Fridays are all about celebrating the Small Things thanks to a weekly blog hop created by author Lexa Cain. Joint co-hosts this week are authors L.G. Keltner @ Writing Off The Edge Tonja Drecker @ Kidbits Blog The mission coincides with what I’m hoping to do with my own writing, inspire and focus on the light when those slippery shadows creep around our shoes. Want to sign up? Click Lexa Cain’s link to find out more.

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Mental Strength takes an entirely different set of conditioning. Fears erupt. Calm has to be found. Emotion must be dealt with. Honestly, I’d rather hit the gym and tackle a new health regiment and up my weights than define a strategy to surf tsunami mental waters. We don’t always have a choice though, and in celebrating the small things this week, I have a few victory points to note as well as a few tips to make it through those rocky waters when you’d rather turn back and head to your own sandy warm beach.

What went well?

• This week, I uncluttered my house to prepare for a move. Oh, I’m still packing as it never seems to end, but at least I’ve combed through the clothes, the baby toys, small bikes and old furniture. Good Will was my choice location to give away these unnecessary items. The best distraction from mental stress for me is to keep my hands busy.
• I celebrated another birthday with my son. We went fishing with friends, then finished the evening in a game of kickball. Played a game of it lately with your own friends? It’s really freeing. Kick that ball as hard as you can and run and run and run …who cares if you get out. It’s great stress relief.
• The end of the school year means the end of a stressful sprint for me in public relations. Since I work for a school district, I make events like high school graduation sparkle. Details are so important and you go over it, and over it again and pray you haven’t missed a thing.
• I finished my synopsis for my new manuscript idea. Yay! Next is the detailed outline. Hopefully it will get done next week and I can finally begin the real writing work.
• Lastly, I said “no” a couple of times instead of over committing myself. That is a huge step for me. I usually juggle a million things at once and what’s one more, right? Yikes!
• And my biggest mental war? I still have yet to face it, but I’m planning my strategy with a few tips I found on Forbes.com and have included them below.

Tips.

1.    Revisit your values and core beliefs. Down deep, what matters most to you, then make a point to remember those things. Forbes suggests to be wary of “never” or “always” thinking statements in your head.
2. Think about what you can control and what aspect is actual worry. Divert your mind. Set goals and priorities. Make an effort to switch your mental thoughts to helpful actions and topics. What’s happening that’s good in your life? What small steps have you made to accomplish your dreams? Have you done one today? If not, why not try? And may I suggest a quick game of kickball? 🙂
3. Replace negative thinking with positive action. Do something that makes you feel great. Write great quotes to inspire your mind and place them where you need them the most.
4. “Practice tolerating discomfort,” a phrase I couldn’t reword. Who do you want to be? Why not try?
5. Always end or begin your day with the good things, the reason I love this weekly post so much.

We made it. It’s Friday. And don’t forget …