Hi,
This is Theresa Conte and thanks so much for joining me today.
Today I'd like to share the fourth tool in the Just for Today series.
I hope that you found the first three podcasts in the series helpful and that you find today's and the remaining tools helpful as well.
If so,
I'd love to know how they're working for you.
And if this is your first time listening to one of the Just for Today podcasts,
The series is inspired by an Al-Anon bookmark by the same name.
Today's Just for Today quote reads,
Just for Today,
I will try to strengthen my mind.
I will study.
I will learn something useful.
I will not be a mental loafer.
I will read something that requires effort,
Thought,
And concentration.
Now,
If you've listened to the first three podcasts,
You'll know that I have some different takes on the tools.
For instance,
I know that when we're feeling stressed out and anxious and when there's so much going on around us and we're feeling overwhelmed,
We don't necessarily have the capacity to take in new information.
At least I know that's true for me.
In fact,
When I'm feeling overwhelmed,
I need to do something to relax and get centered,
To give my mind and nervous system a break.
So,
I might take a walk in nature,
Lay on the couch for a little while,
Breathe,
Do a relaxation exercise,
Read something fun like a children's story,
Or maybe I'll listen to a recording of music or something else that helps me relax.
And in the evening,
I'll generally watch a movie or show that doesn't require a lot of mental activity and isn't too stimulating.
However,
I also think that when we take some time to relax and get centered,
We can do something that helps us learn and grow,
Which is good for our brain.
And at that particular time,
It's important to choose something that isn't too demanding and is something that feeds our mind,
Body,
And soul.
And you know what?
It doesn't have to be reading.
For example,
I live in Italy and I've been studying Italian in various capacities for many years.
For instance,
I've taken both in-person and online courses,
But I feel like I'm still at a high beginner or low intermediate level.
And there's a lot of room for improvement,
Which when and if I attain it,
It will help me participate in more local activities and make more friends.
To help me improve my Italian language skills,
I enrolled in a 20-hour-a-week course earlier this year that lasted from January to May.
Well,
To be perfectly honest,
The class actually started in October of last year,
But I was in the US at the time and didn't return to Italy until mid-November and needed to rest and regroup when I got back.
So when I was ready in January,
I attended the first two classes,
Which were really fun and I really liked the instructor,
But I realized it was just too much for me at the time.
It was in the late afternoon,
Which isn't my best time for learning,
And I was grieving my son's transition,
Who passed last year.
I had wanted to give it a try,
And I did.
I wanted to connect with others in the community who also wanted to improve their language skills.
I thought it might be a good opportunity to make new friends.
So there were a lot of things about it that were benefits for me,
But in the end,
Self-care took precedence.
So given my needs for emotional and mental well-being,
I acknowledged myself for trying.
I dropped the class and have been grateful ever since.
The timing just wasn't right.
However,
In its place,
I found a fun language app where I can learn and practice Italian without making a formal commitment.
I can practice at times that work for me,
And I can even do it while lying on my couch for however long I wish to,
And sometimes it's only for a few minutes,
And that's okay.
Using this approach the last couple of months has helped me learn new vocabulary,
Has improved my speaking skills,
Strengthened my mind,
And enhanced my confidence.
In fact,
I've been texting and speaking in Italian more with my friends.
It's been fun to do.
It lifts my spirit,
Makes me laugh,
And I feel a greater sense of agency.
So if you've been feeling overwhelmed,
Of course,
Do something that helps you feel centered and relaxed.
Then,
When you're ready to strengthen your mind and learn something new,
Choose things that nourish you mentally,
Emotionally,
And spiritually,
And that lifts you up,
Makes you smile,
And helps you feel good.
Learning doesn't have to be difficult or challenging.
It can be,
And that can be fun too,
But when we're feeling overwhelmed,
It's really helpful to chunk it down.
So maybe it's learning something new about gardening,
Or exploring new recipes,
If that's your thing,
Or learning something new about the stars,
Like the constellations,
Or trying a new painting technique.
The key is to choose things that strengthen your mind,
That bring you alive,
And that uplift,
Bless,
And benefit you.
So give this tool a try and see how it works for you.
Over time,
You may find the practice gets easier and that your interest expands and grows.
Thanks so much for listening.
I look forward to connecting with you next time for tool number five,
Where we will learn three ways to exercise our soul.
Until then,
Wishing you a most wonderful day.
