This cardinal paid a visit to my Birdbuddy yesterday. He was fascinated by the camera.
I have struggled this week. Maybe it’s because it was a three-day weekend, we had guests and I got really, really tired. I think our eight-mile hike had something to do with that. Plus, my guests are always on the go and don’t stop to relax. Personally, I need some downtime and quiet.
I had hardly anything scheduled this week. Only a meeting about my HOA newsletter and a zoom call. You’d think I could relax and enjoy my days and evenings. Instead, I felt anxiety. I tend to be a worry wort.
Next week, I have a ton of things to do, appointments, lunches, and I’m throwing a belated birthday party for my husband. I spent this week worrying about all I have to do next week.
Walks and birdwatching help me to relax. But I was thinking if I was being present in the moment, I wouldn’t be anxious about next week.
How do you focus on being in the moment?
Watch as the cardinal pecks at the camera. After the cardinal leaves you can turn off the video 😊
We all need downtime and quiet. Hang in there on the worries. You know the old saying let tomorrow’s worries for tomorrow, keep to today.
That is what I’m trying to do.
We also saw some cardinals yesterday (or maybe the same one followed us during our morning walk). I’ve had those weeks where everything just feels overwhelming. Like you, I try to savor the little things, like nature, and it’s typically pretty grounding. I hope you feel better and can breathe a little!
I think I need to write out my schedule for next week. Having it down on paper might help. I love seeing cardinals.
Although the idea doesn’t always work I try to be really conscious about long-term needs and work planning and actions involved with them into small steps, if that makes sense. Best example I can give right now: I will start social security and medicare in the fall. The SS just sort of happens so I can let worry over that go. Medicare has so many moving parts and decisions so I’m reading up, taking notes, doing a little bit each week so that I can make a decision when it’s time. I feel better prepared and not pushed to make a decision at the last minute. Of course things always come up when you don’t expect them but maybe being really forthright in just how much you plan and accept each week- pushing some things out farther if needed…I think we harm ourselves because we feel too obligated to say yes to everyone and everything.
You’re smart to start researching Medicare in advance. I do think I say yes too much, but I’m better at saying no than I used to.
Hi! Your birds are so fun to watch. Thanks for sharing them with us. I have trouble relaxing in the present when my mind is already overwhelmed with what is coming too. One idea that works for me is to already make “to-do” lists for each day next week. That way, I either see that it is all very doable, or I can reorganize my time so it is. If I do that now, it isn’t too late to make adjustments and I’m not in panic mode. For example- When I sit today and think about 21 things that have to be done next week, I feel anxiety creeping up. But when I write out the list and see that it is only 3 things per day, I know I can handle it and I relax. Does that make sense?
I think that’s an excellent idea. I need to map out next week so I’m not a bundle of nerves. It’s good to have a game plan. Thank you!
The gorgeous, vibrant, red color of the cardinal definitely brings joy to the heart! My thanks as well!
The divide and conquer idea is great! I’m not sure why, but this discussion reminds me of the old saying “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present.” 🎁
I’m glad you enjoyed my cardinal. More than other birds, he seems to be attracted to the camera. I love that saying. Thank you for sharing it with me!
Omg the bird video is super cool
Isn’t it? I’ve noticed the cardinal is attracted to the camera. Maybe it sees its reflection.
👍
I feel you! I find I need to slow down and put a hand on my heart – literally – to watch my breathing when I’m feeling out of sorts. It works every time – ushering me into a calmer place. I think you’ve got the right idea with your Bird Buddy friends. They’re a delight! 🥰
It’s comforting to know I’m not alone! Thank you for your tip. And the Bird Buddy is a nice distraction 😊
xo! 🥰
💕
We often worry about things that are pending. I used to worry a lot but now with time I’ve learned to relax. My younger daughter is like that. First taking on too much responsibility and then being anxious and stressed about it.
I am like your daughter. I am working on relaxing and not worrying so much.
Please do. Worry is so bad for us. Lots of love and hugs 🤗
Love the cardinal! What fun to watch to birds!
Glad you had a fun weekend with your friends, but I understand needing down time to yourself as well. I like a balance.
Its so easy to waste our present moments by worrying about whats to come or what we need to do. When I find myself slipping that way I try to just redirect my thoughts, knowing its a waste of time to worry. Some days I am more sucessful than others.
The cardinal is a treat to see in my back yard. Yes, it’s easy to waste present moments with worry. I need to work on it. I feel like I let go a lot of this quiet week instead of reveling in it.
💕
I focus on my breathing to stay in the moment. Nothing profound, just good old yoga life off the mat.
Breathing is helpful. I found myself focusing on breathing a lot this week.
We very seldom see Red birds up in northern Mn. But when we lived in Mo. they were everywhere, even in the winter and I loved watching them. Worry seems to be a common issue with most of us. I do that deep breathing thing cause if I don’t then I have angina. So, the tightness in my chest is a reminder I am probably worrying too much. It’s hard to cut out all worrying for it comes with the day at times, life takes over our minds and if its to much life, anxiety set in. There are days I do great and days I sit and watch Downton Abby to take my mind off of what I worry about. Blessings
Thank you. I do enjoy the Cardinals most of all birds here. Quails come in second. I also love to watch the Harris Hawks, but they don’t use the bird feeder! I’m glad you got to enjoy Cardinals, too. I think I got worse with anxiety and worry during the COVID shutdowns. Also, even though my kids are grown, I worry about them, too.
I try not to schedule too much during a week’s span (and by “too much” I often mean more than two things on my calendar) but sometimes it can’t be helped. The thing that I find helps me when planning a party or get together (something I don’t have a lot of experience doing) is to have a schedule… a realistic schedule, not a best-case scenario schedule.
I’m with you on only having a few things scheduled per week. I don’t do well with having five or six things a week. Then the party at the end of the week is stressful. I think you’re right, I need to plan out a realistic schedule for preparing. My husband and I used to chuckle when he called a client for a meeting and they’d say “Oh no. I have a doctor’s appointment that day.” We laughed that they couldn’t do more than one thing per day. And here we are!
I also get anxious when I have a lot to get done, when people are counting on me. I try to work toward the end goal a bit each day so I’m not overwhelmed. I remind myself that no one is rooting for me to fail and will be fine with less than perfection. (For example, when I give a presentation, no one but me knows if I forgot something.) Then I will distract myself beforehand with some other thing that I enjoy doing to reduce the anticipation anxiety.
Presentations do make me anxious. I like your approach. You’re right, only you would know if you miss something.
Oh, that’s hard, Elizabeth. The busy weekends, the quieter weeks and then back to a busy week. I find the switching back and forth between hurrying and routine to be unsettling. Hope you find a steady rhythm for enjoying the week ahead!
Thank you, Wynne. I think you’re on to something with the change in energy making it stressful.
I have to get batter at being in the moment. Of late my mind has been too scattered.
I’m with you!
I live often in the moment when high stress prevails like meetings. I look forward to quieter days.
I like quieter days, too.
I liked the Cardinal and even the visitor after. My cats would go nuts if I had a camera like that. I should get one.
I was lucky because my son was involved in bringing this bird feeder to market. I got in on the development stage. Now it’s really pricey. But there are knock offs that are probably cheaper.
I hear you Elizabeth, that interior chatter can be daunting especially when you have a lot on your plate. I try and shut that down when I notice my anxiety rising. Walks, self talk, and getting outside are very soothing to me. I hope you get it all done and you also have time to relax and enjoy the moment. Sending love your way, hugs, C
Thank you, Cheryl. I appreciate the love and hugs 🥰
I’ve been struggling with mindfulness lately. You’re definitely not alone. I think it’s my anxiety with what’s going on. Sending you love.
I LOVE THE CARDINAL. ❤️
Thank you with the cardinal. Yes, I’ve been struggling with anxiety, too.
I’m so sorry. It is not fun. I understand.
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