Reading this will feel like an exhale☁️

7 mindset shifts, journal prompts, & fresh perspectives for challenging days

Hey, you—

A little bonus email coming your way on this Friday morning ◡̈ Just because I felt like writing.

This email will be short & sweet, but will hopefully still make a difference in your mood by the time you finish it (#7 on this list is my favorite…).

View it as a chance to find a moment of peace, a sense of groundedness, & an opportunity for reflection as you enter this weekend.

To be honest, this week kind of kicked my butt— our entire family got hit by a gnarly stomach bug (is there anything worse than seeing your kiddo sick?🥺), I didn’t even come close to accomplishing my to-do list (re: stomach bug) so I’m feeling overwhelmed by outstanding tasks, I’ve had a few things that got under my skin, and, of course, our car started acting up AGAIN (you may remember this happened the last time I had a bad week, too 🫠 The comedic timing of this vehicle should be studied.), but basically— it’s just been one of those weeks where it felt like a LOT of things piling up. All at once.

But such is life, eh?

• Breathe in.

• Breathe out.

• This too shall pass.

It can be natural to succumb to the “woe is me” attitude (and, tbh, it feels really good— and needed— to just SULK sometimes), but eventually I snap out of the pity party and get the desire to “return to myself” and my normal energy.

In this post, I am just going to share 7 SPECIFIC phrases, journal prompts, & exercises that help me put things in perspective, connect to *my* inner compass, & cultivate a sense of peace even amidst a chaotic day—

1) Asking myself, “What is true?”

I’m not quite sure where I first heard this phrase, but but it always comes to me in weeks like this— pausing to ask myself what is TRUE?

Whether it is a difficult situation, a stressful moment, a sick household, or just an instance where I feel out of my body, I will stop. Take a moment. And silently list out things that are true in that moment.

✨ This exercise is different than a normal gratitude list and is moreso full of general, factual statements about my reality. ✨

Here’s some examples that have come to mind over the last week—

• I am doing my best

• We have a roof over my head.

• We have access to clean water & food & fresh air.

• I’m a nurse & know how to take care of my family when they’re ill.

• My husband & I make a great team.

• My son finds comfort & feels safe with me.

• We have access to medical care if we should ever require it.

• Getting sick is a normal part of life.

• I can take this one day at a time.

• All of my tasks will get done eventually.

• I am doing my best.

• I am doing my best.

• I am doing my best.

And whatever situation it may be— it can be easy to get so wrapped up in our brains, in overthinking, in other peoples’ opinions, in “what ifs”, in “to-dos”, that it can feel so grounding to pause. breathe. and return to what is TRUE.

#2 These writing prompts—

If you’ve been a reader of The Reset for a while, you already KNOW I love a great journal prompt (paid subscribers always receive a “prompt of the week” at the bottom of every weekly post✨).

Putting pen to paper will forever be my safe space, and here are a few writing prompts I love for moments when you’re feeling a bit blah:

• “I am proud of myself for…”

• “I give myself permission to…”

• “What have I learned from this?”

• “I surrender the outcome of…”

#3 A classic gratitude list—

Ugh, I know, I know.

Gratitude lists. So basic, so cheesy…

…yet so impactful.

At least for me.

The other day, when I was feeling down, I sat down & physically wrote out a list, and I’m always amazed at how it really can instantly shift my mood. (It’s forever the “obvious” ones that really hit home when you pause, write them down, & TRULY reflect, isn’t it?)

My marriage, our son, my health, my close-knit family, my faith, a place to live, access to nature…

I’m like, OH YEAH. That’s what matters. It instantly puts trivial things into perspective.

Saw this quote floating around Pinterest, and I loved it. Credit to Eric John Campbell.

Writing a gratitude list is one of those things that’s so obvious, but— if you’re anything like me— you rarely sit down and actually do it.

So, in this moment, I invite you to make a mini gratitude list of your own.

Even if the “big” things feel difficult to name right now (relationships, family, housing, etc.) that’s okay. There will be times like that in life. But can you even list a few small things that you’re thankful for? Your favorite sweater, an unexpectedly sunny afternoon, a piping hot mug of tea, your friend who sent you a meme out of the blue….

So, let’s go for it. Even if life isn’t perfect (hint: it will never be), can you think of 3 things you are thankful for in this season of your life?

1. ______________

2. ______________

3. ______________

#4 Carving out time for self-care

Easier said than done, I know, but here are a few posts that can help make the ever-elusive “self-care” into a reality amidst a busy life—

43 unique ideas for self-care 🌼

COMMUNITY CHAT: When Do You Feel Most Connected to Yourself?

how to create a self-care menu ☁️ 📝

#5 “Don’t pick green tomatoes….”

I stumbled upon this gem of a saying about… *checks watch* 3 days ago😂

In

Alisha Ramos

’ newsletter, Downtime, she explained a phrase that had recently made an impact on her—

In the midst of expressing her anxieties, the "what ifs" and worries about the future, when her friend dropped this nugget of wisdom: "Don't pick green tomatoes."

A simple reminder not to not over-anticipate things that haven't even occurred yet (...and, honestly, might never occur!).

I, of course, thought it was cute & clever. But it apparently also really stuck in my subconscious as I’ve already repeated it to myself no less than 5 times already this week? Not mad about it.

#6 The obvious things:

It wouldn’t be “how to get out of a funk” post without listing some of the obvious things.

The ol’ standbys for a REASON—

• Going outside & getting some fresh air

• Calling a friend.

• Taking a bath

• Scheduling a therapy appointment

• Putting the phone away

We all “know” these things. Duh. This step is all about just DOING THE DANG THING that will make us feel better. Picking even 1 thing each day can make such a shift.

And, pssst, here are so many other [more unique] mood-boosters ⬇️ You guys contributed such a great ideas of your favorites in this oldie-but-a-goodie community chat. I referenced it myself this week!

Community Brainstorm: What Is *Your* Favorite Way To Boost Your Mood When You're Feeling Down?

7) And, lastly…

Whenever I am needing a gut check, here’s my go-to method:

• Ask myself, “What is in my control here?” and do it.

• Ask myself, “What is out of my control here?” and surrender it.

Mmmmm, a little impromptu Friday chat ◡̈ I hope you enjoyed this spontaneous reminder to slow down, pause, *try your best* to stay aligned with yourself, your internal compass, your inner truth— in the good weeks, the bad weeks, & the in-between weeks.

(And just in case no one’s told ya lately— you’re doing a great job, friend.)

XX,

(Pssst: just a random thank you for the continued beautiful energy you share with me on this platform— the internet can be draining at times, but I truly have felt so safe, seen, & AT HOME here on The Reset. Thank you for being here!)

I Didn’t Buy *ANY* New Clothes For A Year —

a 1-minute hack to feel grounded ☁️🧘‍♀️✨ (The Sunday R.E.S.E.T. #15)

Meal Prep; But Make It Simple ✌️