Remember how FUN starting college was but also so overwhelming to navigate! Our teens are faced with even greater social pressures with the added element of social media access. This generation experiences a social pressure and presence we did not have.
Even if you think they don't listen to you, deep in your heart, you know they are. While we have been training them up for these past 18 years, it's still important to send them off with reminders to help them prioritize the well-being of their minds even if they think they already know it all. Past the eye rolls you know are coming, they need these highlights as they walk into the new open doors....and so do YOU!
Our thoughts impact how we view our current reality, influencing how we perceive and interact with the world, and those around us, including our college-bound teen. Along with prayer, incorporating a few simple practices can make a world of difference for them AND for YOU.
These are some simple truths my teen and I discussed as WE prepared for move out day. I pray they are encouragements for you too. It's amazing how easily we can slip away from common sense in times of stress and transition, even when it's all happy things!
First, start by being mindful of the content you consume.
Limit exposure to negative news and surround yourself with positive influences. As a believer, staying grounded in The Word is so important and seeking Him first in the day, and in every situation. If you need to set up parent controls on your devices, even as an adult, do it! It's up to YOU to protect YOU from YOU! Also, if you are looking for a Daily Reading Plan, there are tons in the You Version app, and they are all free!!
Second, pay attention to the people you surround yourself with.
Our friends can take us from one mood to another with just a text, or a look. They can lead us to Christ, or away from Him. Our teens may not have experiences unequally yoked friendships yet so this is a good time to be reminded of the value of like-minded friends and how powerfully they can help us stay steadfast and grounded in the Ways of Christ. Praying for the circle of influence around them, around us, their teachers and our own mentors, our friends and their friends helps us keep God in the midst of our relationships.Then, we can trust those open and closed doors when they come.
Next, taking our vitamins!
It is super important in order to think clearly and have a healthy brain for processing but one of the most forgotten Vitamins is G : Gratitude. Practice gratitude daily. Taking time to appreciate the good things in life helps rewire our brains for optimism. College is hard for EVERYONE and it will be important to take those deep breaths and think clearly before making quick decisions! Some things take time to get adjusted to and remember, you can do all things with Him!!
Additionally, engaging in activities that promote movement and positivity like prayer, dancing, exercise, worship, meditation, outdoor experiences, endless fun hobbies, or journaling, can aid in centering our thoughts and reducing stress. creating playlists in Spotify or other music apps is fun to be able to share with others too!
Guard your heart and mind and renew them daily. Essential oils, good supplements, good friends, a healthy mindset, God's Word & Worship can complement our efforts, providing natural support for relaxation and mental clarity. Embrace the journey to a happier and healthier you with staying close to the Lord, surrounding yourself with great friends and being thankful and grateful!
Blessings and Heart Hugs,
Michele
If today's encouragement hugged your HEART today, let me know in the comments or meet me over
in my Facebook Sisterhood Community! Feel free to share this blog with a friend who needs a heart hug too!
This is how YOU get to hug my HEART back!
Heart Hugs and Blessings,
Michele
Where are my Mamas sending their new high school graduate to college for the first time?!? It's so hard to believe the time is finally here to pack up her room and sort through all the things to leave, throw way or send with them for life their own.
We are close to move in, so today we are ordering all the things and of course, Mama has been stashing things away in preparation for Dorm Life. Things like first aid items, toiletries, and personal health items. Her Summers as a Camp Counselor back in Texas the past 3 years were a great training ground for both of us, knowing what is needed and what wasn't.
One of the BIGGEST TIPS we have heard from seasoned Moms and their Teens, plus our experience with the Summer Camp Dorm Life is this : Keep It Simple!! These are only temporary living quarters so what you move in will have to move out at the end of each school year.
Knowing this, we found things that were collapsible, lightweight (except the weighted blanket) and easy to maintain and easy on/off. We also looked for practical, fun, easy to assemble and use, plus healthy options for cleaning, foods / nutrition, supplements physical and emotional and first aid. Nothing is worse than grabbing hard to assemble items and things that were cheap! We have returned so many things! So, I am hoping the things I share in here will be helpful to you as you get ready too!
Shopping is just so much fun!!!! It IS some dollars though! Hopefully these are things they will take with them through college life all 4 years and beyond for many of these things!
FOR HEALTH:
Here is her list of supplements, oils, lotions and what we consider meds, including immune boosting juice, gummies...and cough drops!! Those first few months will be taxing on their immune system. Remember Kindergarten?!?! All those sniffles!! We are ready!!! Do what you can, as you can! Remember, it's more costly to heal illness than head it off!
Okay Mama, you've got this! There are still so many other things like the Fridge, cookware, toiletries, curtains, storage nd shelving systems, trash cans, even toilet paper and printer paper we are gathering!
I am right there with you. Think how many Mamas are sending off their college kiddos in the next few weeks! That's a lot of tissues about to be consumed!!
For me, I am praying, watching my thoughts, guarding my energy and being present in each moment. If you want to know what that looks like in practical way, I talked about that over here.
HUGS!!!!!!! Happy Move in Day!!!!! Can't wait to share more with you along the way!!!! In the meantime, see you on the HighWay of Prayers!
With Love, Mama Michele& College Kid Kaitlyn
PS.
Some of our links are our affiliate links since we have to disclose that here....this is how we pay for college friends, lol.
For the few YL things, if you have your own account, grab this list and go place your own order from your account!
If you don't have an account, no worries, you can set up a Customer account under Kaitlyn for FREE under her and get your own discounts and rewards!
(PSST: Use the CODE: SHAREYL for a discount!!) Friends don't let friends pay retail if at all possible!!
If today's encouragement hugged your HEART today, let me know in the comments or meet me over
in my Facebook Sisterhood Community! Feel free to share this blog with a friend who needs a heart hug too!
This is how YOU get to hug my HEART back!
Heart Hugs and Blessings,
Michele
