Reclaiming Your Strength in Parenting

Ever felt disoriented, overwhelmed, or even grief-stricken in your journey as a parent? Join me, NatNat, on "Lift One's Self" as we tackle these heavy but common emotions head-on. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of the emotional rollercoaster of parenthood. We dive deep into the feelings of discombobulation, doubt, and grief that many parents experience but rarely discuss openly. I share personal insights on how to balance these emotions, maintain mental clarity amidst the chaos, and stay away from the damaging trap of comparison. This isn't just about survival; it's about recognizing your worth and giving yourself the compassion you deserve.

In the second half of the episode, I lead you through a powerful self-appreciation meditation tailored for parents. Imagine seeing yourself as a resilient, compassionate warrior, even on your toughest days. With affirmations like "I appreciate myself. I am deserving of my own love and care," we work to nourish our hearts and bring a sense of peace and protection into our lives. As we gently transition back to our daily routines, we'll carry with us the calm and self-love cultivated during the meditation. This episode is a sanctuary, a reminder to be kind to yourself, and a resource you can return to whenever you need to reconnect with your inner strength.

As mentioned, here is the link to try Magic Mind for free: https://magicmind.com/LIFTONESELF
Use the discount code LIFTONESELF20
meditation Music by Rockot from Pixabay

Chapters

• 0:03 Navigating Parenthood
• 14:32 Self-Appreciation Meditation for Parents

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:03

Hello and welcome. To Lift One's Self. I'm Nat. Nat, and today I want to talk directly to the parents out there, to those who are navigating the intricate and often overwhelming landscape of parenthood, this journey with all its ups and downs. It's something I deeply empathize with because I'm in the thick of the mud of it. It can feel like a constant state of discombobulation, like you're trying to piece together a puzzle where some of the pieces are still missing. But here's something I want you to remember You're not just trying, you're doing it. Yes, it may feel messy, it may feel imperfect, and there are probably days when you wonder if you're even getting it right. But that messiness, that imperfection, that is the doing, it's the process of growth, both for you and your children, understanding discombobulation. You see, parenthood is an ongoing state of learning and adaptation and at times unlearning some things and at times unlearning some things. You're working on understanding yourself while simultaneously embodying a role for your children that you may never have experienced yourself. And that's hard. It's challenging because it brings up so many emotions Doubt, worry, fear and that persistent feeling of not being good enough. These emotions aren't just passing feelings. They're rooted in something deeper. Some of what you're feeling is the grief of stepping into a role for your children that you never had, a role that you were never shown how to play. That grief is real and it's okay to feel it. It's okay to acknowledge it, to give it space. It's essential for your well-being and healing.

Speaker 1: 2:24

The power of deep breaths. So what you can do when these feelings become overwhelming, when the discombobulation feels like it's too much to handle, one of the most powerful tools you have is your breath. Those deep, intentional breaths are not just about calming down. They're about grounding yourself in the present moment, acknowledging what you're feeling and giving yourself space to process those emotions. You see, a lot of times we hear breathe and people will get frustrated with that because they're missing a certain part. It's about bringing your attention to your breath to help regulate your nervous system, to come out of your head and drop into your body, to allow yourself to feel the sensations and emotions that are surfacing. And that is warrior work. You see, your breath is always in the present moment and it never leaves you. Yet when we're not focused on our breath, our mind goes to the past and the future and having a spiral in so many ways. That's why focusing on your breath is your anchor. It's a reminder that you are here in this moment, doing the best you can with the tools you have, and that is more than enough Finding balance for me.

Speaker 1: 4:03

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Speaker 1: 5:39

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Speaker 1: 7:11

And in this whole process I want to bring up appreciating yourself. Now here's a thought I want you to really let sink in Take yourself off the hook. Yes, let me repeat that Take yourself off the hook. You don't need to be perfect, you don't need to have all the answers because, guess what? You won't have them. What you need is to appreciate yourself for what you are doing, for the effort, the love and the care you're putting into being the best parent you can be, not what others are doing. Do not get caught in that comparison trap. It gets you stuck in not taking action, gets you stuck being in your head. Appreciate where you are stuck being in your head, appreciate where you are. Bring context into your life. You are deserving of receiving your own appreciation. You are deserving of feeling safe in your own skin. Validate yourself. This isn't about meeting some external standard. Isn't about meeting some external standard. It's about recognizing the warrior you're doing every single day and, at times, every moment. Parenthood is warrior work. It's not about fighting against yourself or your circumstances. It's about fighting for your well-being, for your self-appreciation and for the safety and love that you and your children deserve.

Speaker 1: 8:54

My closing thoughts and meditation invitation as we wrap up today's episode. I want to leave you with this You're not just trying, you're doing. It may not always feel pretty, it may not always be easy, it may not always feel productive, but you are doing it and that is enough. Give yourself the grace to appreciate that. Thank you for being here with me today. Thank you for being here with me today. Remember to take those deep breaths, acknowledge what you're feeling and appreciate the incredible work you're doing, both for yourself and for your children. Before we part, I want to invite you to stay for a short guided meditation.

Speaker 1: 9:42

This meditation is more than just a way to relax. It's a powerful tool to help you truly engage with everything we've talked about today. It's an opportunity to integrate these insights into your body and mind, to cultivate that deep sense of self-appreciation and inner peace. You see, a lot of times we know better and we're intellectualizing things, yet the real work is to embody it, to put action in your everyday lived experience. So, if you have a moment, find a comfortable place to settle in and let's take this time together. If you're tuning out now, take care and be kind to yourself, but if you're staying with me, let's begin this journey inward.

Speaker 1: 10:38

Welcome to this moment of peace and self-appreciation, and self-appreciation. I'm Nat Nat, and today I invite you to take a journey inward to a place where you can release the need for perfection and simply be. This meditation is designed to help you ease into a space of self-appreciation where you can honor the warrior work you're doing every day, in every moment. Begin by finding a comfortable position, either seated or lying down. Allow your body to relax, letting go of any tension you might be holding. Letting go of any tension you might be holding. Close your eyes, if that feels comfortable, and take a deep cleansing breath.

Speaker 1: 11:31

In and exhale, releasing any stress or worry. Continue to breathe deeply and naturally, letting your breath guide you into a state of calm. With each inhale, feel your body filling with light and peace. With each exhale, let go of anything that doesn't serve you in this moment. Now bring your attention to your breath and begin breathing in and out through your nose. Notice the gentle rise and fall of your chest, the way the air moves in and out of your lungs. Your breath is your anchor, grounding you in this present moment. It's a reminder that you are here, doing the best you can. Allow yourself to drop into your body as you continue to breathe. Imagine that each inhale is releasing self-judgment.

Speaker 1: 13:02

Inhale and exhale In this safe space. Allow yourself to acknowledge any feelings that may be present. You're safe to feel. You're safe to feel. You're safe to let go. Surrender the need to control, release the need to resist and just be those feelings that may be present. Maybe it's doubt, worry or grief, maybe it's the feeling of not being enough, or maybe it's all of them. Whatever it is, let it come to the surface without judgment. Take a moment to silently say to yourself it's okay to feel this way. I am doing the best. I can Feel the weight of those words, feel the release that comes with allowing yourself to simply be, without needing to change or fix anything. Right now, appreciate yourself.

Speaker 1: 14:32

Continue staying with your breath Now, bringing your awareness to the incredible work you're doing every day, in every moment, the care, the love, the effort you put into being a parent. It's worry, work and it deserves recognition, your own recognition In your mind's eye. See yourself as a warrior strong, resilient and compassionate. You may not always feel this way, but that doesn't change the truth of it you are a warrior in your own right. Take a moment to silently repeat to yourself I appreciate myself. I am deserving of my own love and care. I appreciate myself. I am deserving of my own love and care. I appreciate myself. I am deserving of my own love and care. Let these words settle into your heart. Let them nourish you, fill you with a sense of safety and protection and peace. Continue staying with your breath dropping deeper into your body as we begin to bring this meditation to a close.

Speaker 1: 16:33

Gently bring your awareness back to your breath. Notice how you feel in this moment, carrying with you the sense of appreciation and calm that you've cultivated. Take a deep breath in and slowly exhale. Begin to wiggle your fingers and toes, slowly bringing movement back into your body. When you're ready, at your own time and at your own pace, gently open your eyes. Carry with you the peace and appreciation you've created in this space. Honor the time that you have cultivated in giving yourself space and appreciation, taking care of yourself and your well-being. Remember you are a warrior deserving of love, appreciation and safety. Keep this feeling with you as you move throughout your day and come back to this meditation whenever you need it. It will always be here for you. Whenever you need it, it will always be here for you. Please remember to be kind and gentle with yourself. You matter and keep rocking it.