The holidays are long over and winter is still hanging around, sometimes the change in season and/or even seasonal depression becomes a real thing.
It might be hard to hold on to that jolly, joyful feeling we felt several weeks ago. One of our mothers in our Mothers Who Know community shared the following list in our week #9 class discussion of Mom Power Training on November 23, 2021.
With C.T.’s permission, we’d like to remind you of her excellent list and share it again, here, with all of you. Hopefully some joyful helps for you this winter season and beyond!
DAILY RESTORATION
We need an ongoing, daily infusion of heavenly light. We need “times of refreshing.” Times of personal restoration. (Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Daily Restoration)
P – Pray
W – Write in journal
R – Read scriptures
The Mom Power Calendar is a helpful way to be intentional about these actions.
JUST PUSH PLAY
There are several sources from the Gospel Library, churchofjesuschrist.org, audio books, YouTube, etc. where we can find uplifting material to help.
YOUR STORY
Write your story with Christ as the author (Camille N. Johnson, Primary General President). Use a vision board and take time to visualize and feel what you truly want in your life.
Sister Johnson’s October 2021 general conference message, “Invite Christ to Author Your Story”.
BREATH AND MEDITATION
Just a few slow, deep breaths can be very calming. Meditation of leaving troubles at the Savior’s feet and letting Him take care of them, or other meditation is helpful.
This recent Mothers Who Know Podcast, with Shari Leder, addresses breathing and mindfulness.
MINDFULNESS
Coloring is a fun activity that can alleviate stress.
Mundane tasks can become joyful.
Hard tasks can become easier.
OUR FOCUS
“The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives. When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation … and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him. … For Latter-day Saints, Jesus Christ is joy!” (President Russell M. Nelson).
President Nelson’s talk, “Joy and Spiritual Survival” from an October 2016 conference message.
I’m thinking of applying teachings from the book titled “Armed With Righteousness.” I bought the Kindle version (which was only $5.00) so I can highlight and take notes. I love how the author says “What holds your attention holds you.” It’s helped me realize how redirecting my thoughts, especially to the Savior, can be a huge help. Memorizing scriptures and hymns help me keep things ready to access in my mind anytime also.
Elder Brad Wilcox mentioned in his talk how a young man learned to stop focusing on how much he hated himself, and focused more on loving Christ for all He has done for him. I believe we can all do that, during the Sacrament and anytime, anywhere.
“Worthiness is Not Flawlessness”, October 2021 General Conference talk by Elder Brad Wilcox.
PROMISED BLESSINGS
Press forward with faith and hope in promised blessings.
SERVE AND MINISTER
“The happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others” (President Gordon B. Hinckley).
GRATITUDE
Practice gratitude, especially when in pain or sorrow. A gratitude journal can help with this.
SOCIALIZE
Isolation can quickly lead to depression.
Also, as we’ve learned, T.E.A.M. means Together Everyone Achieves More. We are able to uplift and strengthen each other when we get together.
Find out more about T.E.A.M. Mom Power.
Also, here is a blog post about T.E.A.M. Mom Power , which gives a sampling of what happens in a T.E.A.M. meeting.
LAUGH
Laughter sometimes really is the best medicine.
Humor and laughter, even a smile, can really help us feel better.
RADICAL ACCEPTANCE
Learning to accept people and situations as they are can reduce a lot of suffering in our lives. Trust God. He knows what is best for you and won’t give you more than you can handle, especially if you keep turning to Him for help.
POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS
Say them, visualize them, and feel them.
“I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).
I like to visualize the Savior reaching out to help me. I go to Him, hug Him, and I’m surrounded by His glorious light and protection.
I am calm as I remember “the only thing that is truly needful is to keep” my eyes toward the Son, Jesus Christ (Sister Patricia T. Holland). I feel I can let go of other worries and just focus on Christ when I remember this affirmation.
Your Name, “Carry on. Things will work out. If you keep trying & praying & working, things will work out. They always do” (President Gordon B. Hinckley).
“Please don’t nag yourself with thoughts of failure. Do not set goals far beyond your capacity to achieve. Simply do what you can do, in the best way you know, and the Lord will accept of your effort.” ~ Gordon B. Hinckley
These last two affirmations help me ease up on myself and overcome those thoughts of discouragement and failure that try to creep in.
Look up other quotes by President Gordon B. Hinckley and other prophets. They can really help uplift, and you can use your favorites to create your own affirmations.
SUBLIMINAL MESSAGES
I plan to create my own affirmations that I can play throughout the night to help me. Most of my affirmations include the Savior, His Gospel, and the more Christlike life I hope to live. You can search the internet for how to make your own subliminal messages and personal affirmations.
OTHER HELPS
I know extra Vitamin D supplements have helped me. I take 5,000 units a day. This is usually the same to do in the winter time, but you may still want to talk to your doctor first.
Many therapists suggest trying a “Happy Lamp” (can be found on Amazon). I’ve heard 20 minutes each morning can make a big difference. Don’t stare directly at it, but have it on your desk closer by, maybe while doing some work on your computer, reading, or anything else.
PLAN AHEAD
Take today’s suggestions and make a plan now, before the stresses of the holidays or depression get to you.
SIMPLIFY
I’m already trying to simplify my gifts I’m giving for Christmas so I don’t stress so much over the whole “it’s got to be the perfect gift.”
I have to keep things kind of simple because of how easily I get overwhelmed with my panic disorder. This affirmation I created helps: “I am taking small, simple, steps and superbly succeeding.”
If you are a mother struggling and need support, join us in the FREE group Mothers Who Know. We meet online every Tuesday, or listen to the recordings if you are not able to attend live.
You can also get the free ebook “Momma Trauma” by Parent Support Specialist Karen Broadhead for more ideas, tools, and suggestions for moms with a child struggling.
A BIG thank you to C.T. for her list of suggestions! We sure appreciate her sharing! Now, let’s go make these winter months more joyful by holding on to JOY!
