Tips for How to Practice Mindful Reflection

The last piece of how to rediscover yourself after marriage and motherhood is learning how to practice mindful reflection. Self reflection is how you continue to grow and improve long after working through the exercises in this series. The best way to do this easily is with your journal so make sure you have it handy.

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Journal with Earrings and Pen on Top with text overlay - How to Practice Mindful Reflection

 

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I whole-heartedly believe that mindful reflection is key to self awareness. Self awareness is something that I strive for daily. You can even ask my family, if I notice that I’m stressed out or tired and being extra snappy at everyone I apologize. Then, more importantly, I make a concerted effort to improve my attitude and my behavior.

That is not the only way that being self aware helps you, though. Self awareness is at the heart of everything you have worked on during this series. When you truly know yourself, enforcing your boundaries, treating yourself with love and respect, and growing as a person and a mom are all easier.

 

Hand Lettered Thankful on Wood Slice with text overlay - Practice Gratitude

Practice Gratitude

One of the best ways to practice mindful reflection is through gratitude. Focus on the things that you are thankful for in a deliberate way and do so daily. Gratitude changes your mindset which is important for mindful reflection without judgment. You want to reflect with a heart of compassion towards yourself.

Bonus:

This also helps improve your entire mood and outlook in general. Start your day with a quick gratitude practice and it sets the tone for your entire day.

Reflect on Your Goals

I do this every single month and it is so incredibly powerful. First, you have to set monthly goals. Then, at the end of each month, go over them noting which ones you accomplished and which ones you did not. Lastly, and most importantly, evaluate why you completed or didn’t complete your goals.

Be honest with yourself (no one’s going to see this anyway). Did you fail to complete a goal because you were lazy and didn’t work on it? Or, did you not complete it because your methods legitimately didn’t work. Dig into your results and adjust your plans for next month accordingly.

 

Woman Writing in Notebook with text overlay - Review Your Journal

Review Your Journal

Right now I want you to pull out your journal and look at your first few entries. If you worked through all of the exercises in this series, you likely don’t even recognize the woman who wrote those entries. That is the power of keeping a journal.

There will be times that you feel like you haven’t come as far as you want. In those moments, pull out your journal and take a look at just how far you have truly come on your journey.

You can also look for patterns in your thoughts and feelings. Do you notice that you get very sad or anxious after a particularly busy week? That can be a sign that you aren’t recharging like you should. If you struggle with depression, you can also use your journal to become aware of patterns in your dips. Your journal is a powerful, inexpensive tool to practice mindful reflection with.

Be in the Moment

Lastly, try being present in the moment. When you try to intentionally be in the moment you are automatically more aware of yourself. Think about it like this: it is recommended that you don’t do other things while eating because you are more prone to mindlessly eating and not recognizing cues that you are full.

The same goes for your emotions. If you are distracted during activities and conversations, you don’t notice when you are uncomfortable or boundaries are being crossed. Instead, the effects catch up with you later without you realizing the cause.

Additionally, being in the moment recaptures some of that childlike wonder. Kids aren’t worried about what has happened or what is coming. They are focused on what is happening right now. That means they feel everything deeply and passionately. Try to bring some of that passion into your daily life simply by choosing to be present in the moment.

 

Journal with Earrings and Pen on Top with text overlay - How to Practice Mindful Reflection

Practicing gratitude, reflecting on your goals, reviewing your journal regularly, and being present in the moment will help you continue on this journey you started 31 days ago. Now your know how to practice mindful reflection to for continued growth, confidence, and happiness.

See where I’m linking up!

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Journal with Earrings and Pen on Top with text overlay - How to Practice Mindful Reflection

 

How to Rediscover Yourself After Marriage and Motherhood Series

  1. Introduction
  2. Why All Moms Need a Journal
  3. Determine Your Why for Self Discovery
  4. Find Your Cheerleaders
  5. DIY Positive Affirmation Cards
  6. Create Your SAHM Hierarchy of Needs
  7. The Hard Truth About Carving Out Me Time
  8. 5 Awesome Podcasts to Inspire Self Discovery
  9. How to Love Yourself First
  10. Stop Reacting to Life and Live Proactive
  11. How to Set and Protect Boundaries as a Mom
  12. How Moms Can Stop Being People Pleasers
  13. Why It’s Okay to Outgrow Relationships
  14. It’s Time to Break-up with Yourself
  15. Create a Mini Mom Oasis for Recharging
  16. Why Moms Should Date Themselves + How to Do It
  17. How to Get Your Free Time Back as a SAHM
  18. Turn Someday into Today
  19. Why You Should Throw Out Your Clothes
  20. Rediscover Your Old Hobbies
  21. How to Find New Hobbies You Love
  22. How to Create a Daily Self Care Routine
  23. Shut Down Your Negative Self Talk
  24. How a Haircut Can Help You Find Yourself
  25. Make a Bucket List You’ll Actually Complete
  26. Unique Alternative Ideas to Help You Find Yourself
  27. Why SAHM Need to Unplug Weekly
  28. 10 Mom Date Ideas You Can Do at Home
  29. 10 Mom Date Ideas to Get Out of the House
  30. Embracing Your Weird as a Mom
  31. How to Practice Mindful Reflection