Lowering our Expectations

I posted a quote from Dr. Mary O’Kane last week.??It discussed the impact of the last number of months on children and how we, as parents, should lower our expectations this summer.??We don’t need to have lots of ‘Instgramable’ days out planned for the next 8 weeks.??The key thing is to be present, keep it simple and enjoy the time with our kids.?

Judging by the messages I received, this quote resonated with a lot of parents, which made me think that this message doesn’t only apply to those with children –?it applies to everyone!?

We have all had to give up so much to protect the vulnerable people in our lives over the past 16 months (which we happily did to ensure they were safe and protected).??We have all endured difficult days and really had to dig deep to keep going.?

So this summer, we should all lower our expectations of the perfect summer snaps, days out, staycations etc.??

Let’s focus on us!??Be present, enjoy each moment and keep it simple.??Don’t feel to urge to look over the fence at what others are doing – just do you!?

Mental Health Ireland develop a fantastic initiative called ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’.??One of the five ways, includes, taking notice, or in others words, being present.??On their website,?www.mentalhealthireland.ie, they offer suggestions on ways to take notice, which I’ve listed below.

·??????Take a mindful walk and notice one thing you have never noticed before.

·??????Notice your breath in your body.

·??????Spend some time in silence each day to reflect on your thoughts.

·??????Mindfulness apps offer guided steps for being mindful throughout the day.

·??????Yoga and meditation can create an awareness of the body’s sensations, thoughts and feelings.

·??????Relax your shoulders and think about how your body feels right now.

·??????Savour a snack or meal, notice how it looks, tastes, smells and feels.

·??????Keep a gratitude journal. Note 3-5 things you are grateful for every day.

·??????Notice the sounds around you.

Why not give one of these a try the next time you want to remain present and enjoy the moment?

Remember, we all need time this summer to play, to laugh, to hug and to heal.?

As always, please let me know if you have any questions on any of the above.

I also offer 1 to 1 coaching in this space. If you would like to set up a complimentary exploratory call, I would be more than happy to arrange that.

Have a wonderful week!