Matters of the mind

It’s not always easy to release things, the way the trees always seem to graciously let go of their leaves each autumn, but it’s up to you to choose to stop clinging to the things that you no longer need in your life. No one is going to do it for you, but I’ve got some tips for how to make it happen. Ready? Okay, let’s go let go!

• Decide what’s really important. When you take a step back and think about what’s truly important to you, you’ll realize that many of the things you’re holding on to aren’t as essential as you once thought. What’s essential is being healthy, positive, mindful, and living your life to the fullest. If you are clinging to things or people, you’re not really at peace with yourself or your life. Step back and assess what really matters to you, and letting go will become a lot easier.
• Assess what benefits you’re getting. One of the reasons we hang on to things or people is because we believe they add value to our lives. But is that actually true? Think about it — and I mean really think about it. Are you benefiting from the clutter (emotional or physical) in your life? Is your life richer because you are surrounded by negative people? Probably not. Take a moment to list the benefits you think you’re getting and you’ll probably have a short list. Use this to motivate yourself to release what no longer serves you.
• Recognize that you’re overvaluing it. You’re the one placing high value on a person or thing you’re holding on to unnecessarily. More often than not, you’re idealizing that person or thing and telling yourself that, for whatever reason, you need it/him/her. However, that’s not true. If there’s any part of you saying “let go,” that means let go. What you need in your life is you. You also need things that are bringing you up, not down. If something isn’t bringing you up, it’s bringing you down. Stop overvaluing it and let it go.
• Be brave enough to release your grip. It really does come down to the old Nike slogan, “Just do it.” No matter how hard it is, no matter what obstacles stand in your way, sometimes you have to just suck it up, be brave, and release your grip. I know this is much easier said than done, but, honestly, it really is the only way. You owe it to yourself to be brave; to release the things that you no longer need. A remember: the hardest part is the release; once you’re brave enough to take that first step, you’ll soon see that you’re just fine without it.

The NCADD has found through research that parents play a key role in their child’s decision to use alcohol or drugs. Kids who learn a lot about the risks of alcohol and drugs from their parents are up to 50% less likely to use. However, use of alcohol and drugs by older siblings can influence the alcohol and drug use of younger siblings.

Talk to your students about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

Hi! My name is Sarah Wright and I am a counselor at CIS. I have a Bachelor's degree from the University of Montevallo in Elementary Education (2007) and a Master’s degree in School Counseling from University of West Alabama (2017). I have been in Education for 15 years. I am grateful for the opportunity to be at CIS and to work with such an awesome group of students and amazing staff. I am married and have 2 children. We moved to the Maplesville/Isabella area in 2017 and have enjoyed living in Chilton County. I have many hobbies that I enjoy including reading, swimming, four-wheeler riding, Auburn football, camping and watching my children in their activities

Lindsey R. Payton, RN

Mental Wellness Coordinator Chilton County Schools

lrpayton@chiltonboe.com

205-245-4572