My Toolbox

I’ve had conversations with a few different people this week about ways to cope with life’s uncertainties and hardships. And I think it’s really amazing that most of us have a toolbox of strategies to keep ourselves grounded or to bring ourselves back to feeling, well, like ourselves.

I’m a huge advocate for “ME” time. Making time for the things that matter for our soul. And so my list of tools is extensive.  So much so, that I’d like to share it with you, hoping to perhaps spark a new strategy, interest or coping mechanism for you. 

I’ll list them in order of what my current go to’s are...

Exercise - I’m currently running and doing a combination of yoga and pilates. And some light weights too. I run at least 3 times a week or if I need to clear my head. It makes me so happy to run and I love seeing other people out running too. I never bring my phone and I make sure to focus on the sights and sounds of nature to stay as present as I can. Sometimes focusing can be challenging though if I have something really weighing on my brain. Which is when I need the next tool in my toolbox...

Friends!! I have so many incredible people in my life who are there for me if I need them. A simple phone call to a positive friend can do wonders for your perspective. Or if your social circle includes a friend or supportive partner, a hug was exactly what I needed this week. 

Meditation - Without fail, every time I crawl into my bed at night, I listen to a guided meditation. It helps me focus my mind and rest my body and I love the positive messages as I drift off to sleep. I skipped a night once and life just wasn’t the same!! I highly recommend it!! There are other times through the day where I’ll sit in my favourite chair in silence to clear my mind. I find it really relaxing and it helps me to listen to the needs of my body. 

Positive affirmations - These are a part of my morning routine and so good for my brain!! I start with a series of “I AM” statements and finish with giving gratitude, all while feeling the strength of my body as if I were a tree standing tall and strong. I have an alter with incense and my Buddha and I speak out loud so my children can hear me :)

Baking - I LOVE to experiment with healthy recipes. It clears my mind and helps me to be present. It also inspires me...and my soul feels aligned in the kitchen. AND it sparks creativity in my children; which I LOVE. My most recent creation is a cold hibiscus beverage with cinnamon and ginger, that I’m enjoying as I write this :)

Gardening - My home has over 30 beautiful plants, some in every room and they get my love and attention weekly. I love feeling the soil in my fingers and the earthy smell feeds my soul. Gardening can be so peaceful and calming. Truth, I used to kill all my plants. And then I started telling myself I had a green thumb ;) And did you know we should have 5 plants per person in our home?! The list of benefits is extensive. Look it up!

Baths - I forgot how much I loved baths until I started incorporating them back into my life about 6 months ago.  Whether you choose to use music or candlelight OR lavender (I had a lavender foot bath recently that was heavenly)... you’ll be grateful you dipped in. 

Visualization - I love to close my eyes and smile while imagining having a home with a forest in my backyard and a garden full of vibrant fruits and vegetables. And while I don’t currently have these things in my backyard, I’m lucky to spend a lot of time on a farm every week. And so I think it’s important to see that sometimes things might not always show up as we might expect but to be open and grateful to how they do! 

Hiking - I have a wooden sign in my home that reads “And into the forest I go. To lose my mind and find my soul.” Need I say more?

Organizing!! I try to Feng Shui my home every day, meaning I give intention and love to the things in my space by giving everything a home and keeping an uncluttered living space with minimal things. (When I can!!) But this takes commitment and focus and needs to be revisited often. It’s a system of giving and receiving and of letting go of the broken things, and the things you’re not using. Our homes should work for us. Organize yours so it does. It doesn’t just feel good to see a clean home, but it can help clear your mind as well ;) 

Tapping - I used to do this a lot! Like every time I had a sauna at the gym if the sauna was empty. If you’ve never tried it, I recommend it!! It can help to balance your energy, align your body and deal with emotional distress. It’s about honouring who you are and surrendering. Look into it and give it a try! Be prepared to cry though!! It’s a good one for breaking through barriers. 

Tarot cards - I love to read my cards, but it’s been a while!! I tend to read them when I’m making some really tough decisions. Which might sound silly to some of you, but the cards usually just affirm my feelings, which always feels comforting. 

Writing a list of accomplishments - I know this might sound vain, but it’s not! I assure you! It’s so helpful to shift your focus to your strengths and gifts. This isn’t about what other people think of you, but how you see yourself. And so writing my accomplishments reminds me to see “me” and it can help you to see YOU for all you truly are. 

Painting - I love getting out my acrylics and a huge canvas and creating. Whether it’s making something with my girls or a personal project, it takes me back to my childhood and brings me back to me. 

Smudging - My little bundle of sage comes out when I bring new used things into my home. All things are comprised of energy and I like to make sure it’s peaceful energy and not heavy feeling or negative. 

Music - The right song can make you feel happy, sad, nostalgic, you name it. Sometimes you just need a good cry and sometimes you just need to shake it off.

Go for a drive - I’m doing less of this as I spend time with an environmentalist who has helped broaden my awareness. But I do really love cranking the music and going for a country drive. I made this rule years ago when the kids were young...The questions can wait. Let’s just listen to the music and drive.  It doesn’t always work and I’m certainly happy to converse with my children in the car about things they see, but it helps me to feel calm. And I feel it settles things down a bit and stops the rapid fire questions from my 5 and 7 year old.

Read a book on positivity - I have an extensive library of really good books for your brain. Reach out and ask if you feel like you could use a good one and I’ll share it with you!

Take time off of social media - This isn’t really the last tool I use, it’s one I’m mindful of daily. Take a step back. Don’t compare yourself to others. Don’t answer every ding. Don’t mindlessly scroll. Pick up your phone when it works for you!!

Okay, so the idea of course is not that you do all of these things, all of the time, anytime you feel stressed. The idea is that you do one or two, when you can. But make the time for yourself to be by yourself and truly listen to what you need. You deserve to be happy. Like really happy!! We all do.

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Wishing you more peace, balance, happiness, vibrant health and lasting love.

Sandy xo

"What we think, we become." -Buddha