Gratitude Amidst The Chaos
We gathered this week for our Rare Family Dynamics workshop. We began this new series by focusing on gratitude. As a Raregiver™, it can be hard to find moments of gratitude amidst the chaos. And it is possible. Our conversation included the things that we feel grateful for, as well as, what gets in the way of feeling grateful. When you practice gratitude, it becomes your default.
Look for what's working
The thing to remember is to intentionally turn your awareness toward the things that you are grateful for. Notice what's working. Receive the moments of laughter with your family or the dappled sunlight coming through the trees. Celebrate a moment of snuggling with your pet or sharing a hug with your rare child.
What gets in the way?
The primary thing that gets in the way of feeling grateful is the inner critic and the limiting belief that you are unworthy. In order to experience gratitude, you need to feel worthy.
The inner critic
The inner critic can capsize your boat. It can drag you down and down until you feel like you're drowning in overwhelm and despair. The opportunity is to notice when the inner critic comes in saying "I should be more like that parent. I should be doing more. I should be…” When you compare, you invite despair.
One thing that you can practice is interrupting the “shoulds." As soon as you notice, you're “shouldding yourself,” pause. Be curious. Ask yourself if what you're saying to yourself is true. Very likely it is not.
Practice noticing
Take time to practice noticing what it feels like to speak to yourself with kindness. Bring self-compassion as an offering. Take the time to acknowledge yourself for what you are doing and how you are being. Slow down and let it in. Allow yourself to feel how it feels to receive the goodness you bring to your family and the world.
You can use this prompt: "What I'm doing well is..." Hear what you are saying and feel that you ARE showing up in your life. You are a rockstar!
The little things
As we say here at ANGEL AID 😇, a little plus a little adds up to a lot. Maybe you don't have time to do a 20-minute meditation and maybe you do have time to do a three-minute meditation. Even a little bit is useful. It's like filling up a piggy bank, every penny adds up.
One of our new participants was shocked at how her ability to partially participate in our six-minute meditation shifted her state. It really made a difference. Giving a little bit of time and attention to yourself can make a huge difference in how you feel.
Coming up this week: Noticing Changes & Nervous System Regulation - Staying embodied amidst change
This week our theme will be Noticing Changes. In the early stages of becoming a caregiver for your rare child, you are asked to embrace many changes as you move from a working professional to a full-time caregiver. Many feelings will arise as you step into being an expert on your child’s rare disease. It can be overwhelming. In this meeting, we will explore ways of staying calm, tending to all parts of you, and taming the inner critic. You will learn tools for regulating your nervous system. Join us for a potent session.
Join Us
You may not realize how much you need the ANGEL AID community until you find it.
Zoom Link: Click Here
We look forward to being with you soon.
