Self-Care, GRIT and Mindset

Sometimes expert advice is not expert.  Like doctors who tell you, "you are a little blue, here is something to help you sleep."

Living in the moment and trusting my instincts is expert. And the things I have gone through in my life,  are the research and development I needed to help me show up and push through many struggles.

They were my preparation, and it is ongoing.  

So every morning I wake up and write down three things I am grateful for.  

Yesterday's list is the same as today's. That happens.

I am grateful for my health.  I am grateful for my family. I am grateful for listening to that clear voice within. 

I am flanked by two smiling gentlemen in this picture, at a glamorous event. My husband holding my award and Mark, our chairman.  I received a Person of the Year award that night for my voluntary work on behalf of the Association of Kenyan Professionals, Atlanta.  I could not smile because my face was paralyzed.  And for many years, I had to learn to overcome and live with triggers to the damage to the 7th cranial nerve in my brain.

I had to put my self care first.  And that might sound selfish, but it is in fact selfless. Because if you care for yourself, then you can show up for everyone. How do you have certainty for a family member or a loved one, if you don't have it for yourself?  

Be the light, the beacon, the role model. Here is an acronym to help you to remember to practice Gratitude and Appreciation and this will result in Miracles in your life. 

GAM!

Gratitude - commit to writing three things you are grateful for every single day.
Appreciation - send someone a text of appreciation. You get back love. Everyone wins.
Miracles - look at the wins of the day before you go to sleep.  

And of course, proper nutrition, sleep and exercise are key to helping you strive with the right mindset.

Mama Shujaa xoxox


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Swallow Me

Image
Swallow me whole without sedation. Sample the truth my heart's vibration. Limb by limb take me in. In every crevice you will find Hints Teetering, dancing around life's rim. Swallow lest the precipice invites me in. Swallow me whole Smack your lips Seal them with my single wish Brimful, the Marrow Of My Love. Mama Shujaa. **First published on July 8, 2009** Copyright © Mama Shujaa 2009. All Rights Reserved
Read more

See the World, No Visa Required

Image
Early last month a friend sent me an email with the subject FW: Student Cultural Exchange. "Exciting opportunity," the two words leaped at me as I slugged three short paragraphs to grasp the important details. Age range: 13-16, male or female. Commitment: 1 week, July 6th to 13th. I made note that only eight privileged friends were recipients of the message. Until I read the last sentence, "Feel free to share with others!" My friend is charming, but she is also practical. Interestingly, our thirteen-year-old conceded reluctantly to the novel idea of hosting a Chinese student for one week. My guess is that his regular summer routine - daily swim team practices, and swim meets every Thursday evening - causes little anxiety. In addition, sticking to his assigned school projects and reading lists, is easy and comfortable. Moreover, when we sat to discuss the opportunity that evening, he must have thought hard about the adjustments required, about coming out of a c
Read more

Kilimanjaro

Image
By HANA NJAU-OKOLO Kilimanjaro You are I am Melting. Those patterns etched into your face Are tears carved under my eyes Draining through the mask. A glacial screen The landscape of my life Frozen into the familiar. Snow-cap Washing away As men in their folly Plunder the spoils of the earth. Face-to-face you say Do not weep for me Weep for yourself And for your children. For the Sahara And its spreading. For your soul Marooned on an Island of dreams Unfulfilled. Copyright © Hana Njau-Okolo 2008-2012. All Rights Reserved. First posted on December 10, 2008.
Read more