MONDAYS

I’m not sure about you, but Monday’s, the start of the week, used to be days that I dreaded. Uh-oh the weekend was over and it was back to the grind of the work week. Whether that meant going to the office or getting the kids to school and dealing with the stress of homework, after school activities, packing lunches, making dinners, going to the store, etc., Monday mornings were a signal for me that the luxury of the weekend was ending.

Did you notice that I used the word “was?” I no longer feel that way. In fact, I love Mondays. Why? Because I made a mental shift and started looking at Mondays as new opportunities. I now think of them as a “start” to something new rather than an “end” to something. This thought process aligns with the yoga philosophy that every time we get on our mat we “begin again” and it’s a whole new experience - every time!

In fact, I made Monday mornings my favorite mornings. I set my mindset and my day up as something to look forward to and it’s made all the difference in the world. I remind myself that when I have something to look forward to, (and it doesn’t have to be something big) it creates a shift in my thinking and helps motivate me. It can be a challenging yoga class, a long run, a walk with my dogs, or creating a special breakfast for my kids. For me, Mondays can bring a new perspective and excitement to my week.

Changing my mindset has definitely helped me get through so many challenges in life. Recently, I was introduced to a poem that really resonated with me. It’s called, ”The Dash” by Linda Ellis. If you haven’t heard of it, look it up! If you know the poem then my suggestion is to reread it and keep it close. The poem references the “dash” on the headstone between the date of birth and the date of death and says,

“He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke of the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time they spent alive on earth and now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth.”

This poem is an excellent reminder of how I want to live my life, or rather live my dash. So when life gets overwhelming and intense, remember that you have control of how you respond to it all. Live not only your Monday’s, but your entire week with clarity, intention and a positive mindset; live your dash to the fullest. Trust me, it makes all the difference in the world.

xxjennifer