – in your mind and energy cycle.
Think about things that you might be able to change in your life:
Let go of toxic relationships (Yep, that friend that continues to grind at your energy)
Plan your daily routine (Grocery planning, tax preparation NOW, not March 23…)
Eliminate the clutter in your home (this is a BIG one!)
Plan time for quiet pleasures: gardening, art, museums (turn OFF the TV and social media!)
Change the old patterns that you are comfortable with yet are toxic. Take out the clutter in your life to make room for a clean and healthy mental and physical environment for yourself to create a peaceful silence in your life (and sleep!). It’s a win-win for both you and others in your life.
Oh, and yes, don’t forget to B-R-E-A-T-H-E!
Hugs,
Cyndi Mariner
Breathing Spaces
