No one can grant you peace except for yourself. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Gaining peace of mind can be challenging when we are worried about our children. I recall many restless nights filled with fear and sadness for my child.
Often, I wished for a switch to turn off my emotions.
Finding inner freedom and calmness is priceless and contributes to better health.
Those who can dismiss negative thoughts and concentrate on the positives in their lives are more likely to experience tranquility.
Have you ever felt trapped by the thoughts that run through your mind?
We frequently find ourselves anxious, stressed, and worried because it’s easier than training ourselves to seek the positive aspects. However, being perpetually anxious or worried about your child’s circumstances doesn’t alter them in any way.
Your life is incredibly valuable. How much of your time, whether it’s days, months, or years, do you want to spend worrying instead of engaging in more constructive activities?
The video, The Time You Have Left (In Jelly Beans), offers a perspective on our available time. It gently nudges us to think about the hours spent worrying, suggesting that your time could be utilized more effectively.
You might feel concerned about your current circumstances, family dynamics, or child. Make an effort each day to pursue inner freedom and serenity.
To constantly fret over your child is detrimental to your health. It disrupts your sleep. Excessive worrying can lead to frequent colds and even more serious health issues.
We all desire freedom and inner peace. You can carve out time from worry and discover a sense of calmness if you make the effort.
Dedicate yourself to at least one hour a day for self-care. Engage in activities such as reading, writing, yoga, exercising, dancing, meditating, or painting. This time is for you. One hour makes up 1/24 of your day, under 5%. It is important; truly make it count. ~ Sarah Brassard
Here are some suggestions to help you begin:
- Even in your moments of worry, strive to be present. When experiencing pain, try to release your fixation on the future or the past. Focus on living in the present as much as you can.
- Set a specific time each day to contemplate your worries. Ensure it’s distant from bedtime so it doesn’t prevent you from sleeping. Spend a designated time focusing on your anxieties and then aim to release them for the remainder of the day.
- Jot down your worries as they arise in your mind. Hold onto your list for the appropriate time you’ve scheduled to review these concerns.
- Maintain a daily journal. Write three pages daily or use a timer to write for a set period. Let your thoughts flow freely as you write.
- Go for a walk. Use this opportunity to connect with nature. Ideas, solutions, and a sense of inner calm might emerge during this time.
- Practice self-compassion. Allocate time to treat yourself with tenderness and kindness, fostering a sense of peace.
- Look for positivity. Make a deliberate effort to notice positive aspects throughout your day. Celebrate those joyful moments and write them in your journal.
- Keep a gratitude journal. Note three or even ten things you are thankful for each day. This can uplift your spirits by highlighting the positives in your life.
- Dedicate time for reflection and be alone with your thoughts. Taking a moment for introspection can be refreshing.
- If possible, volunteer your time. Assisting others not only supports them but also fills you with positive emotions.
- Take each day as it comes. Concentrate on making it through today, leaving tomorrow for another time. Progress starts with small steps.
- Count your blessings. No matter how overwhelmed you may feel, remind yourself of what you do have.
- Engage in something enjoyable. Take care of yourself. Show yourself the love you desire from others. Embrace new experiences; they can bring joy.
- Trust your intuition. You will encounter various perspectives on how to assist your child. Tune into your instincts; inner wisdom can guide you.
- Connect with others facing similar challenges. Seek someone who understands your situation or a group where you can express your emotions. Avoid isolating yourself; it’s unhealthy.
- Focus on your breath. Inhale deeply and exhale slowly; this will help ground you and promote calmness.
- Despite the challenges, acknowledge the pain while taking proactive steps forward.
- Accept that the future is uncertain. Recognize some factors are beyond your control and concentrate on what you can influence.
- The “what if” thoughts that plague you are often worse than the reality. Release them and choose to focus on something uplifting.
- Smile whenever possible. Smiling or laughing improves your mood. Even if you have to force it, try to smile and share warmth with others.
- Engage in regular exercise. Whether it’s walking, running, attending a class, or practicing yoga, find an enjoyable activity. This will help foster relaxation and promote inner peace.
- Remember, you are not alone. Many others share similar struggles. Recognizing that you’re not the only one battling these issues can alleviate feelings of isolation.
- Discover your inner strength. In difficult times, tap into your resilience. You likely possess more strength than you realize. Acknowledging your capabilities can boost your confidence in facing challenges.
- Educate yourself. You might feel powerless or weak because you
- Being uninformed can be challenging. There are many resources on substance use and addiction. By educating yourself, you’ll gain knowledge that can empower you and help you feel more in control.
- If your child engages in risky behaviors, it might leave you feeling confused. You can inspire change in your child. While you may not have every answer, it’s important to remind yourself that you’re doing your best.
- Embrace uncertainty. The outcome of every situation cannot be predicted. You’ll find relief when you accept that while you can support your child, you cannot do the work for them.
- Recognize your values. Understanding who you are and what matters most to you can provide wisdom to tackle any situation. Being clear about your values enables you to be a better role model for your child.
- Release your expectations. You may have envisioned a certain path for your child’s life. It’s essential to let go of those expectations to maintain inner peace, especially when things take an unexpected turn.
- Don’t dwell in sadness. Move past your narrative of distress. Although things might not be going as planned, wallowing in negativity only adds to your burden. It doesn’t ease your pain; it keeps your mind ensnared in negativity.
- Remember that hope exists. Every situation is fleeting. Our lives are full of ups and downs. Even if you’re currently in a low point, a higher point might be just around the corner. Hold onto hope for your child.
When you feel exhausted from carrying others’ burdens and from invigorating those around you, take time to reconnect with yourself. Redirect your energy inward and rediscover your peace. ~ Billy Chapat
Thank you for your time!
We appreciate you reading this. If you’re worried about your child’s substance use, explore evidence-based methods that can motivate them towards positive change.