Not as in when you did something really bad and you parents uttered those dreaded words "You're grounded!" but more how do we keep grounded? How do we look past all the rush and go of everyday and remain true to what we believe, so focused on our greater path?
Some people turn to God, working out, yoga, a good book... For me staying grounded means taking a step backwards and reminding myself that the little things I obsess and worry about are so small in the grand scheme of life. Its much like the Carrie Underwood song "Temporary Home" Our time really is short on earth and often we get bogged down in the minutia of life when honestly, who wore what to the Oscars or whether Sally is having an affair with Bob doesn't really matter.
It doesn't matter if our kids go out the door with unmatching socks, or bows, or whether we cook the perfect meal for our husbands. Next week that nasty rumor will be yesterday's news; and the fact that you missed your best friend's bday will be ok.
Staying grounded is so much harder now that we are so connected via social networking. Its easier to turn on the TV then sit with our spouses and talk. Gone are the days when we took walks or rode bikes and instead consumed our evenings with the stock market, sports talk and reality shows. Its easy to feel overwhelmed with stress, worry, or depression--we feel out of control sometimes, or like we do not have enough hours in the day to accomplish all the things we "need" to do.
So, how do I stay grounded?
1. I feel and accept ALL my emotions. Its not easy, sometimes I do not want to feel them or acknowledge them or even talk about them, but its important. Emotions are messages from yourself and they tell us when we are out of balance.
2. I eat well - most of the time. It keeps me feeling better and gives me energy to keep going. But I also allow myself those treats every once in a while, they are important too.
3. Hot bath - take one, with wine, tea, vodka, I dont judge what you drink is. But take that time to relax and enjoy some alone time.
4. Exercise - it releases endorphins, endorphins makes you happy, happy people just don't kill their husbands (I know total Legally Blonde there), but its true! Sweat it out... get all that aggression out on the treadmill, or whatever!
5. Breathe... yes you heard me. I take deep breaths a lot. It allows fresh air into my lungs and rejuvenates me.
6. Pray. Nothing fancy about it. Nothing complicated, no perfect way to, just do it. If you do not ask, you cannot receive.
So, how do you stay grounded?
Staying grounded is so hard, but I think you have a great plan laid out.
ReplyDeletePraying and breathing are the two best things out there.
BTW, LOVE that legally blonde quote, I use it all the time :)
Staying grounded is so hard for me - I tend to let my emotions get the better of me at times. Which is bad because I am also a worry wart by nature, so stress affects me greatly. And I hate it. I love that you talk about accepting your emotions - I think I could definitely do better in that area. And praying as well. I feel like if I started doing just those two things more often, I would probably be much more effective at handling stress. Thank you for sharing this today!:)
ReplyDeleteHot baths are a big way to stay grounded for me too, and long walks
ReplyDeletepray, exercise, stay optimistic.
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