Making your bed may seem like a small thing to you, but never underestimate the power of focusing on your small accomplishments. I do make my bed most days. I pay attention to how I feel after my bed is made. I take pride in a pretty bed. I take pride in my home and my office looking nice. Do you?

When we were children it was our small successes that were celebrated: our first step, putting our toys away, sleeping in our own beds. There is great value in going back to this way of thinking. I believe we would all be a lot happier if we could genuinely feel proud of our efforts and the small tasks in our life.

Here is the point: We cannot always accomplish big things (at first) and even focusing on the larger accomplishments can be overwhelming or paralyzing.

• So instead of looking ahead at how much more you need to do, how about looking at your accomplishments and celebrating the MOMENT? In the spirit of mindfulness (click here to read my latest magazine article), try bringing your focus on TODAY, THIS MOMENT. What are you proud of? What can you celebrate? Maybe it’s just getting out of bed or maybe you had the courage to leave a toxic relationship.
• Then take notice of how you feel when you accomplish something small such as making your bed, doing the dishes, washing your car (meaning driving through a car wash for me), helping your child with their homework or cleaning the dreaded toilet.

I find that women in particular find it difficult to celebrate the “little stuff”, to pat ourselves on the back, to say “Yay me”. Our culture does not support this way of thinking but I do.

If you would like some help in learning how to retrain your brain to celebrate your successes and experience a wonderful new outlook on life, please contact me at michelle@girlsstandstrong.com or 703-505-2413. I would love to hear from you.

Here’s to making your bed today (or tomorrow). Try it and see how you feel.

 

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Michelle Kelley Licensed Counselor, Owner, Girls Stand Strong

Licensed counselor and founder of Girls Stand Strong Michelle Kelley, LCSW, helps girls and women of all ages develop and improve their self-image, self-esteem, relationship and communication skills, emotional understanding, coping skills, the ability to handle difficult situations and people, and resiliency to create a brighter, better and more successful tomorrow. For more information about Michelle’s coaching and counseling services, call (703) 505-2413 or email michelle@girlsstandstrong.com.

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