Mindful Monday Mantras archive
Here are past Mindful Monday Mantras, just in case you need a little extra encouragement!
Week of September 21st, 2020
“If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath. ” –Amit Ray
If life feels overwhelming (as it tends to), focus on the present. Don’t think about the future or the past. Live in the moment and focus on your current state.
Week of September 14th, 2020
“Success does not consist in never making mistakes, but in never making the same one a second time.” - George Bernard Shaw
Mistakes are part of the process. Don’t evade them, embrace them, and let them lead you on the path to success.
Week of September 7th, 2020
“Thankfulness is the quickest path to joy.” –Jefferson Bethke
As the school year starts up again, take a moment to reflect on all that you’re thankful for. For me, even though school looks a bit different than it did in years past, I couldn’t be more grateful to be back on campus.
Week of August 31th, 2020
“Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn’t know you left open.” –John Barrymore
You can’t force happiness. But, if you employ positive psychology practices, it will certainly make happiness much more attainable
Week of August 24th, 2020
“You may have to fight a battle more than once.” – Margaret Thatcher
Mental Health can often be an ongoing fight. Remember, no matter how tough it may seem, never give up!
Week of August 17th, 2020
“The thing about meditation is: you become more and more of you.” –David Lynch
Meditation is scientifically proven to reduce negative emotions, increase self-awareness, and to help one better manage stress. However, the act of meditation is often overlooked by skeptics. Trust the science. Meditation works.
Week of August 10rd, 2020
“You cannot control the results, only your actions.” –Allan Lokos
You can’t control the past, nor can you control the future. Be present.
Week of August 3rd, 2020
“A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.” – Amelia Earhart
We can never really know how far the ripples of one act of kindness can spread, but the act of kindness is always worth it.
Week of July 27th, 2020
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” – Melody Beattie
Appreciation for all the good in your life will build emotional strength, improve self-esteem, and enhance your capacity for empathy.
Week of July 20th, 2020
“A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes.” – Hugh Down
Happiness is not a universally-defined emotion. The way in which an individual attains happiness differs from person to person but what unites happy people is their attitude towards life.
Week of July 13th, 2020
“Trust the process” – Tony Wroten
This mantra was shared with by Tammy Tibbets of She’s The First. To her, this quote represents resilience and she repeats it often to help her accomplish everyday tasks.
Week of July 6th, 2020
“Nothing you wear is more important than your smile.” – Connie Stevens
A smile is an incredibly-powerful tool. Not only can a simple smile elevate your mood but it can also lift the spirits of everyone around you.
Week of June 29th, 2020
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re probably right.” – Henry Ford
A positive mindset might just be the difference between success and failure.
Week of June 22nd, 2020
“Start each day with a positive thought and a grateful heart.” – Roy T. Bennett
Your first thought or action when you wake up in the morning can have a huge impact on the day to come. Make it a positive one!
Week of June 15th, 2020
“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment, until it becomes a memory.” – Dr. Seuss
Make the best out of every experience. Be present and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Week of June 8th, 2020
“If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” – Dolly Parton
Success doesn’t come easy. Though obstacles are inevitable, if you can embrace the bumps in the road, success will become much more attainable.
Week of June 1st, 2020
“Act as if what you do makes a difference. IT DOES.” – William James
Age, gender, race, and ethnicity do not determine whether or not you have the potential to make a difference in the world. If you believe in yourself, you can and will make a difference.
Week of May 25th, 2020
“Nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know.” – Pema Chödrön
Think of every obstacle and bump in the road as an opportunity to learn. Though you might be disappointed, sad, or angry in the moment, know that you will come out of that situation stronger and more knowledgable than you were before.
Week of May 18th, 2020
“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” – Oprah Winfrey
Gratitude is extremely powerful. Expressing gratitude has proven to increase one’s own happiness as well as the happiness of those around them.
Week of May 11th, 2020
“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” – Aristotle Onassis
When times get tough, look for the silver linings. Find ways to maintain a happy, positive thoughts and try not to let unfortunate circumstances get you down.
Week of May 4th, 2020
“Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning how to dance in the rain.” – Vivian Green
Let’s make the most out of our time in quarantine. Pick up a new hobby, start exercising more, practice your instrument. Just do something. You’ll regret it if you don’t.
Week of April 27th, 2020
“Things could always be better, but things could always be worse.” – Marla Gibbs
When you’re feeling down about not being able to see your friends or not being able to go to school, think about those fighting for their lives in overcrowded hospitals or health care workers risking their lives everyday to save others. Think of that which you’re lucky for, rather than that which you’re missing out on.
Week of April 20th, 2020
“Today, give yourself permission to be outrageously kind, irrationally warm, improbably generous. I promise it will be a blast.” – Sasha Dicter
This pandemic isn’t easy on anyone. So, the next time you pop into the supermarket or pass someone on a walk, think about how this tough circumstance might be affecting them. Be friendly, leave some food by the door for delivery workers, cheer on your healthcare workers. It might not seem like it makes a difference, but believe me, it does.
Week of April 13th, 2020
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” -Theodore Roosevelt
Look for the silver lining in every seemingly-bad situation. Though Covid-19 has led to many unexpected bumps in the road, don’t let this new reality take control of your life.
Week of April 6th, 2020
“With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” - Eleanor Roosevelt
Each day of quarantine brings new opportunities. Don’t waste them.
Week of March 30th, 2020
“Be strong because things will get better. It may be stormy now, but it never rains forever.” -Unknown
Look for the bright side in every situation. It may seem futile but believe me, things will get better.
Week of March 23rd, 2020
“You are only confined by the walls you build yourself” -Andrew Murphy
It’s easy to sulk in our losses, setbacks, and misfortune, especially in a time like this. But, at the same time, immediate capitulation won’t do any of us any good. Therefore, treat this time as an opportunity, rather than an unfortunate circumstance. Make the best out of your days in quarentine!
Week of March 16th, 2020
“Train your mind to see the good in every situation” -unknown
Life can be rough. You never know when a bump might appear in the road. So, sometimes the best we can do is try and make lemonade out of lemons. And remember: as the saying goes, when one door closes, another opens.
Week of March 9th, 2020
“Wherever you are, be there totally.” -Eckhart Tolle
It’s easy to get lost in the busyness of everyday life. With that being said, try to remind yourself to stay present in the moment. It’s amazing how much one can miss when other thoughts and agendas are constantly running through one’s mind.
Week of March 2nd, 2020
“Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be.” – Abraham Lincoln
Mindset is an immense factor of happiness. Just as a pessimistic mindset can lead to anxiety and depression, an optimistic mindset can lead to a happier life.
Week of February 24th, 2020
“How you look at it is pretty much how you’ll see it.” – Rasheed Ogunlaru
Perspective changes everything.
Week of February 17th, 2020
“Mindfulness isn’t difficult, we just need to remember to do it.” – Sharon Salzberg
The practice of mindfulness and mindful exercises are not inherently difficult. In fact, acts such as meditation or gratitude exercises are the easy parts! Contrary to popular belief, the hardest part of embracing mindfulness is setting aside time to practice it and actually carrying out the practice regularly.
Week of February 10th, 2020
“The little things? The little moments? They aren’t little.” –– Jon Kabat-Zinn
Though the compliment you received at breakfast and the shot you made in practice might seem insignificant, in reality, those little moments have an immense impact on your day.
Week of February 3rd, 2020
“Looking at beauty in the world, is the first step of purifying the mind.” – Amit Ray
Remember: something as simple as blooming flowers or a multi-colored sunset can make a difference in your day!
Week of January 27th, 2020
“The best way to capture moments is to pay attention. This is how we cultivate mindfulness.”
– Jon Kabat-Zinn
It’s hard to remember to stay in the moment! But that’s the only way to improve mindfulness on this life-long journey.
Week of January 20th, 2020
“Be happy in the moment, that’s enough. Each moment is all we need, not more.” —MOTHER TERESA
Mother Teresa, who spent her days caring for those suffering from the deepest poverty in the slums of Calcutta, found a way to be at peace in the moment. When I remember that, I think I can too.
Week of January 13th, 2020
“Within me is a peacefulness that cannot be disturbed.”
This one is tough in practice, but good to keep top of mind. I get to decide what will and won’t impact me, so I’m choosing peace.
Week of January 6th, 2020
“Do one thing a day that scares you.”
What a challenge! As we head into a new decade, I want to embrace the idea of putting myself out there, even (and especially) when it’s scary. This is the way we grow!
Week of December 16th, 2019
“I change my thoughts, I change my world.” —Norman Vincent Peale
Our thoughts are the lens through which we perceive the world. This is amazing because it means if we simply adjust our thoughts, our world view can change for the better. We have the power to choose how we see the world!
Week of December 9th, 2019
“I will not let my anxiety control me.”
Anxiety is a normal part of life, especially for a stressed-out student. But it gets in the way of life when it becomes all-consuming and overwhelming. Therefore, I remind myself daily to breathe, practice gratitude, and keep things in perspective. No matter what’s making me anxious, it will pass.
Week of December 2nd, 2019
“I’m grateful for all that I have.”
It’s easy to compare ourselves to others and focus on what we don’t have instead of seeing that we have everything we need already. I never want to take anything for granted, so I try to have a daily attitude of gratitude.”
Week of November 25th, 2019
“Nothing—good or bad—is permanent.”
A good reminder that this too shall pass. Appreciate the good moments and recognize the bad moments won’t stick around.
Week of November 18th, 2019
“Inhale confidence, exhale doubt.”
In all things mindfulness, we have to remember to breathe. So I love this idea of breathing in something powerful and positive with intention, and breathing out any worries, doubts, and negativity clouding the present moment.
Week of November 11th, 2019
“I am grateful for all that is unfolding in my life and all that is yet to come.”
Life won’t always go exactly as we plan it, that’s why this mantra is a great reminder to be grateful for how ever life ends up unfolding. Not to say that we don’t have agency over our choices in life (and shouldn’t aim to make the best choices we can!), but that there are lessons in how things turn out, good or bad.
Week of November 4th, 2019
“Self-care is not selfish.”
This one resonates with me because I can get overwhelmed with all my commitments. It’s helpful to remember this, and that I’m allowed to take a break from homework or be by myself instead of hanging out with friends if I need sometime alone.
Week of October 28th, 2019
“Dare to be present.”
Sometimes I get lost in my thoughts of all my school work, hockey practice, keeping up with friend and family, etc., that I forget to just enjoy the present moment. I like that this mantra asks us to “dare” to be present, as if being present is an impressive achievement. And honestly, in this day and age, it kind of is!
Week of October 21st, 2019
“Anxiety is contagious. So is calm.”
There’s a plaque in our kitchen that reads, “Take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space.” I think that perfectly sums up the power our positive or negative energies and how they impact those around us. I’m working to bring a positive, calming energy to every room I enter.
Week of October 14th, 2019
“Be present.”
I love this simple statement asking us to be present in the moment. It’s all we ever truly have, so remembering to stay in the moment as much as possible will help us live a more fulfilled, grateful life.
Week of October 7th, 2019
“I am enough.”
I chose this mantra first because sometimes the hardest statement to believe is that we are enough. But we are! So everyday, I chose to wake up and tell myself, “I am enough.” Because I am. And so are you.