The Power Of Shrugging Your Shoulders

I don’t know about you but I can definitely fall into the trap of taking things too seriously that really should just roll off my shoulders.

For instance, we were at soccer practice for my middle son last weekend when my two boys ran straight into all the balls the team had collected neatly at the end of practice. They were having the best time, but I felt a wave of stress at the chaos thinking “Why cannot they just chill?!” and marched over saying “No no no!”

In retrospect, I wondered “Why did I take this instance so serious? Why did I let it stress me? They weren’t hurting anyone. Nobody was waiting to use these balls. We’re on an open soccer field with a bunch of toddlers hoping to show them how much fun kicking around a soccer ball is after all. Why cannot I just chill?”

I reflected on this scenario on our drive home and realized that what I wish I could have done was shrug my shoulders, laugh it off and get the boys to kick all the soccer balls back.

Upon more reflection, I notice that this happens to me in other areas of my life too: something happens and I take it personal or make something a bigger deal than it really it. The only thing that happens as a result is that I feel unnecessary stress or worry. My energy gets wasted.

No thanks!

So here’s my intention for this fall: shrug my shoulders more often, laugh things off, don’t sweat the small stuff, letting things go.

I think that so many of us really need a dose of lightness and ease and laughter, especially after a year where so many things have felt so serious, intense and often urgent.

We need to retrain our response systems. We need to create a new pattern.

By the way, this also has to do with perfectionism or thinking that things have to work or look a certain way, but honestly, I’m so over stressing about things being perfect, so that too, I’m ready to let go!

Are you ready to let things go, shrug your shoulders more often, and just let yourself laugh things off more easily?

Where do you want to begin this process? What or who can you practice with? Your kids? Your co-workers? Your partner? Where do you really need this practice?

Remember, CONSISTENCY is key as always when we are creating a new pattern, so it’s all about practicing choosing a different, lighter response.

Let’s do it.

Here is to intentionally building more ease and lightness around the little things in life that really aren’t a big deal at all.

Warmly,

Caroline

PS: It’s obviously different if there is someone or something in your life that is a constant, on-going, or abusive issue! Some things in our lives DO need attention, focus, revision, and conversation/ confrontation. But, I trust, you know the difference!