Several years ago, my then-husband gifted me an Accomplishment Journal for Working Mothers. Knowing of my occasional organizational difficulties, and supporting my love of journaling and my desire to do things, he thought this would be a good fit even though, technically, I was not a working mother. (I was a stay-at-home mom and though he considered that work, society doesn't seem to.)
In any event, the second page of each daily spread had four overlapping circles venn diagram / clover style listing the four areas of growth the authors deemed important. While I loved the overall daily format, their focus words didn't work for me, so I ended up choosing four traits and values that I wanted to be reminded of every day. A mantra, so to speak. What I came up with speaks to not only what I think I see in myself, but also what I want for myself. (basically it was almost an exercise in wishful thinking... fake it till you make it... believe and it will be... etcetera...)
I am nurturing, responsible, organized, strong.
I have had, and continue to have, opportunities in abundance where I need something to cling to. So I pull this out and remind myself of who I am and what I'm striving to be. I think it is telling that over the years these four words have continued to speak to me so strongly. We experience so much change in our lives, and in ourselves, that often what speaks to us changes as well. In this case, I think I nailed my values well. (of course I think they would have been different pre-children, so maybe it's not surprising after all!) ;)
By this point I've developed a list of mantras to choose from, depending on what I need for strength each day. I'll be sharing them here, about hopefully one each month, and would love to know if any of them particularly resonate with you.
(feel free to share in the comments what traits you have, or wish for yourself, too.)
Thanks for reading. xo
