Relax Into Your Destiny…

Take a deep breath and ease into the contours of your life. Pause regularly and remind yourself to trust the process and know that if you stay the path, you will get to where you need to go. Try to remain calm and confident when the road gets steep. Let go of your need to control, surrender to the soothing sound of your inner voice and follow where it leads… Here are a few things you can do to begin the journey.

Bubble Therapy
Soak your troubles away in a tub of hot water filled with bubbles. Remain in the tub until your mind and body feel renewed (or the water gets too cold).

Read All New People: A Novel by Anne Lamott
“Why do we make it all seem like a crisis, over and over again? Why do we worry it all to death, like dogs with socks or chew-toys? Look at it this way, ‘In a hundred years?—All new people.’”

No News Is Good News
Give yourself a break from watching the news on television. Stories about murder, madness, mayhem and flu shot shortages can wreak havoc on your mental health.

Peace of Mind
Sit quietly and review your mind for anxiety or stress provoking thoughts and images. You might envision a person or an event. As each image pops into your head, say these words to yourself: “I choose to see peace instead of this.” Continue this exercise for about five minutes. Repeat as needed.

Give Peace a Chance
We all recognize this universal symbol for peace. Use this space to create your personal symbol for peace.

Practice Letting Go…
Review each of the items below and fill in the spaces that apply. Go to the supermarket or florist and purchase a helium balloon. Make certain it has a long string attached. Copy this page, cut out the boxes that apply and attach them to the string. Go outside and release the balloon along with your worries, stressors and fears into the sky. Watch as they slowly drift out of sight. Repeat as needed.

I am letting go of my fear of ______________.

I am letting go of my need to control _________________.

I am letting go of my opinion of _____________________.

I am letting go of my need to judge __________________.

I am letting go of my unhealthy attachment to ________________.

I am letting go of my limiting belief about ____________________.

I am letting go of my doubts about ___________________.

I am letting go of my anger toward __________________.

I am letting go of my resentment toward ______________________.

I am letting go of my worries about ____________________.

Tension Tamer
What is the biggest source of stress in your life? Is it your job, a sick family member, or financial problems? Stop surrendering your health and well-being to stress, and start taking action—send out your resume, ask your friends for support make an appointment with a debt counselor. Remember, focusing on how you can solve the problem may lead to an increased sense of being overwhelmed. Think about small things you can do to relieve the tension.

Read The Tale of the Unknown Island by Jose Saramago
This is a wonderful book that both you and your kids will enjoy. It has only 64 pages, so it will not put a strain on your busy schedule. Saramago suggests that our destiny is not something we have work hard to create, it is something we can sail effortlessly toward.

Read the Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss has written a perfect prescription for stress relief. I dare you to read this book without feeling a lot better about what awaits you in the future. It will put a smile on your face, and it is hard to feel stress and smile at the same time.