Blog Category: motheroflargefamily

"Mind Over Matter: Exploring the Power of Mental Resilience"

Jun 24, 2024 03:47 PM Central
Kate Penwarn Thompson
#authorlife, #changelifestyle, #fostertoadoptmother, #healthandwellness, #life coaching, #mindfulness, #speakerlife, motheroflargefamily
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In the last few months, as I have been recovering from knee replacement surgery, I have had to do a lot of "mind over matter." There have been times of incredible pain, frustration, feeling hopeless, physical therapy that made me cry two or three times a week, and the overall feeling of what happened to life as I once knew it.

I'm grateful to be able to walk better and get on with life, as well as all the training and study I've done in the last ten years about how my thoughts affect my emotions and my actions. Oh, I have not been perfect, and struggling with my mind trying to stay positive and look to a better future with more mobility, has not been easy. It has been "MIND OVER MATTER!"

So, what does that mean? In our fast-paced, ever-changing world, the concept of "mind over matter" has become a popular and maybe overused phrase. At its core, this phrase embodies the idea that your thoughts, beliefs, and mental strength can have a profound impact on your physical reality. Whether it’s overcoming physical challenges, enduring pain, or pushing beyond perceived limitations, the power of the mind is a crucial element in achieving extraordinary feats. But what does "mind over matter" really mean, and how can you harness this power in your everyday life?

Understanding "Mind Over Matter"

"Mind over matter" suggests that mental strength and determination can transcend physical barriers. It’s a concept rooted in various philosophical, psychological, and spiritual traditions. Historically, it has been associated with the belief that the mind holds the power to shape reality. This idea is not just a philosophical musing but is supported by scientific evidence as well.

For instance, if you believe you can produce a certain, or desired result this can lead to real physiological improvements, highlighting the influence of the mind on the body. This truly is using your mind and your belief system to produce the results you desire.

From a psychological perspective, mental resilience – the ability to bounce back from adversity – is the belief and expectation of "mind over matter." If you can develop high mental resilience you will navigate life's challenges with greater ease, maintaining a positive outlook and finding solutions where others see only obstacles. This resilience is not an inherent trait but a skill that can be cultivated through practices such as mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and fostering a supportive social network.

The Role of Mental Resilience

Mental resilience is the cornerstone of "mind over matter." It involves maintaining flexibility and balance when faced with stressful situations. When you are resilient you are not immune to difficulties though can recover from setbacks more quickly. You begin to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable barriers. This mindset enables you to stay focused, motivated, and persistent even in the face of adversity.

One of the key aspects of building mental resilience is cultivating a positive and realistic outlook.

This involves recognizing negative thought patterns and consciously replacing them with more constructive ones. Cognitive-behavioral strategies can be particularly effective in this regard, helping you to reframe your thoughts and develop a more optimistic perspective.

Additionally, mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep-breathing exercises, can enhance emotional regulation, reduce stress, and promote a sense of calm and clarity.

Practical Steps to Harness "Mind Over Matter"

Mindfulness and Meditation: Engaging in regular mindfulness and meditation practices can help you stay grounded and focused, reducing the impact of negative thoughts and emotions. These practices enhance your ability to remain calm and collected, even in stressful situations.
Positive Affirmations: Incorporate positive affirmations into your daily routine. Affirmations are statements that reinforce a positive self-image and mindset, helping to boost confidence and resilience. For example, repeating phrases like "I am strong" or "I can handle whatever comes my way" can reinforce a resilient mindset.
Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques: Learn to identify and challenge negative thought patterns. Cognitive-behavioral techniques can help you reframe your thinking, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth. This can involve questioning the validity of negative thoughts and replacing them with more balanced, constructive ones.
Supportive Relationships: Build and maintain a strong support network. Surrounding yourself with positive, supportive individuals can provide emotional support and practical assistance during tough times. Having a community to rely on can significantly enhance your resilience.
Goal Setting: Set realistic and achievable goals. Breaking down larger challenges into manageable steps can make them seem less daunting and help you stay focused and motivated. Celebrate your progress along the way to maintain momentum.

Conclusion

"Mind over matter" is more than just a catchy phrase; it's a powerful principle that underscores the incredible potential of the human mind. By cultivating mental resilience, you can navigate life's challenges with greater ease, turning setbacks into opportunities for growth. Through mindfulness, positive affirmations, cognitive-behavioral techniques, supportive relationships, and goal setting, you can harness the power of your mind to overcome physical and mental barriers. In doing so, you not only enhance your well-being but also inspire those around you to recognize and tap into their inner strength.

By integrating these aspects into daily life, prayer can significantly enhance your ability to withstand and recover from adversity, thereby promoting overall mental resilience.

Psalm 23:4 (NIV): "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

This verse provides comfort and courage, emphasizing God's presence and protection even in the darkest and most challenging times

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Embracing the Divine Pause; When God Makes You Rest!

May 17, 2024 09:57 AM Central
Kate Penwarn Thompson
#anxiety, #change, #changelifestyle, #essential oils, #healthandwellness, #lifecoaching, #mindfulness, essentialoilcoach, motheroflargefamily
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In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of responsibilities, ambitions, and endless to-do lists. But what happens when God intervenes and calls us to rest? This divine pause can be both challenging and transformative, offering a profound opportunity to reconnect with our true selves and with Him. I had to explore the beauty and purpose behind those moments when God made me rest and discover how to embrace this sacred gift with an open heart and mind.

Six months ago, I had a total knee replacement. I went into this surgery thinking I would recover easily and quickly like I usually do, though it didn't quite go like that. What I didn't realize is that this was one of the top five major traumatic surgeries you can have, and my recovery was going to be anything but painless and quick. I fought hard to get back to my office and what I thought I should be doing. My leg wouldn't tolerate sitting in the chair and my body was recovering from trauma so it wanted to sleep, rest, and recuperate.

MY MIND WAS AT ODDS WITH MY BODY!

I struggled, fought, felt guilty, and even told myself I was just procrastinating! Yet, none of that was true. After a couple of months, I stopped fighting and telling myself what I wasn't or should be doing, and started listening. I realized after praying, and listening, this was a time to "pause" and reflect on exactly what I was doing, and did I need to make yet another change in my life. Of course, just about when I decided to do this, I got the dreaded Covid again and had to rest.

Recognizing the signs that God is calling you to rest can be crucial for maintaining spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. Here are some common signs that might indicate it's time to pause and rest:

1. Persistent Fatigue

Feeling constantly tired, even after a full night's sleep, can be a signal that you need to slow down and rest. It's a reminder to take care of your body and spirit.

2. Increased Stress and Anxiety

Heightened stress and anxiety levels can be a sign that you're overextending yourself. God might be nudging you to find peace and solace in Him.

3. Illness or Health Issues

Frequent sickness or health problems can be a wake-up call to prioritize rest and self-care. Your body needs time to heal and rejuvenate.

4. Loss of Joy and Passion

When activities that once brought joy and fulfillment start to feel burdensome, it may be time to take a step back and recharge.

5. Difficulty Hearing God's Voice

If you find it hard to hear God's guidance or feel disconnected in your prayer life, it might be a sign that you need quiet, undistracted time with Him.

6. Irritability and Short Temper

Being more irritable or losing patience easily can indicate burnout. It's a signal to slow down and seek peace and rest in God's presence.

7. Lack of Productivity

Struggling to stay focused or productive can be a sign that your mind and body need a break. Rest can help restore clarity and efficiency.

8. Neglect of Personal Relationships

If you notice you're neglecting relationships with family, friends, or even your relationship with God, it might be time to pause and invest in these connections.

9. Feeling Overwhelmed

A sense of being overwhelmed by life's demands is a clear indication that you need to step back, breathe, and rest.

10. Circumstantial Obstacles

Sometimes, circumstances such as canceled plans, delays, or unexpected free time can be God's way of providing you an opportunity to rest.

11. Scriptural Reminders

Coming across Bible verses or teachings that emphasize rest can be a divine reminder to heed this important aspect of spiritual discipline.

12. Inner Promptings

A persistent inner feeling or sense that you need to slow down can be the Holy Spirit urging you to rest and recharge.

13. Nature and Creation

Observing the natural world and its rhythms can be a gentle reminder of the importance of rest and renewal, as even creation itself follows cycles of rest.

Recognizing these signs and responding to them by taking time to rest can help restore balance and find a deeper connection with God. Remember, rest is not a luxury, but a necessary part of a healthy and spiritually fulfilling life.

So, next time you're feeling like you're trying to walk through mud, or pushing on the door so hard it's exhausting, take a moment to reflect and see whether it's time to embrace a Divine pause, rest, and see where God leads you next!

Check out my free links and grab these awesome resources to help you have a clearer mind!

https://katepenwarnthompson.info/page/links

Meet Kate Penwarn Thompson

DOES THIS SOUND FAMILIAR?

You know when you feel you're emotionally strong but you keep struggling with your weight and lifestyle habits? And, you really want to get out of this rut, move forward, and make positive changes in your life. Your deepest desire is to cut loose from emotions that keep you stuck and get moving and doing in a life you love.

Hey, lovely, whether you're struggling with weight, finances, exes, or everyday events, I can help you find your genius talent and have the confidence to get moving again. We can do this together.

I help women who are unhappy juggling life and family get back on track in one hour a week with my proven plan of success of using essential oils.

You don’t have to wait……………you can have it all.

My Story:

I've been through many life-changing moves in my life. It started with getting a divorce more than a couple of decades ago which changed the whole path to my future. I left my marriage and got divorced when I was twenty-eight years old with two small children.

I didn't have a job, I was a stay-at-home mum. I hadn't been employed in the workplace for nearly five years and the small allowance given by Social Services was not even close to being able to support me or my kids. In fact, I was pretty broke!

The only other income I had was literally singing for my supper. I was a well-known Singer/Actress in a very popular group at the time and if not for a couple of jobs I managed to get every week singing, I'm not sure how we would have survived.

But, instead of getting bogged down wondering how I was going to support myself and my kids, I used my genius talent and left that divorce behind me. It turned out my divorce made me incredibly strong and independent again. I got moving and doing on to the life I always wanted to create.

I kicked my ex out and started my new life!

I started my new life feeling free even though finances were a bit of a struggle. But, because I believed I could make it all work, it did. Money was not as much as I would have liked, but it was there when I needed it and I was happy. I missed a meal or two, or three or four, but the kids were fed and I needed to lose a few pounds anyway!

After that came lots of changes. I attracted my soul mate, got married, and became pregnant almost immediately. When I was seven months along, my amazing hubby left his cushy Public Service job and started a business. Never regretted it!

A new path began again!

Suddenly, we were generating our own income which should have been a little scary, but once again I always believed we would succeed, and guess what? We did!

The business was booming and all was well when our worst nightmare came true. Our business manager spent every penny of the company's money and left the country. We were back to square one with a huge debt, and now four kids.

Well, with income being very scarce, I decided I needed to earn some income. I'd only worked as a professional entertainer for years and had let that lapse a bit having had two extra children in the first two years we were married. I had to work around them, and leave room for amazing hubby to start again as well.

You won't believe my next move!

I decided to become an Avon Lady. You know, ding dong, door to door, selling out of that little book that came out every three weeks! I think my hubby rolled on the floor laughing, but not for long. You see, I believed I would succeed and succeed I did. I put my genius talent to work again, and in three months I was one of the top three sales representatives in the State.

Within six months, I was asked to be a Stand-In Manager and manage an Avon District for a Manager on leave. About twelve months into my little adventure, I was hired by Corporate Avon in Australia as a Manager with my own District, salary, expense account, and my own car. I wasn't bringing home two bob anymore, I was a contributor to the family income.

That was the good part. The hard part was my new District was #Thirty out of Thirty-three in the state. I had my work cut out for me. Well, I'm here to tell you that in six months my District was #Three and nobody was laughing anymore!

My hubby built another Consulting business while I worked at Avon and we were once again back to being abundant in all areas of our life. The Law of Attraction and Deliberate Creation in action! We didn't even know these Laws of the Universe were at work in our lives, we just believed in our genius talent!

The surprise move that came next!

Over the next few years, we were financially stable again and I resigned from what had become a grueling time-sucking job at Avon and moved back into the entertainment industry. During this time amazing brilliant hubby had come up with the idea to write one of the first Anti-Virus programs for computers in the world.

Well, life got pretty sweet, and we were rolling along on the golf course in Brisbane most days when he asked me about a big surprise move! How did I feel about moving to America? I never hesitated. Woo Hoo! I was totally in.

We began to pack up what we could take with us, our clothes, furniture, my piano and called the movers. We rented the house, said good-bye and hubby, myself and four kids with half a suitcase each, boarded a plane one Saturday morning in January to start our new adventure.

Everyone thought we were crazy but I knew this was one of the most amazing kick-butt moves I'd ever made in my life.

Then reality set in and I found another new path!

When I actually moved countries, I had become very successful as both a songwriter and performer in my hometown. It never occurred to me that I would not continue my professional music and acting career, but the struggle to re-establish myself was real and after few years I realized that I had to change paths yet again.

I took a year to just find myself and then a whisper came to my ear about adopting a child that needed a home from foster care. It moved very quickly from a thought to an actuality. Within a couple of days, we were in a ten-week course for foster/adoptive parents. We found pure potential when we had no clue that the ability or desire to do this lay deep inside of us. This became one of the most rewarding and fulfilling journeys in my life.

At the end of that ten weeks, I got a phone call and our new family began. Twin boys, twenty-months old came for the weekend and stayed forever. They were the first of about fifty foster children and the beginning of adopting eight children, which includes three sets of twins!

I loved my journey of being a foster/adoptive parent, but our house got full to overflowing, and even though most of our children are grown now, I am still an advocate and resource for Foster/Adoptive Parents.

How I decided to become a Law of Attraction Life Coach.

Many of our new children had been born drug and alcohol addicted, so I dealt with many different physical and mental issues that emerged in them as they began to grow up. I spent hours with our children in therapies of all kinds.

While dealing with Physical, Occupational, Speech Therapy, and a few psychiatrists along the way, I learned coping skills for managing different disabilities, and mental illnesses. I also learned how to have a good relationship with birth families in difficult circumstances.

I also had an older family who was going through teenage years and found myself the local mom and counselor. Many a teenager came into our home crying and left feeling better about themselves and their situation. Although I was technically being a Life Coach to those kids, I didn't officially gain my certifications until much later

In the last couple of decades, I've been constantly changing the path of my life and being successful at doing so. I've also realized that change for some is not easy and making a major move in life can leave you overwhelmed, and exhausted, unable to deal with the feelings around it.

I've also worked with foster and adoptive parents for the last twenty years, who also have to move on when a child is moved to a different placement, and their feelings are very similar to the emotions surrounding any life change.

As well, I've since been touched by divorce in my older adult children's lives. The biggest stumbling block they've had is moving on to their new life after divorce.

As I 've been there supporting them through their pain, I realized that I wanted to help others find their genius talent to get doing and moving and get their emotional energy flowing again. Through coaching, especially Seven + Seven Essentials, I love seeing them find their new life of joy and happiness. I love working as a coach alongside essential oils, as the breakthroughs come so much faster when the power of oils is added.

As a certified Aroma Freedom Technique Practioner, I have not only found the power of healing the mind with oils, but also healing the body.

I'm a certified Life Coach in Causal Coaching, Law Of Attraction, Money, Health, and Essential Oils. I find that most women who have left marriage not only have emotions surrounding it but quite often now battle with their health and their finances. I triumphed over all of these issues, I moved on and never looked back. I can help you.

Where I am today.

Today, I am a confident mother of twelve children, a partner to an amazing man, and stepping out into everything the Universe and God have for me. I value myself as a businesswoman, a wife, a mother, and no longer fear a change in direction. I embrace all parts of me, creative, physical, mental, spiritual, and nourish each part of myself, with self-coaching, nutrition, and the power of essential oils.

Contact Me