A few people have shared with me recently (3 specific ones come to mind) about how difficult it is to stay grounded and deal with the situation life has thrust upon them. I am pretty good about getting stuck in 'overthinking'; it is when I can't let go of something. It is human nature to think things through, though some personality types are far more spontaneous than I am. I like to plan ahead and strategize and in the process I sometimes leave too much room for overthinking. I get stuck.
That is when I need to dig deep and find the gap in my emotions to find some calm. If I find myself afraid or in a stressful situation I need to find my calm mental space, my happy place and by doing this I can transform tension.
What's my happy place? Water is my joy. But for a mental image I 'go to' Captiva Island on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Russ' daughter Joan and her husband Andrew have a timeshare there and we have been invited to play with them several times. It is sheer bliss, a vacation like no other. Joan and Andrew are the ultimate hosts and it is always a week of pamper, sun, amazing meals and family. Just thinking of walking the perimeter of the resort can transform any difficult moment for me. I have walked that walk hundreds of times when I can't sleep. The views, lapping water and birds speak to my soul.
I literally walk around the resort in my mind. I leave the condo, walk across the road and down the sand path to the water's edge, focusing on the sounds of waves coming and going and birds talking to one another. I then turn right and walk the shoreline to the jetty, walking until I come to a path bordering the golf course and then meander towards the main pool and restaurant area. This culminates by going along the channel from the ocean to the harbor, around all the docked luxury boats and 'home'. It is timeless, relaxing and one of my all-time favorite walks.
Where is your spot? What is it you do when you need to regroup? Are you even able to articulate when you are on overload or it is others that suggest it to you. Being mindful of your emotional well being and overall heath is a good place to start. Seek your peace. Seek you're calm. Seek your balance. I find mine on Captiva.