14 May Ever Feel Like You Need a Reset Button?

If you are human and if you are a Mom, you’ll know what I’m talking about here. You know those days where everything goes wrong? I mean EVERYTHING. As an example, this is literally an excerpt from a recent day of mine –  I woke up to the children arguing. I got up to get some breakfast made and dumped the entire carton of milk on the floor. As I realized that I was out of eggs, I burnt the toast. The day went on and of course homeschooling was a freaking disaster. The laundry was piled so high on the couch you can’t see over it and then the toilet overflowed. The frustration continued to mount until it all boiled over when my dear, hard-working husband walked in the door from work. I collapsed beside him on the couch that wasn’t covered in laundry, for a moment of respite, and instead I ended up fighting about something irrelevant and insignificant. Sound familiar? Ever feel like you need a reset button?

Or how about this…

Are you a working Mom? I am – I’m a nurse. The other night, while at work, my patient asked me for some pain medication. I moved to the door, telling her “Absolutely. Let me run and check to see what the doctor ordered for you.” As I was leaving the room, I heard her husband say in Spanish “F***ing white b**ch.” It was inexplicable, unprovoked, and devastating. I felt my heart stop in my throat, I paused at the door fighting the urge to respond in like manner.  I normally try to leave work at work, but these words followed me home, and now, several days later, they still hurt.

We’ve all had crushing, devastating experiences like these, that strike a blow to the core of who we think we are. They can even make us question our value, our worth and our ability to be who we are meant to be. My first instinct is often to think self-deprecating thoughts: “I suck so bad as a Mom.” “I can’t even cook a decent breakfast for my kids.” “Why did I ever think I could homeschool my kids?” “I have the patience of a gnat.” “My husband deserves so much more.” “I should have never become a nurse.”

How do we manage these moments?

As I’ve grown up (mentally and physically), I’ve learned a little about these moments. These moments are not REMOTELY about us! They are external circumstances and external circumstances are never about us, our value, our sanity, or our worth. We are not at the mercy of our circumstances! For sure, circumstances can often stink, but we have a choice in how we react and how we respond to these situations. It is our decision that sets the tone in our homes and in our hearts.

Easier said than done, I know! I personally find it very difficult to make a reasonable decision in an emotional moment. My less-than-gracious personality is to unleash a firestorm of sarcasm, humiliation, and blame. With time, however, I have learned to take a moment (or more often an entire week) to gain perspective. I have to reset.

We all need a reset button.

We need to find what works for us and then intentionally use it every time we are in such situations. There are many very effective reset buttons. Some people may benefit from listening to music or playing an instrument, some may find peace in prayer, meditation, reading, exercise or hobbies. Others find it in wine, chocolate, and / or coffee. No judgement here! My current reset button is essential oils.

Essential oils are my reset

Essential oils can have a very rapid and direct effect on the emotions. The sense of smell has a powerful influence over thoughts, feelings, emotions and behaviors. This makes essential oils ideal to use in situations where you need a reset button. They can be incredibly calming and relaxing, supporting mental and emotional balance. Does this sound like something you could use?

When I need a reset, I pull out my bag of essential oils. My favorites for stressful situations are Stress Away, Sacred Mountain and Joy. I inhale them and apply around my neck and shoulders for an almost immediate reset. It allows me to reconnect with my children and husband, or walk away from ugly situations at work that do not deserve my attention. I am able to focus on what brings me joy.

What is your reset button?

This Mother’s Day, take the time to reset. Pull some essential oils out and put them on. Diffuse them and feel how they affect you. Take the time hit the reset button. It will be so worth it for you and your family!