Excellent words of wisdom. I just spent a week on my coaching page working on the idea of quieting the mental chaos. Sooo wish I'd seen this before then! Will share it forward with my readers though... Thanks for the great reminders!

Hi there. Saw this post on Twitter and it's nice to find your blog. I've been thinking a lot about peace of mind lately too. It really is a contentment thing. And that song - It Is Well With My Soul - what a powerful reminder of the fact that peace can come at any time and place through Him and Him alone. Have you read Ann Voskamp's new book? She's right there with us, girl. Thanks for your post!

I love LOVE this idea. We do similar things for my second daughter, foster/adopted, who has bipolar and PTSD. She bangs on drums, dances really hard to music with a beat, jumps on the trampoline to my husband's piano playing... some kids really do respond to music therapy that way. Read an article recently that when we hear sounds and songs we like, our perception of others changes for the better. So glad this is working for your little one! And nice to meet you through 5 minutes for special needs!

Just connected with you on Twitter and then checked out the DSW program with Ken Davis. What a great looking program. I've been speaking for about 6 years (if you don't count the years before that in which I taught junior high... admittedly the standards they had for a speaker were much lower :). Can't wait to learn more and read more from you. Wonderful to find you in cyberspace!

Now that's pretty darned good telling on yourself, girl! I'm a periodic lurker here, but that's going to change (and I put your feed in my "favorites" folder to prove it :). It takes guts to admit to being insecure and complaining... and we all do it more than we like! But can I also just say that as a life coach I work with people time and time again who fight against their strengths. What if one of your best qualities is that you see what needs to change? That's discernment.... but used in the wrong way, can come out as complaining. Have you ever read Now, Discover Your Strengths? You might check it out. It may make changing this part of you a lot easier as you know what parts of it to keep. Totally gave me that freedom when I was struggling with my big mouth. Now I'm a public speaker. :)

Saw your link on inCourage's post today. How is that journey going so far for you (since the 1st)? I know what you mean about feeling woefully not enough in life. Even when we're doing a ton! Praying for both of us to have confidence in living our lives as God's vision desires, no matter how low-profile that may be!

I agree with Paige. And I really like what you came up with and I think I'm going to follow in your footsteps. I don't want to hear myself say those words "one more minute" to my own kids anymore either.... Grateful for your decisive, sincere words!

Thanks! And for the reminder to pray in gratitude daily too. It takes it to a whole different level and sets our intentions so much more firmly in that direction!

I love what Ann Voskamp is doing. It really is true that we can think of endless things to be thankful for. I have to say that above any other stress-relieving strategy with my bipolar kids, being thankful for the things that are good in my life keeps me going on the dark days. So glad this was a blessing for you, my friend!

Thanks, Ruth. What kinds of things have you found helpful for balance during the holidays?