“Through stories, we can embrace our past, own who we are today and the people we’re becoming. Right this moment, pause and look at who you’ve become from all the things you’ve made it through. This life is your story. Own it.” 
Our brains, no matter what age we are, can sometimes be like an over-active toddler. We respond immediately to “shiny objects,” noises, and colorful stimulants so our attention is constantly being shifted from one thing to another.
If you’re five, that is completely normal behavior. If you are an adult trying to hold down a job or even complete tasks at home, these constant distractions make it a challenge to get anything done.
As much as we want our ducks in a row, our lives are often more like squirrels at a rave.
The sad fact is that we allow so much to crowd into our every waking moment, we’ve become immune to the beauty and guidance of subtle nudges, signs, and revelations.
We all need to slow down and just be for a few minutes. Sit outside, sip coffee and just soak up the sun and fresh air. Just hold a quiet space for 15-20 minutes and let our brain rest. Like that rambunctious toddler, we all need to learn to be still.
So what does being still look and feel like? Unlike what the phrase implies being still is not like playing a game of Freeze Tag where everyone goes into statue-mode when a teammate yells “freeze!”
To be still does mean to stop moving, but it also means to start observing. It means taking a break from the headlong rush of a day to just breathe and appreciate.
Here are a handful of ways we can all create some quiet space in our lives…even if it’s only for a few minutes:
Read the full list at Center for Change…
In our American culture, I think it’s easy to buy into the sense that holidays should be the most joyful and wonderful time of year. But then if we don’t feel that way, there’s something wrong with us, and/or we’ve become Scrooge!
There are a lot of reasons why research has shown higher rates of depression and suicide around the holidays; Seasonal Affective Disorder, year-end stress, family triggers, social media images of other’s “perfect” life, etc. After leaving residential treatment back in 2012, I have tried to stick to these four strategies to keep myself in the best emotional place that I can during this stressful time.
Read my most recent blogpost for Center for Change…
https://centerforchange.com/when-holidays-arent-the-most-wonderful-time-of-year/
You know what the greatest thing about our lives is? Every day we get a second chance to make the next best decision. When we focus on that, we can turn our failures into opportunities for change and growth.
Read my latest blogpost for Center for Change: “Wrestling with Failure & Turning it into Positive Action”…
https://centerforchange.com/wrestling-with-failure-turning-it-into-positive-action/
What I realized from staying silent for so many years about my struggles was it was hurting me the most. By staying silent about my journey I continued to believe that it was shameful and that it should be something hidden. I believe there needs to be an open dialogue about the many people who live with an eating disorder, or another mental illness. Will you join me in having this conversation? I want to hear your story.
Read my first blogpost for Center for Change as their National Diabetes Ambassador here. ..
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