Separation Anxiety

I had a mom reach out to me the other day about her daughter and how she is struggling with separation anxiety being at school for the first time. Her daughter is starting Kindergarten this year, just like my son. I let her tell me all about how she was feeling so sad that she couldn’t do anything to help and how her daughter would often ask to get see her sister in the second-grade class so she could get a hug. While this is a great coping mechanism, it is one that cannot last forever.

My immediate thought was, print a family picture, laminate it and send it to school in the lunch box. This was it will be a nice comfort to have during an appropriate time of the school day. Separation anxiety is something many kids struggle with but often it is for short periods of time. The benefits they will gain from being away are so much greater.

In addition, being a teacher in the past, I highly recommend a short but sweet goodbye in the mornings. The more you hold on and let your child cling to you, or “get one more kiss”, “one more hug”, the harder it will be to let go and move on from the situation. Don’t let it dwell. When it is time to leave, say so. Do a proper goodbye and leave. Do not let your child manipulate you into guilt. They are SO good at it. Stay strong and move on. If your child really needs you throughout the day, their teachers/caregivers will give you a call. If you don’t feel that way, then you shouldn’t be bringing your child to that school to begin with.

Anyway, here’s to another back-to-school year! May our children learn many new things, and may you be able to eat a hot lunch all to yourself today!

Embarking on a Personal Growth Adventure through Self-Reflection Journaling

Welcome, dear reader, to a journey of self-exploration and personal growth through the power of self-reflection journaling. In today's fast-paced world, where the hustle and bustle often drown out our inner voice, taking the time to indulge in self-reflection can be a transformative experience. So, let's dive into my personal story of how embracing self-reflection journaling enriched my life and fueled my journey towards personal growth.

The Beginnings: A Quest for Clarity

As I sat down with a blank journal, pen in hand, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. The first step was always the hardest – confronting oneself. I began by jotting down my thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment or filter. The act of putting words on paper felt liberating, like unloading a heavy burden. Each journal entry became a mirror reflecting my innermost thoughts and emotions back to me, gradually unveiling layers of my identity.

Unveiling Hidden Insights: Connecting the Dots

Through consistent journaling, I noticed patterns emerging in my behaviors and thought processes. Themes began to surface, shedding light on recurring challenges and insecurities I had overlooked. It was like solving a puzzle, fitting the scattered pieces together to reveal a clearer picture of who I am and who I aspire to be. Journaling became a tool for self-discovery, guiding me towards a deeper understanding of myself and my aspirations.

Cultivating Gratitude: The Power of Positive Reflection

Incorporating gratitude journaling into my routine was a game-changer. Each day, I took a moment to reflect on the small joys, blessings, and achievements in my life. Focusing on gratitude shifted my perspective, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and setbacks into lessons learned. The practice of positive reflection infused my days with a sense of appreciation and contentment, fostering a mindset of resilience and optimism.

Embracing Vulnerability: A Path to Self-Acceptance

Self-reflection journaling also encouraged me to embrace vulnerability – to acknowledge my fears, insecurities, and imperfections without judgment. It was through these moments of vulnerability that I discovered strength in my authenticity and beauty in my flaws. By accepting and owning my vulnerabilities, I embarked on a journey towards self-compassion and self-love, building a stronger foundation for personal growth and emotional well-being.

Setting Intentions: Empowering Self-Transformation

As I delved deeper into self-reflection journaling, I began setting intentions for personal growth and self-improvement. Each journal entry became a roadmap guiding me towards my goals, aspirations, and values. By articulating my intentions on paper, I manifested my desires into reality and held myself accountable for my growth journey. Setting intentions empowered me to take actionable steps towards becoming the best version of myself, one journal entry at a time.

Celebrating Progress: Nurturing Self-Validation

Acknowledging progress, no matter how small, played a crucial role in my self-reflection journey. Celebrating achievements, milestones, and moments of growth reinforced my self-worth and nurtured self-validation. Each journal entry became a testimonial to my resilience, growth, and evolution, serving as a reminder of how far I had come and how much potential lay ahead. By celebrating progress, I cultivated a mindset of self-belief and empowerment, fueling my continuous quest for personal growth.

Conclusion: Your Personal Growth Awaits

In the realm of self-reflection journaling, I found a sanctuary for self-exploration, growth, and transformation. Through the pages of my journal, I embarked on a Journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and acceptance. Each entry was a stepping stone towards personal growth, guiding me towards a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me. So, dear reader, if you seek to embark on a journey of personal growth, I invite you to embrace self-reflection journaling as a companion on your path, a mirror to your soul, and a catalyst for your transformation.

Embrace the power of self-reflection journaling, and unlock the limitless potential within you. Your journey towards personal growth begins with a single journal entry – are you ready to take the first step?

Remember, the path to personal growth is not about reaching a destination but embracing the journey of self-discovery, growth, and evolution. Happy journaling, and may your reflections illuminate the path to the best version of yourself!

Let your journal be a canvas for your soul, a mirror for your reflections, and a guiding light on your quest for personal growth.

Being unapologetically you

Do you ever find yourself holding back in front of certain people? Maybe you don't laugh as hard or speak up in conversation. Maybe you find yourself looking in the mirror before you present yourself. Do you ever ask yourself why you do that? and why those certain people? Why does their opinion matter so much to you that you feel like you need to hold back who you truly are in front of them? Wouldn't it feel better to just be you?

I still occasionally find myself in these situations but I will say it is far less often than before. As I get older, I am making more of a conscious effort to stop worrying about what other people think of me and just be myself. I love to laugh even though I am loud. I love to speak my mind even when others don't agree. But there are some people who I come across that I find myself hiding those pieces of me. Why?

In the end, it is a me problem and not them. Looking deeper into why I feel this way has a whole lot more to do with my ego than theirs. Taking the time to recognize this behavior is the only way for you to improve upon it. It can be really scary to let others see your most truest inner thoughts. Yet here I am, exposing myself on the internet. I am pushing myself to do this because I know that it is the only way for people to truly understand my message and what I am trying to accomplish and that is relatability. When we relate to one another, we bond on a deeper level.

We all have inner thoughts. Sometimes, they may seem so far off than what we think others are thinking until we gain enough courage one day to say it to someone. Then we find out that they too have had those very same thoughts. We are all too scared to share because we are afraid of judgement. It's normal. At the same time, it is something we can overcome. I will say, the more I stick to my true self, especially around others, the better I feel over all throughout the entire day.

If you don't already have someone in your life that you can be completely yourself with, I highly recommend finding someone to build that kind of bond with. You won't regret it.