When we stop and take the time to be mindful, to think about all the good things in our lives we live happier. I mean it is obvious right? If we are focusing on all the negatives then our day is more likely to suck, because we are taking all that negativity around with us. But when we are in a positive mindset we are more likely to notice all the good things in our day, and also more likely to pass kindness and positivity onto others. Positivity is a win win, it makes us happy, which leads to others around us being happier too!
With Aspen in so much pain right now it has been incredibly hard on her. Any one who has lived with back pain knows that it is hard. Your movement is restricted, you can’t pick up anything you drop, you can’t get comfortable no matter what position you put yourself in, basically it is pretty awful. And when you are 12 years old it is hard to understand why your body is in such pain. She can’t participate in school sports, or any sport right now, she can’t play with her friends they way she wants and she even missed out on a sleepover last night because of her pain levels. On Tuesday we have our first appointment with the Spinal expert who will begin her rehabilitation and gosh I can’t wait! I want to see her pain, and movement improving instead of getting worse! It’s been a rough time for her you can read about it HERE.
So one thing her and I have been talking about is being mindful of the great things in her life! We’ve been focusing on positives and keeping her as happy as possible to help with the pain. There are so many research reports out there that tell us that our mood affects our health. Happiness has been linked to;
- healthier hearts
- longer lives
- better immunity
- less stress
- less aches and pains
So as a mum I figure if I can’t take away my child’s pain, then at least I can help ease it a little. Now don’t get me wrong, there are moments her pain is so severe that she is in tears, I can not make her simply forget she is in pain, although I wish I could! But I have found that the calmer she is, the happier, and the better rested she is all lead to her experiencing lower pain levels. So we have been focusing on ways to make her happier.
As I mentioned above, the mood we are in affects others, so if she notices me worrying and upset then she is more likely to focus on the negatives too. So keeping myself positive and smiling helps her feel more positive about her recovery. That’s not to say I fluff over it, we talk honestly about the hard work ahead, but we keep positive about it. Other things we do to keep her more positive is make sure she is doing the things she enjoys.
- Drawing and art.
- Baking together.
- Playing music she enjoys in our home.
- Watching Disney Comedy Shows together as a family.
- Gentle walks with our dogs.
- Cuddles with the bunnies.
- Friends hanging out.
- Loads of cuddles and Mummy time!
One of Aspen’s art pieces
And also ensuring.
- Lots of water.
- Plenty of down time and sleep.
- Fresh air.
- Healthy meals as well as some treats.
The happier and more loved she feels the happier I feel too, and like I said earlier it becomes a win win. It also means that her brother, sister and father are all happier too. The more positive our home life is right now the better that is for her pain.
I think this is true for all people everywhere, if we share positivity and live with grateful hearts we share that forward. There are so many people going through such tough times right now, and we can’t solve every issue, but we can be grateful for the amazing things and people in our lives, we can share positivity and smile at others, say thank you, and pay compliments. We can make a difference with small gestures.
So I am asking you to take the time today to notice the things that make you happy. Smile at others, give someone a genuine compliment and take care of yourself too. When you finish reading this let me know in the comment section 2 things you feel happy about or grateful for today. And if you don’t share them here then just acknowledge them to yourself.
I hope you have a happy day!
Thanks for joining me, love Mackenzie xx
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I’m admitting I ned help, and I am not apologising for it.
It’s #mg link up time
This Link Up will allow you to link one post per week, your favourite blog post past or present. From your favourite photos of your kids, to posts about what you got up to on the weekend, what weird and wonderful things your children are up to, a great craft idea, or a recipe your family loves. You can link reviews, video blogs or pretty much anything you are proud of! The possibilities are endless. As long as the post is not offensive it can be added to my Linky! There will be some Rules, they’re easy to follow though.
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Thank you to everyone who linked up last week!
My most clicked upon post that was linked up last week goes to Rhyming With Wine, who discusses what happened when her child asked “what is dead?” How would you explain to your child about Death?
And my favourite post from last weeks Linky was from Chronicles of a lump person, her post You Can’t Always Get the Beater was about how we just don’t always get what we want when we want it, but I loved how she finished it with “I’m off to make a chocolate cake“, because let’s be honest I love cake!
27 comments
I want to say don’t worry , she’ll be fine. But I know as a mum, you’ll worry. So, I’ll say that she’ll be fine and you are doing the right thing. I remember my mum and I used to spend time drawing and painting whenever I fell sick. Now I understand this was her way of making me focus on something I love. Hugs. She’ll be fine. I’ll pray for her 😊
Hi Mackenzie, These are such tough lessons to watch our children learning. You are doing a great job by teaching her to find what she can do and working with that. I don’t know the story behind your daughters back pain but there is a great book which uses self-hypnosis and eft to help with it. It may be something you could read and pull out what your daughter would be able to use. The Book on Back Pain by Tom Barber. I hope she feels better. I am happy for my family everyday, for our health and for the beautiful peaceful part of the world we live in.
Thank you for letting us know about this book, I’m off to find it now xx
Mackenzie you are such a wonderful Mum – I’m sure that Aspen must get so much comfort and support from knowing how much you care and how hard you are trying to take her pain away. I totally agree with you – it’s important to try and recognise the happiness in our lives and be grateful for it. Sending love and hugs and I hope that she gets the treatment to take her pain away very soon. xx
… I’m going on holiday this morning so I won’t be linking up today but than you for having and featuring my post last week lovely. I’ll be back soon xx
I love that you are teaching her about positivity and being mindful. I wasn’t ‘taught’ those things; I think it’s only been in the last few years that I’ve really focussed on these things.
2 things that have made me happy today: 1. Waking up to Lilly’s smile. No matter how tired I am I LOVE waking up to her gorgeous little smile every morning. I used to struggle to get out of bed, but mornings are now my favourite time of day. 2. Deciding not to work tonight and instead reading blog posts and drinking my peppermint tea 🙂 #mg
I feel so bad that your daughter is in pain. I know how that feels to be helpless in helping your children. My son has been feeling sick and nauseous for two months and so far all of our tests are coming back normal (which is great but not helpful in finding a solution!). I think you have the right idea though and have been trying to do the same thing with my son. We’re thankful that he’s not sick all the time and we’re thankful that even when he’s feeling nausea he’s not actually getting sick. We’re thankful that so far we have not had to cancel any plans to meet up with friends and family and we’re thankful that nothing major seems to be wrong. At this point I’m hoping for an allergy.
You are absolutely right about positivity and happiness and I think it’s wonderful the way you are making mindfulness work for you and your daughter. It’s all about the little things, isn’t it? The little positives in our lives that make the big, nasty things that little bit more bearable. I hope the rehabilitation eases her pain. What an amazing artist she is! Alison x #mg
I always draw and colour with her when my daughter is not doing too well.It makes her happy and somehow that makes her get better sooner.
Happiness is healing.It’s true. I hope both your children get better soon.
They deserve all the happiness .
I’m so sorry that Aspen is in pain, I can relate to this with living with chronic pain each day. It’s very hard to stay positive when you are hurting so much but I think looking for the positives and finding ways to be happy will always help with any recovery. Sending love to you both. xx #mg
Your daughter is beautiful and it hurts my heart that she is in so much pain. I wish her the speediest of recoveries. I can’t imagine what it must be like for you Mac. Big hugs to you , and gentle ones for her! #mg
Thanks so much. Feeling rather low lately so this cheered me up xxx ST
Oh no poor Aspen, back pain really is dreadful. I hope you find a solution soon. It is good to focus on the positives and I find mindfulness really helps when I am worried about something serious, logically we know that no amount of worry will change the outcome, but as mums we just can not help it sometimes. Love to you both and thank you for hosting xx
Lovely post, and a really good reminder to look for the happy even on the bad days
#TwinklyTuesday
Back again from #DreamTeam. Hope Aspen is feeling a little better x
I’m sorry your daughter is suffering, but it really is amazing what a positive mindset can do! Easier said than done but definitely just a case of persevering and getting into the habit of seeing the ups rather than the downs all the time. #twinklytuesday
Your poor daughter. I suffer with backpack myself so I know how awful it is and like you say, being only 12, it must be so much harder for her to cope with but it sounds like she has an amazing family behind her supporting and helping her and keeping her positive and I agree that positivity uses key.
Two things that I am grateful for today? Well the first is that we are finally closer to getting answers about our son (have linked up my post about that) and the second is that I am grateful my children are able to enjoy the simple pleasures in life such as laughing at the leaves crumbling between their feet on a cold bit bright November day. The simplest pleasures in life really are the best.
Thanks for hosting your #Mg linky 🙂
It really must be so very hard to see your child in this pain but your approach of ‘lifting the mood’ and being mindful of your words, actions, activities is surely helping. May the positivity continue. Sending you lots of positive vibes, and thanks so much for linking up to #PositiveThinking 🙂
I think she know that you doing everything to take that pain from her:) I’m grateful today for my baby smile and our cuddles
#mg
You are such a fabulous mom to think of a list of things to keep both you and her busy and happy. You are right about being mindful of and grateful for our blessings. I do hope she gets better soon.
Aww… such a lovely post. I also had a really bad pack pain a week ago and now I am having the most horrendous cold/ flu ever! I never ever get a cold and now it is so bad! I have running nose all the time! I think drinking lots of water goes a long way. What an inspiring post. Thank you Mac. xx #mg
Hope your daughter get well soon. xxx
It’s wonderful that you are surrounding yourself with things you enjoy and love. The mermaid picture is beautiful. She is very talented. #mg
Forgot to wish her a speedy recovery. Sorry.
Your poor girl, it’s so hard having back pain. I’m really struggling at the moment with pain and I know how it can easily make you more grumpy and negative. Aspen is so lucky to have you helping her to keep positive and happy. #TheListLinky
Apsne’s rehabilitation will be long and tiring and it is wonderful that you are focusing on the positives amidst her pain and supporting her as a family. I hope once she starts her programme she starts to notice a difference quickly. She has a real talent as an artist – such a beautiful painting. Re your question I am grateful today for the support of two very dear friends whilst my husband begins a new business venture. Enjoy your weekend. #mg
Poor Aspen – it must be so hard on her. SOunds like you are doing a really good job of making her life as happy and pain free as possible. Love the picture of the mermaid. #eatsleepblogrt
Hi Mac, I’m so sorry to hear Aspen’s pain is bad (I can totally relate) I find with my back, gentle exercise really does help a lot. That is such a beautiful drawing she is so talented. Sending hugs for you both. Thanks for linking up to #thelist x
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