Getting Your Mind Right

This life is your own, so make it that way.

Frank Sinatra hit the nail on the head in his song, “My Way”. The one thing I now know about life is that you have to do it your own way, and figuring out what that means for you is half the battle. Basically, you are responsible for you. You are in charge of getting yourself healthy, keeping your home in order, working, living and balancing in a manner that best works for you. Luckily, history shows that we know we can succeed. Humans have evolved from cave-people to today-people and it seems we are doing ok.

Below are a few simple tasks that can help with everyday life by keeping you grounded, focused and present. As noted above, with each suggestion, think about how it would best apply to you and your life before starting.

Journal.

Writing is the one of the best ways for the mind to express itself. The hand-eye coordination that we develop as children is best kept alive through the art of writing as well. Putting your thoughts, emotions and events down on paper helps those wheels inside your head from spinning out of control. In this fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s a good mini getaway.

Do it your way. Figure out the best way for you to journal. Write in an actual journal, scribble thoughts and emotions on a piece of paper then tear it up. Blog, or just keep notes in your phone. Whatever you do, just make sure you write regularly. If not every day, aim for once per week. If that’s even too much, every time your emotions get the best of you, write! It’s the best therapy for many people I know, so it’s worth a try for you too.

Sit still.

This is so tough for so many women I know. We often feel guilty just being still. Society teaches us to be productive, nurturing and available. In order to do those things correctly, we actually need time to ourselves. Find time to sit, stand or lay still and just “be”. You’ll be better the rest of the day for doing it.

Do it your way. Find time in the car at the beginning or end of the day to just breathe and calm yourself. Meditate for 10-60 minutes if you’re able. Mentally slow down and relax a few minutes before bed. While you’re lying there, do nothing and think nothing. It’s an amazing feeling once you can free your mind and let go.  I love deep breathing before falling asleep.  It’s a good way to unwind, express gratitude for the day I had and prepare for the next day.

Laugh.

When all else fails, find a way to laugh. Watch silly pet videos on YouTube, Pitch Perfect or your favorite Saturday Night Live episode. Nothing resets the mind like a good laugh.

And again, be sure to do it your way.  🙂

Frank Sinatra “My Way”

And now, the end is near;
And so I face the final curtain.
My friend, I’ll say it clear,
I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain.

I’ve lived a life that’s full.
I’ve traveled each and every highway;
And more, much more than this,
I did it my way.

Regrets, I’ve had a few;
But then again, too few to mention.
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption.

I planned each charted course;
Each careful step along the byway,
And more, much more than this,
I did it my way.

Yes, there were times, I’m sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew.
But through it all, when there was doubt,
I ate it up and spit it out.
I faced it all and I stood tall;
And did it my way.

I’ve loved, I’ve laughed and cried.
I’ve had my fill; my share of losing.
And now, as tears subside,
I find it all so amusing.

To think I did all that;
And may I say – not in a shy way,
“Oh no, oh no not me,
I did it my way”.

For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself, then he has naught.
To say the things he truly feels;
And not the words of one who kneels.
The record shows I took the blows –
And did it my way!

Yes, it was my way.