TriAptitude Coaching

It’s been many weeks since I have had the motivation to sit down and write my feelings down in a blog entry. To be honest, part of the delay has been that I am scared to write down some of these feelings because then I have to fully own up to them and push forward through them. That can be scary and intimidating when the emotions are full of sadness and confusion. Plus, I do not like to drag others down with negativity or problems.  I’d much prefer to be the one to build others up with happiness, support and inspiration. So, instead of pouring my problems and concerns into a blog post, I decided to work through some of that scary stuff on my own privately.  And, I am so glad that I did.  It takes focus and dedication to handle the big stuff in a way which actually searches for a true solution.  It takes time and focus to put into place the strategies which will lead toward a positive outcome.

In this particular case, it has been weeks of concern for a son who has been struggling with his own emotions.  And, as mothers (and fathers!), we know that when our children are unhappy and confused, then so are we.  It is part of this amazing journey as a parent.  We love unconditionally and feel the same angst which our children do.  It can take a toll on us.  It can be exhausting and frightening……and then, when you come out on the other side, it is uplifting and reassuring and joyous.  It’s parenting.  The emotions fluctuate each and every day.  So, yes, I let myself have the time to feel some sadness and to lose some motivation as I embraced the emotions which came my way in response to the worry I had for my child.  I did not deny them or avoid them.  I worked through them so that I could get to the other side of them and refocus on solutions and the positives.  But, you have to truly feel all of that before you can let it go and move forward.  There is nothing that I am more dedicated to than the happiness of my family.  So, I picked myself up, dusted myself off and made a plan.  I had to do this.  I need to be strong and encouraging for my family! It is a plan filled with love and positivity and acceptance and passion.  Of course it is! There is no other successful path to follow!

I have this great role in life.  It is that of being a mother to three wonderful, talented, funny and smart young men.  I get to start each day with a hug, an “I love you.”, the reassurance for them and for me that this new morning will lead into wonderful adventures.  I have decided that part of our new focus each day will be on positive affirmations.  If we think in a positive framework, then we believe in a positive framework.  Our first day was a simple three word affirmation.  It is one of the most important of all- “I love myself”.  Here we have the key to self-confidence and belief.  It all starts with loving ourselves.  Yet, many of us do not believe these three words. We shy away from them, deny them.  But, what if for today, you simply said them to yourself- at every quiet moment, at every challenging minute, whenever a negative thought enters your mind. “I Love Myself.” The power and passion inherent within positivity will override those self-critical moments. The more you say it, the more you believe it.  The more you believe it…well, we all know that amazing things happen when you believe in yourself.

I’ve had many people ask me in the past month what my plans are for next year.  Most of them are referring to my upcoming season as a triathlete and my job as a coach.  However, my plans always revolve around my most important role in my life – being a mother.  Everything else takes a backseat and has to fit into the balance and needs of my family.  My number one goal has been and always will be to raise happy, supported, compassionate and generous young men.  To succeed at this is not an easy task.  Any parent knows and understands the enormity of this mission.  In my mind, and in my home, we are focusing on the power of positivity.  Some days, I struggle to find that small glimmer of positivity in the mass of exhaustion and frustration.  I remind myself of the importance of that positive feedback and reassurance that all is good even in the midst of chaos.  “You are loved no matter what. Always and forever.” Other days, our home and family are filled with positive energy and confidence.  It’s an ebb and flow of emotions as every family has.  Yet, I have found that our affirmations make a real difference in the start of each day and the strength of the positivity with which we face each challenge.  It makes a real difference!!!

So, I am encouraging all of you to do the same. Here is a copy of the 30 Day Affirmation Challenge.  It is easy to follow. Give it a try. The holidays can be a stressful time.  This may help you focus on all of the peace and love and joy in your life. Be well!  Happy Holidays to you all.