Have patience in times of transition ....

“If you don't like something, change it.

 If you can't change it, change your attitude.”

Maya Angelou

September is full of new beginnings and different situations, especially with school and classes.  So it is important to remind yourself to be patient, before getting all concerned that things are going wrong.

It is easy to feel lost and confused when things are not the way you remembered them to be or hoped they would be.  But if you can take a moment, exhale, and see how things settle, you may be very happy with the way things are.  Remember that these situations are new for everyone, and some people may be feeling nervous or apprehensive, making the atmosphere feel awkward or unpleasant.

Think back to other times when you were anxious or upset by how you thought a class was not going to be what you wanted, or an experience was not what you had hoped for.  Yet once everything settled down it turned out to be a great adventure.

It can be helpful to step back and observe before worrying and getting depressed.  However there are situations that will never feel like the best fit, even after the settling down period.  In that case, it is good try to change the situation, switch the class or change your seat if you are near a distraction.

If it is not possible to physically change the situation then see if you can change your perspective of the situation, see what you can glean from circumstance.  Can you find an aspect of the environment that you are excited about? It may be different from what you have focused on in previous years, however it may open you to new ideas and horizons.

Transitions and change can be sad, frustrating and hard, but they are a part of life and if you can stay open and positive you may be astonished at what is coming your way!! Because is many ways change is amazing!!!  love, mom



if you have received this post as an email
click below to visit the entire blog, blog link
or click below to join the book of motherlove group on FB https://www.facebook.com/groups/bookofmotherlove/

Day 3: bird by bird

'bird by bird' acrylic on wood

Thirty years ago my older brother, who was ten years old at the time, was trying to get a report written on birds that he'd had three months to write, which was due the next day. We were out at our family cabin in Bolinas, and he was at the kitchen table close to tears, surrounded by binder paper and pencils and unopened books about birds, immobilized by the hugeness of the task ahead. Then my father sat down beside him put his arm around my brother's shoulder, and said, "Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

This is the quote that has been bubbling up to the surface since I deposited you in Newark.  This quote/concept is a main touchstone for me, "bird by bird", the only way to do anything.

And I believe I need to share this quote today for both you and me!!!

Here you are starting this grand new adventure, so much to see, to learn, to do, to join and to experience and that can be so overwhelming!!! As well as being responsible for your self care, laundry, meals and time management ... Again overwhelming!!!! 

And for me, I need to tackle my long 'to-do' list that I have ignored while helping to get you to Delaware!!, happily ignored, mind you!!!  Also, I find myself in a whirl of confusion about how to parcel all the thoughts and desires I want to share with you in this project?!? so much to say ... 

In fact, at this time of the year, most people are struggling with the transition from a summer schedule to a more rigid schedule, so this is a good quote for all.  

Remember to take EVERYTHING one bird at a time! 
If you are feeling overwhelmed by a task, break it down into more manageable pieces.  If those pieces are still overwhelming, break each piece down into smaller pieces.  
Do it conscientiously, deliberately, not just think in your mind that you have broken it down (I speak from experience). 

Make a list of the smaller steps, give yourself a reward when you have finished a certain number of smaller steps, try to focus on the task at hand and not think about the larger project.   
This might sounds cliche but it does work.  
It takes practice, I know that from experience, and it is good to remind yourself daily, again I speak from experience, but it is a tried and true approach which I wanted to share with you today.

ALSO!!! you must read Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird!!! I find myself reading it at least once a year!!! 

Love ya, Mom