Last week I spoke at the Exceptional Children Ultimate Homeschool Expo. I bet you can’t guess what I talked about. I shared with these other special needs moms how the Power of One has helped me. I added a section that I haven’t shared on the blog yet: the Power of One Mantra.
Image created at quozio.com
We’ve heard it said “repetition aids learning”. When we choose and use a mantra, or in this sense, a saying we want to repeat to ourselves often, it helps us refocus. It calms us when emotions are high. I have two I use. One is from the familiar kids’ movie Finding Nemo, and one is from Scripture.
- “Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming.”
- “Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.” Mark 5:36
Sometimes when I tell myself, “Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming,” I imagine myself battening down the hatches, so to speak. I tuck my chin and remind myself to press on. You just keep going. That’s it.
The story of Jairus’ daughter and the woman who had been bleeding for twelve years has become one of my favorites. If you’ve never taken time to read it slowly, I encourage you to consider doing that. It’s a powerful story.
Being a natural worrier, those words of Jesus have given me courage and strength. “Don’t be afraid. Only believe.” One translation says “don’t be afraid any longer.” STOP WORRYING! Stop being afraid! Believe that I can help you. Believe that I will carry you. Believe that I will take care of your child.
Find some mantras that you can use for yourself and say them to yourself when life becomes overwhelming. You may need to say them out loud. It’s ok. Just say them.
Do you have a mantra? Share it with us!
March 18, 2013 at 9:07 AM
I use “just keep swimming…” too! I love your other mantra & might have to try that one on for size, as well :-) Thanks for the post!
March 18, 2013 at 10:19 AM
You are welcome, Lauren. Glad it was encouraging.
March 18, 2013 at 9:47 AM
Way back at the beginning of my journey with my three children with autism, people were always “warning” me to be careful to make sure my typical children still got attention. Something seemed off about that. I read a story in Reader’s Digest that created a mantra for me. That is, “Am I my brother’s keeper? Of course I am!” I wasn’t going to apologize to anyone, myself, my son’s siblings, and others that some of our children have special needs. We embrace the journey that Heavenly Father gave us, imperfections and all.
Today, five of my seven children are grown. Two of my typical children each have one of their disabled brothers living with them. Yes, I raised them right, and I think this mantra was key. Good article! Thanks for having me think about it. Here’s a post I wrote about it a while back: https://applestars.homeschooljournal.net/2006/06/16/my-brothers-keeper/
March 18, 2013 at 10:20 AM
Thank you for sharing your story, Cindy. I can’t wait to read it!
March 18, 2013 at 7:25 PM
For 53 yrs. of battling Juv. Diabetes Type 1, Lupus, Fibro, Chronic pain, and numerous assorted illnesses; I don’t know why I didn’t think to have a mantra.
March 18, 2013 at 8:47 PM
You can use one of mine, Mom. ;)
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