Thursday, January 31, 2013

Unexpected gifts replenishing my soul

 
 
 
One of the challenges of living with mental illness is finding tools that work for you that help you to feel and function better. One such tool for me is practising mindfulness, or as I have heard it coined Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).  This works for me personally much better then CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy). Why, I don't know. If it works, sometimes you just have to go with it.
 
The last couple of weeks I have felt stretched to my limit, and I may have had a tantrum of sorts last week about feeling unappreciated and taken for granted by EVERYONE in my house, and that once again no one was going to give two hoots about MY birthday. Yesterday was my birthday and to say the least, I was pleasantly surprised to have a wonderful day.
 
The best part was all the unexpected 'gifts' that came my way - coffee brought to me by Laura in the morning, a happy birthday text from a new friend, lunch from a friend that I have reconnected with after we had a falling out a few years ago, my mum buying me flowers for Aston to give me for my birthday, going to 'Chicks at the Flicks' to see  Les Misérables and getting a free massage while I was waiting to go in.
 
Beautiful unexpected moments that all contributed to me having a fantastic day.
 
When I do this -
 
“Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has yet to come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering”
― Ida Scott Taylor
 
 
unexpected, amazing things happen, and my soul gets replenished.
 
 
Do you practise mindfulness? Does it help?

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18 comments:

  1. Janet CamilleriJanuary 31, 2013 at 12:50 PM

    Not sure I really know what mindfulness is (despite the fact one of my clients is a large psychology clinic!) ...

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    1. UnknownFebruary 10, 2013 at 7:20 AM

      In a nut shell, it's about focusing on the moment you in, what you hear, feel, smell, see. It really helps me to manage my anxiety.
      Thanks for stopping by Janet. :)

      Delete
  2. AnonymousJanuary 31, 2013 at 1:30 PM

    Awesome Vicky! I try to live by this rule. We get too flustered if we think too far ahead, Now is what matters most! Happy Birthday for yesterday! Thanks for linking up today xxxx

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    1. UnknownFebruary 10, 2013 at 7:21 AM

      Thanks Leigh. Love thankful Thursday. Missed doing it this week, just too busy to blog this week. X

      Delete
  3. AnonymousJanuary 31, 2013 at 3:16 PM

    Happy birthday for yesterday Vicky!! Thank you for the reminder to practice 'mindfulness'. It's sometimes hard for a 'worrier' like me! xo

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    1. UnknownFebruary 10, 2013 at 7:22 AM

      Thank you for the birthday wishes. Mindfullness really helps me when I can feel,the clutches of anxiety around my throat. :)

      Delete
  4. AnonymousJanuary 31, 2013 at 3:41 PM

    I'm really glad you had a happy birthday Vicky, and that you got spoiled. I am trying to slow down a little more and enjoy my kids more rather than just stress. Emily

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    1. UnknownFebruary 10, 2013 at 7:25 AM

      It's so easy to get caught up in the stress tread mill isn't it Emily? I have to very consciously stop myself. That's why I love link ups like thankful Thursday. A good opportunity to change perspective :)

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  5. UnknownFebruary 8, 2013 at 12:09 PM

    Happy Birthday! You deserve to feel special and loved.

    It is really hard to let go of some things in our past, and we always seem to look to the future for the next great thing. Living in present is just ideal, but takes mindfulness and a bit of practise!

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    1. UnknownFebruary 10, 2013 at 7:43 AM

      And so very worth it. Something I consciously practise every day.
      Thanks for the birthday wishes. :)

      Delete
  6. ClaireyhewittFebruary 8, 2013 at 12:45 PM

    I totally agree. When you are all grown up surprises are much fewer than when you are younger, the unexpected pleasant things, no matter how small are so wonderful.

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    1. UnknownFebruary 10, 2013 at 7:44 AM

      They are the best Claire. They filled my heart so much. X

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  7. AnonymousFebruary 8, 2013 at 9:13 PM

    I love Acceptance Commitment Therapy. I studied psychology and intend to practice one day, and I am sure I will use this. I benefited so much from it in my own counselling. Beautiful blog! x

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    1. UnknownFebruary 10, 2013 at 7:54 AM

      Thank you for stopping by :)
      ACT has been so beneficial for me since I started practising it. Really helps managing my anxiety.

      Delete
  8. UnknownFebruary 10, 2013 at 7:06 AM

    Vicky, I had a birthday 2 weeks ago that was exactly like this - unexpected lovely things. I can relate to much. I'm so glad you had a great birthday. I've never heard of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy - I'm intrigued! xxx

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    1. UnknownFebruary 10, 2013 at 7:57 AM

      It's just the psychology term for mindfullness really, I have found it so helpful, and for me works more effectively then CBT. Have a research Deb. you may find it helpful xxx

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  9. UnknownFebruary 24, 2013 at 7:18 PM

    Glad you enjoyed your birthday. I practise Mindfulness, and it helps a lot, especially with anxiety. Good to find someone else who knows what I am on about.

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    1. UnknownFebruary 24, 2013 at 7:36 PM

      Hi Bronnie. Thanks for stopping by. I do know what you're on about. Was lovely to connect the other day. Xxx

      Delete

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