Wellbeing Officer

Like many parents, I am aware that there are only a few weeks left this term before Christmas and the New Year creep in and I have found myself slipping back into old habits. Before Covid lockdowns I was running around like a mad woman trying to tick everything off my list, trying to remember everything I needed to do for work and the children's school and then there are the bills, shopping, extra curricular activities and more. During the lockdowns I slowed down and although there were still many things I needed to do, I took the time to prioritize and work slowly through each task. Then life went back to normal (well, the new normal), and I found myself rushing again, feeling tired and, well as my children would say VERY GRUMPY.

Last week I was forced to slow down by a reoccurring injury that requires me to wear a very unattractive moonboot and yes this was initially very frustrating, however it made me re-evaluate things again. I had fallen back into my previous pattern of thought that I must get everything done in one day, resulting in an exhausted Nicole with very little checked off her list. Working with the 4/5's this week, we discussed having a  fixed mindset and how we can change our brain to respond to a growth mindset. I have realised that I cannot teach one thing and practice another and I am intentionally evaluating the decisions and choices I am making. A fixed mindset 

If you are like me, the thought of all the things that need to be done before the year ends can cause an overwhelming feeling preventing you from enjoying this season. I automatically fall into the fixed mindset pattern that it is all to much and I won't get everything done. This results in a lot of procrastination and then a whole lot of panic and rush. Today I am focusing on a growth mindset, with the belief that I can achieve the things I need to with a little planning and a growth mindset.  I may not get everything done but that is ok, I just keep putting one foot and a moonboot in front of the other. 

I am not the most organised person so this is an area I am focusing on improving and with a little planning I am confident I can improve in this area. Although the lockdowns were not positive experiences for everyone, it provided me with an opportunity to reorganize my priorities and set more realistic goals. I am using that experience as I begin planning for the remainder of the year.

Youtube have wonderful short clips that you can watch with your child that explains the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. The link below  is the first in a series of small stories about a little monster called Mojo who learns to teach his brain to have a growth mindset. This series is a great resource for families to watch together and begin conversations.

Remember in the midst of a very busy season, take a moment to breathe, enjoy the sunshine and recharge.

Nicole Agius

Wellbeing Officer

nicole.agius@crosswaylifecare.org.au