Mindfulness and Courage for Monday
While catching up with some old friends a few Sundays ago, it became clear again how much we all dread Monday mornings. One person started speaking about their schedule for the coming week and everyone chimed in. We all are trying to get ahead at work, but we feel overwhelmed. Oftentimes that overwhelm comes from having to make choices.
The work life balance forces many people to make choices they really would prefer not having to make. As a single mom, I feel the pressure in the afternoons when my son needs something and I have to go support him. Now that he’s older these things don’t happen very frequently anymore, but every now and then, I feel like I have to come through for him.
I am lucky to have the kind of job that gives me that flexibility on most occasions. However, there comes a time when a customer meeting, proposal effort or other work issue has to take top priority. I feel so bad when I have to make alternate arrangements. But now I’ve learned through mindfulness that I need to drop the sad perspective when I have to have someone else step in for me.
That is exactly the time I need to bring out the gratitude! The fact that I have people to back me up when work comes first, are a huge blessing and benefit to our lives. Both at home and work. We need to realize we can’t be everything to our kids or other members of our family all the time. Organizing our lives so we can help others (altruism) while also allowing others to help us should help to create an atmosphere of happiness.
Part of living a life focused on creating positivity and happiness, at home, at work and in my circle requires courage. Courage to make the tough choices. Courage to be dependable and keep commitments within our circle. As I count on others, so should they be able to count on me. All those courageous efforts start in my mind. Mindfulness is what helps me have consistency about my courage. Helps me to be grateful when I used to feel sad. Fear and concern are always lurking back there. But my mindfulness reminds me to chose courage every time.
