Connected Thoughts

Happy Wednesday!

One of my daily routines that helps me stay pretty grounded is some time to exercise in the morning, and then a cup of vanilla caramel tea with sugar-free French vanilla creamer in it!  It's like candy in a cup!  Yummmmm!  As I sipped my tea and sat down to work for a bit...yes I know it's school break, but I just have a little bit to do...I realized that the quote on my tea mug connected to something a read yesterday.  I'll get to that bit later, but first, here is my mug...

A student gave me this mug at the end of the school year last year, and it's often on my shelf at school because I love the quote and the sentiment, and feel that it is an important one to share.  However, in the summer (or during a pandemic) I bring it home and use it interchangeably with this one:

I love that both of these mugs remind us that we are capable of managing tough things.  They remind me that when we believe in ourselves, we can come out pretty shiny on the other side.  In fact, some would say that the best things in life are born out of the challenges in life.  Why?  Maybe because the struggle is motiving?  Maybe because difficulty makes us more resilient - gives us grit?  Maybe because facing hardship leaves us with no choice but to persevere?  No matter the reason, I love witnessing the humanity that comes from life's challenges.   

Think about a good book.  There is always a struggle or a problem - something that the main character or characters have to overcome.  Generally, the climax happens and the main character learns a valuable lesson, or accomplishes a goal, or saves humanity, etc.  Lesson learned is that struggle gives us the opportunity to learn, grow, and mature.    

We have to have strategies though.  We have to have helpful tools to use when life's struggles come calling.  And we have to learn the tools and practice the tools regularly so that when they are needed we can implement them.  Each person needs their own little emotional toolbox...

These are a good representation of the tools we counselors teach and encourage kids and adults to practice regularly.  

As I mentioned though, I read something yesterday that reminded me that sometimes an appropriate tool is to give yourself permission to put the problem down...

  

Once you put the problem down, use a tool.  Brainstorm solutions, talk with someone about it, share the burden, or ask for help.  Once you've put it down, you've earned a bit more shine...you've survived, and you move on to face the next challenge with more determination, wit, and wisdom.  

Be a diamond today!  

Mrs. Hempey