On the Coast – Families Issue 98 I February/March 2019 | Page 12

2 Simple Strategies for a better year & a better you by Catherine Schasser T he new year is upon us therefore the gift of choice is too. Whether you’re a new year resolution junkie or you meandered through the holiday period unsure even what day of the week it was, taking a brief moment to reflect on these questions could be just the motivation required to make 2019 one of the best of your life! Have you ever anticipated a meal, only to be let down by its taste or presentation? Perhaps you eagerly awaited the arrival of an online purchase, however on receival, quickly realised it was vastly different to the image you had in your mind? What about an interaction with a loved one? You were so looking forward to time together, rich conversation and connection, when in reality, they were completely distracted and any meaningful conversation barely surfaced, let alone maintained. Moments such as these can foster frustration, perhaps even sadness, anger or resentment. You come away feeling completely disappointed, which in turn reduces your energy and happiness levels. Life is layered and full. It is unpredictable and influenced by thousands of factors each day, surely it is impossible not to be disillusioned and disappointed here and there? This is certainly a very valid point, but what if there was a way to reduce the opportunity to feel frustrated, and instead, fill your days with delight, purpose and positivity? How would your life be different if it incorporated more of these feelings? What positive influence would these have on your wellbeing? How would your children benefit from a world of less negative emotion, rather, experiencing happiness and joy? The influence of a parent’s mental health directly impacts the shaping of a child’s world. This understanding is more than enough motivation for us to be conscious and reflective of our behaviour. With this in mind, let’s take that first step to reducing frustration and disappointment in your life. “Swap your expectation for appreciation.” Full stop. That’s it. Surely not, you may query, but I emphasise the truthfulness and impact of this statement. Try it yourself now. Think of the last time you were disappointed. What did you expect? What did you receive? Do it again. Recall another example of feeling disappointed. What did you expect? What did you receive? Repeat until you enthusiastically understand this correlation. That was easy wasn’t it, and now you are aware of this distinction, you may be curious how it had not come to your attention sooner? Your job is not done, however. You have one more action to take. As we have already determined, life is actually full of moments which do not go as planned. I am certainly not suggesting you live the rest of 2019 with no standards or expectations. Setting and working toward goals can be truly inspiring and a beneficial, if not essential strategy to creating the life you desire. The action I do encourage you to take now is the forethought of which elements of your life benefit from holding expectations, and which areas are ones you can loosen your expectation around. Think ‘survival of the fittest’ and apply this concept to your expectations for life. The greater your ability to pivot, positively respond and reduce attachment to an idea or outcome, the greater the opportunity to not only allow, but invite happiness and purpose into your life. With this reduction in life expectations, comes less frustration and increased happiness. You are now more able to be the role model you desire to be for your child, in turn fostering in them, the same skills of life success and enjoyment you have now discovered. Congratulations! Sincerely, Catherine Catherine is a mother, life coach, early childhood teacher and is co-founder of Developing Dreams, a locally owned company which provides an Early Learning Centre and Coaching Services for mothers. Please email [email protected] or call 4358 3155 for more information. 30 Renwick Street, Wyoming Phone: [phone] Vasectomies are a permanent and very effective way to stop unwanted pregnancies. They are performed under local anaesthetic and have a quick recovery time. Formulating The Future One Thought at a Time... Workshops Early Learning Centre Mentoring Workshops 1 Bridge Avenue Early Learning Chain Valley Bay Centre NSW 2259 Mentoring 4358 3155 1 Bridge Avenue Chain Valley Bay 4358 3155 12 KI DZ O N T H E C OA ST IS YOUR FAMILY COMPLETE? Have you thought of your options? Have you considered a vasectomy? For more information regarding the procedure, fees or any other issues of concern please visit our website or contact our friendly staff. www.cornerfamilysurgery.com.au