When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.
Paulo Coelho
Hey, Lovelies.
What do you do to manage overthinking, stress and bad moods?
As a highly sensitive person, and someone with a chronic degenerative illness, I have found that pain and overwhelm can sometimes trigger me into becoming reactive to things which would normally not bother me.
Know what I mean?
I don’t want to be that person – a cranky person, a reactive person, a stressed person. That’s not enjoyable for me, or for anyone I may come into contact with. I want to be a calm person. I want to be able to be in charge of my emotions, rather than them being in charge of me.
Two of my favourite quotes help me put things in perspective.
The first one, by Marcus Aurelius, is one I reflect on daily. Sometimes, several times a day.
Learn to be indifferent to what makes no difference
Marcus Aurelius
I love this quote, and its gentle wisdom.
It reminds me not to sweat the small stuff, not to overreact. It reminds me to pick my battles, and to be unconcerned by things that are outside my circle of influence.
The second quote is one I attribute to my husband, Ben.
Will this matter in 5 years?
Ben Phillips
He’s right.
It’s the kind of question that helps me stop wasting time. It’s the kind of question that makes me think deeply about what choices I will make, and where to put my energy.
It’s what helps me to let certain things slide. It’s what helps me see where to take a stand.
These two ideas help shape me into a better version of myself.
I hope these quotes can serve you too, and become part of your coping toolkit.
Much love, Nicole xx
