As you decorate for the holidays, consider writing on your bathroom mirror this season.
With a dry erase marker.
Not a permanent one, of course.
That’s the sound advice from the talented mindfulness-teaching mother-daughter duo Barb Schmidt and Michelle Maros of Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life. Their inspirational messages have spread like wildfire across America over the past few years and rightfully so.
“We need the reminders,” says Schmidt, a longtime resident and supporter of Boca Raton. “I encourage you to take a dry erase marker and write on your bathroom mirror. I have done that for Michelle her entire life.”
The reminders Schmidt is referring to include simple yet powerful messages that can change the course of your entire day, especially during what can be a crazy holiday season.
A few of Schmidt and Maros’ favorite affirmations include:
- Thank you for the gift of this new day
- Be where your feet are
- This too shall pass
- “Awareness is like the sun. When it shines on things, they are transformed.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
- “Keep something beautiful in your heart to survive difficult times and enjoy good times.” – John O’Donohue
There isn’t a day that goes by that the Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life team isn’t sharing words of wisdom from spiritual teachers like the Dalai Lama, Deepak Chopra and even Glennon Doyle, Maria Shriver and Myleik Teele. The list of those who inspire Schmidt and Maros goes on and on, however it’s how they break down and explain such teachings that make Schmidt and Maros stand out from all the others.
“How you begin the day and how you end up are the bookends and set the tone for the whole day, how it’s going to go and how you’re going to be able to weather all of the disappointments or the difficulties or the chaos or the turmoil or whatever it is that’s coming your way,” says Schmidt.
Schmidt and Maros start their day with individual meditations and shared cups of coffee, but they are quick to point out that meditation isn’t for everyone, and self-care can come in all kinds of forms like journaling or a simple walk outside.
“Self-care is about making conscious choices in the present moment that are aligned with your best interest. So it could be saying no to something that doesn’t feel right to you or if you need to cancel a plan because you need to rest or taking time out for yourself or meditating,” says Maros.
Taking a moment to pause, reflect and be mindful can be challenging practices anytime but especially over the hectic holiday season. The Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life team has advice to get us through it all.
“It’s really remembering to practice patience and releasing expectations that things aren’t always going to go your way because they rarely do. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed and frustrated by the small inconveniences,” says Maros.
“I would give yourself permission to cross things off the list. Take two things off the list right off the bat, like the last two things on your list. They are last for a reason so they’re meant to be taken off,” adds Schmidt.
Schmidt says it’s also a good idea to build extra and added time in your schedule for appointments, errands or other things-to-do to avoid the holiday–and personal–rush.
“That’s the inner peace the Dalai Lama talks about. Accept the present moment as if you had chosen it because if you can’t do that and your mind is racing and you’re speeding and you’re out of breath then you just don’t know how you’re going to survive the next minute. If you get to the end of the day and five things aren’t done, they will either be there tomorrow or they weren’t meant to be done,” says Schmidt.
The Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life team is holding an in-person workshop in Boca Raton at 6 p.m. on December 1 to further discuss managing holiday stress and anxiety as well as ways to set boundaries and communicate boundaries with others in a loving way. Tickets can be purchased via the link below.
For more on men and mindfulness, the inspirational messages Schmidt shares with collegiate athletes and teaching highlights from Deepak Chopra, the Dalai Lama, Maria Shriver, Glennon Doyle and Goldie Hawn, listen to Today’s Paige the Podcast with Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.
Then go write on your bathroom mirror.
Today’s Paige the Podcast with Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life’s Barb Schmidt and Michelle Maros: https://www.paigekornblue.com/todays-paige/why-its-okay-to-write-on-your-bathroom-mirror
Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life Wellness Series: Setting Boundaries & Managing Holiday Stress Workshop to be held at the Boca Raton Innovation Campus on December 1, 2021 at 6pm. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Masks are recommended. All proceeds benefit the Lynn Women’s Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/setting-boundaries-managing-holiday-stress-tickets-199269268747?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
