Mind, Body, Spirit Goals

Okay, people. I've been in a very "woo woo" phase lately. Scientific hand analysis, energy work, church, self-help books and podcasts - you name it, I've been trying it.

One of the things I've been trying to do is a gratitude journal, which isn't a new concept. And I've been really good about keeping up with it. I just honestly can't tell if it's doing anything.

Yes, I appreciate the butterfly that's outside my office window right now and the fact that my son emptied the dishwasher last night. And I do think it helps to be more mindful of these things. But I can't tell if it's making a difference when it comes to my overall outlook and how I go about my day.

A couple of weeks ago, I was feeling terrible. I think I was in my pre-grief stage as the anniversary of my husband's death approached as well as our wedding anniversary. This summer has also been emotional as I prepare to send my oldest to college and all the changes that will come with it.

But one thing I noticed was that I hadn't been doing any of the usual mind/spirit stuff that have become a part of my life in the last few months. Because of our hectic schedule, I hadn't been to church and the book I was listening to - Take Control of Your Life by Mel Robbins - wasn't really feeding my soul. It was helpful, yes, but because the "coaching" she does in the book...I just kind of felt like I was being yelled at.

Until that part of my life was gone, I didn't realize how much I needed it. It really did send me into a little bit of a depression. I wasn't taking my morning walks because our summer schedule was so off. Generally...I was just kind of flailing about.

This morning I decided I was going to get back into my groove. After getting my youngest off to theater camp, I went over to the gym and listened to a podcast on the way. I got my body moving and, as is usually the case with me, my mind followed.

Anyone want to try this with me?

I've decided that I'm going to shift my gratitude journal exercise in the evening and try something different. Instead of writing down three things I'm grateful for, I'm going to write down what I've done for my mind, body, and spirit each day. It doesn't have to be major and some days I might have more time to dedicate to it than others, but I think it will help me have a mental checklist to make sure I cover these three things.

Mind

What counts for mind? Maybe reading my book for 15 minutes before going to bed, a podcast in my car, or a YouTube tutorial about something I've wanted to learn more about. Just something that gets my mind going.

Body

I am not a gym rat and there are some days when I don't feel like moving at all. So, what will count for this? Anything from a walk around the block to swimming a few laps in the pool if I'm there with the kids to a full-on workout at the gym. I will congratulate myself for any one of these things and I will check it off for the day.

Spirit

To me, something spiritual is anything that feeds your soul. It could be organized religion, meditation, or even working in the garden. We all know that "full" feeling when we feel it and it's different for everyone. Even if I only have a few minutes to ground myself - even if it's while sitting in my car in traffic - and just be mindful...that counts.

I don't blame you if you're thinking this sounds pretty "woo woo" - I can practically hear the members of my family rolling their eyes at this. But knowing how I feel when I skip these things makes me want to make the effort to do them. Some days I might have 10 minutes to do them and some days I might have the luxury of taking more time. But I think at the end of the day, if I can check them off, I'll feel a bigger sense of accomplishment.

And for that, I'll be grateful.