Category Archives: Appreciation

What’s your MISSION?

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A Mission Statement

 In most businesses and schools, a mission statement is developed to help ensure that everyone is focused on a uniform goal. It’s always been my belief that if we don’t know what we’re working towards, we’re standing still. I’m a mover and shaker so standing still isn’t my thing.

After becoming a stay-at-home mom three years ago, I struggled a lot with my purpose. Now by purpose, I certainly do not mean the day-to-day to-do lists that fill all of our lives. Go grocery shopping. Drop off dry cleaning. Get a car wash. Ughhhhh. Yes, these things have to get done but they definitely do not provide anyone with a sense of true accomplishment. I was looking for more. I felt I was blessed to have this time with my children but wanted to have a clear understanding of my goals related to myself and my family. Hence, the idea of drafting my personal mission statement.

Now, what goes into your personal mission state is, you guessed it, personal but I’ll share mine with you.

Mission Statement

To nurture myself, my husband, my children, and my pets with wholesome food, kind words and positive energy. To contribute to my children’s schools and my community with my own unique gifts. To be the woman I want my daughters to be~ active, educated, and cultured. To continue to read, learn, grow and be reflective and to surround myself with positive people who share the same goals.

I took this mission, typed it up and printed it and put it in a pretty frame. It now sits on my desk where I look at it often.

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It’s always a good idea to have a clear focus on what you’re working toward, especially within in your home. Have a lovely day!

xo,

Tanya

Can We Train Ourselves To Become More Optimistic?

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If someone were to ask me if I was an optimist or pessimist, I’d answer that I was a realist. I have a good attitude and try to look on the bright side but some of my experiences have left me a bit jaded. Studies show that being optimistic is healthier for us and that optimists actually live longer. I like to be around positive people (who doesn’t?) so becoming more optimistic seems like a good plan for the week.

Can I become an optimist? I know the power of thought is strong so can I shift my thoughts and create even more happiness in my life? Sounds good to me!

First, a little background on optimism…

Humans have something called “negativity bias” which basically means we tend to fixate on bad news. Not surprisingly, negative encounters leave stronger impressions on us so we tend to develop a bit of a selective memory concerning our failures and bad experiences (it’s also easier to form a bad opinion of a place or a person; something that makes sense when you think about it…I know I can be quick to make harsh judgements if I’m not careful).

All of this makes perfect sense but how do we change the patterns of thought that are already swimming around in our heads?

  • Plan- By staying organized, we can ensure our bases are covered and that things will run smoothly (the realist in me is screaming, “But what if they don’t?!” See the next bullet…
  • Banish fault and walk away with the lesson Ok, so sometimes, even with all the planning in the world, things still go wrong. Know that. Accept that. And really be OK with that. Create an environment for you and those around you that doesn’t fault people when things go wrong. Only when you and the people around you are comfortable taking risks, does the potential for really amazing things exist. When things don’t go according to plan, learn the lesson and make changes. No dwelling!
  • Change your thoughts and your language I used to have a quote in my classroom that I need to put up somewhere so I can read it everyday. “Thoughts become actions so choose good ones!” It’s even been scientifically proven that new patterns of thought can actually change the physiology of our brains. One way we can do this is by becoming alert to positive information. Next time someone compliments you, soak it up! Even random thoughts like, “the sun is shining” or “the coffee smells good,” are good places to start. I already have a gratitude journal (if you don’t have one, check this out) but that’s another way to shift your thinking. The day may not have been great but there’s usually a few things we can be grateful for.

This week, I will pay close attention to my thoughts and ask myself why? if there’s negative chatter going on my head. I urge you to do the same! The energy we put out returns to us so lets all put more positivity into the world.

Wishing you a week filled with sunshine and laughter,

Tanya