Small gestures, big impact: your daily superpower

Welcome to MindfulMornings!

Before we get into it, just a little bit of housekeeping…

• We’ve recently started our Instagram account. We plan to do a lot more on Instagram in the future. We’d love for you to join us and follow along. You can find us here!

Here are 2 quotes, 2 tips, and 1 question to help with building healthy habits this week.

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2 Quotes

1. "The ultimate happiness is to be who you are, knowing who you are, and doing what you love." - Yogi Bhajan

    

2. "Integrity isn't just about doing the right thing when others are watching. It's about doing the right thing, even when no one is looking. It's about being true to yourself, your values, and your vision, and living a life that reflects your deepest aspirations and ideals." - Unknown

2 Tips

1) Master the Gentle Art of Saying No

Why: We can often feel pressured to be everything to everyone. But, saying yes to everything can mean saying no to your own needs and can leave us with little energy to put into the things that are truly important.’

Learning to say no isn't selfish - it's an act of self-respect and a crucial step towards living a more balanced, fulfilling life.

How to Say No with Grace:

1. Know Your North Star: Take a moment to write down what truly matters to you at this stage of your life. Is it spending more time with grandchildren? Pursuing your ikigai (as discussed in last week’s newsletter)? Deepening your yoga practice?

   Keep this list handy - it's your compass for decision-making.

2. Pause Before You Respond: When asked to commit to something, take a breath. Say, "Let me check my schedule and get back to you." This gives you time to consider if the request aligns with your priorities.

3. Be Kind but Clear: When declining, be direct yet gentle. Try phrases like:

   • "Thank you for thinking of me, but I'm not able to commit to that right now."

   • "That sounds wonderful, but my plate is full."

4. Offer an Alternative (If You Want): If appropriate, you could suggest another way to help:

   • "I can't volunteer for the whole day, but I could help for two hours in the morning."

5. Practice Self-Compassion: Saying no might feel uncomfortable at first. That's okay! Be kind to yourself as you learn this new skill. Each "no" is a "yes" to your own well-being and other opportunities.

By learning to say no, you're saying yes to a life that's true to your values and aspirations. It's about quality over quantity, and it's never too late to start prioritizing what truly matters to you.

2) Spread Joy with Daily Micro-Giving

Why It Matters: Micro-giving is a fantastic way to spread happiness and joy. These small acts of kindness aren't just good for others - they're a gift to yourself too.

Micro-giving can:

• Boost your mood and reduce stress (hello, better health!)

• Create a sense of purpose and connection

• Inspire others to spread kindness (it's contagious!)

• Make your community a warmer, friendlier place

How to Make It Happen:

1. Start Your Day with Intention: Each morning, as you sip your coffee or tea, set an intention to do something for others.

2. Look for Opportunities:

   • At home: Leave a loving note for your partner or call a family member you haven't spoken to in a while.

   • While running errands: Let someone go ahead of you in line or give a genuine compliment to a store clerk.

3. Embrace Digital Kindness: In our connected world, kindness can spread far and wide:

   • Leave a positive review for a local business you love

   • Donate $5 to a cause close to your heart

4. Reflect and Grow: Before bed, take a moment to think about your act of kindness. How did it make you feel? How did the recipient react? Jot down your thoughts in a gratitude journal - it's a beautiful way to end your day.

Remember, you don't need to change the world in a day. These small acts of kindness add up, creating ripples of positivity in your life and the lives of those around you.

1 Question

• How can you learn to let go of control and put more trust in life's journey?

Letting go of control doesn't mean saying yes to everything and just going with the flow. It means creating space, embracing uncertainty, and being open to where the universe takes us. Try to embrace uncertainty by taking one small, intentional risk today – perhaps try a new route on your walk or strike up a conversation with a stranger.

Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoy your week.

With gratitude,

MindfulMornings

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