Do you want peace of mind?
Would some suggestions on how to help yourself be useful?
“Set peace of mind as your highest goal, and organize your life around it.” ~Brian Tracy
Having peace of mind is important to me. At one point, my life felt out of control at times, particularly when I was concerned about my children.
As time went on, I realized that I needed to change, take care of myself, and live a more peaceful life.
Here are five strategies that may help:
- Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness involves focusing on the present moment and accepting it without judgment. By practicing mindfulness, you can become more aware of your thoughts and feelings and learn to manage them more effectively. Mindfulness can also help you focus on the present rather than worrying about the future. It can be helpful to take a few minutes out of your day to meditate or sit quietly. You will find it helps with the stress and will help you stay more in balance.
- Take action: If there is something concrete you can do to help your child, taking action can be an effective way to ease your worries. This may involve providing emotional support, such as listening in a non-judgmental way and asking what you can do to help with the change process. This also can include learning all you can about substance use and seeing what ideas make sense for your family. The earlier you can take action, the better. You want to be proactive from the start when you suspect substance use.
- Practice self-care: It’s important to take care of yourselves when you are worried about your child. This can include getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation. Self-care is vital when your kids are struggling. We must keep our energy levels and spirits up for the long haul. When you care for yourself, you are better equipped to support yourself and your family.
- Seek support: Sometimes, talking to someone else about your concerns can be helpful. This may involve confiding in a trusted friend, seeking professional counseling, or joining a support group. If you give in to isolation, stress and overwhelm can start to take over. Surround yourself with others who are on the same path, or connect with someone who can be your guide. Sharing your worries with others can help you gain perspective and feel less alone.
- Let go of what you cannot control: Letting go of your child is not helpful. Yet, it’s important to recognize that you cannot control everything, and sometimes you need to let go of your worries and trust that things will work out. That can be a tall order when you are concerned about your child. Rather than deny the pain or run away from it, see if you can work through it to help yourself and your child. While it can be challenging, practicing acceptance can help us find peace of mind in difficult situations.
Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding. ― Albert Einstein
In conclusion, finding peace of mind when you are concerned about your child can be challenging, but it is possible. By practicing mindfulness, taking action, practicing self-care, seeking support, and letting go of what you cannot control, you can ease your worries and find a sense of calm in difficult times.
Access research-based resources to help you support your child in a kind, compassionate way, which can lead to change. For more information and support, check out my book, The Compassion Antidote, and my online course, Regain Your Hope. Thank you for reading.
