Hello and welcome back to The Therapist Dairies,
In the last post I introduced the idea that in addition to
warmth and nostalgia, Fairytales are filled with lessons on mental health and
wellbeing, in particular, the idea of mindfulness.
Mindfulness is the ability to be present and fully engaged
with the current moment, free from distraction or self-judgment. It involves
actively observing and acknowledging your thoughts and feelings, neutrally, and
maintaining awareness of surroundings and sensations. By focusing in on the
present moment, we can help our bodies reduce stress, anxiety, and depression
while also improving our overall well-being. It gives us the freedom to step
out of "auto pilot mode" and become more positive in our responses to
tough moments which in time, builds our overall mental resilience.
In this post, we’re going to step into the world
of Cinderella, not just as a fairytale, but as a reflection of
mindfulness in action. Beyond the ballgowns and glass slippers lies a story of
quiet resilience, emotional presence, and the power of holding onto self-worth
in the face of hardship. What if Cinderella wasn’t just waiting to be rescued,
but was practicing something deeper, staying grounded, hopeful, and true to
herself despite the chaos around her? Let’s explore how her journey mirrors the
mindful path, and what we can learn from the way she chooses grace
over reactivity.
Cinderella is one of those timeless stories that many of us
grew up with: a kind-hearted young woman, mistreated by her stepmother and
stepsisters, who ultimately finds her way to a better life. On the surface,
it’s a story of magic and luck, but when we look through a therapeutic lens, it
also carries profound lessons about resilience, self-compassion, and the power
of small, intentional actions.
Cinderella’s life is full of hardship. She is forced to live
in difficult circumstances, yet she maintains a sense of inner grace and
kindness. She does not allow her environment to define her self-worth, and she
quietly tends to her responsibilities, finding moments of beauty and care even
in mundane tasks. It’s easy to overlook these small actions, but they
demonstrate a kind of mindfulness, the ability to remain present, to nurture
oneself, and to act with integrity despite adversity.
So often, we’re wired to wait for the big wins like the
promotions, the milestones, or the breakthroughs, before we allow ourselves to
feel proud or fulfilled. But healing, growth, and joy often live in the small,
easily missed moments: getting out of bed on a hard day, setting a boundary,
taking a deep breath before reacting. As a therapist, I encourage my clients to
slow down and notice these quiet victories, because they are
the building blocks of lasting change. Praising yourself for the small things
isn’t about lowering the bar, it’s about recognizing your effort, your
resilience, and your presence in the here and now. When we celebrate these
moments, we reinforce self-worth and shift our focus from perfection to
progress. Life becomes less about the finish line, and more about the steps
we're taking along the way.
Cinderella’s story reminds us that mindfulness is not about
escaping challenges or waiting for a magical solution. It’s about finding the
inner resources to navigate life with presence and self-respect. If Cinderella
hadn't remained mindful, she probably wouldn't have been open to accepting the
magical help of her Fairy God Mother. Mindfulness helps us give ourselves our
best chance at noticing help and accepting it when it appears. Her story
encourages us to notice the small moments where we can choose patience,
kindness, or courage, even when life feels overwhelming.
Here's a mindfulness exercise for you to try. Take a few
minutes to sit quietly and reflect on your day. Identify one small action you
performed, whether it was completing a task, helping someone, or even showing
yourself patience, that required intentional effort.
Breathe deeply and acknowledge the strength it took to act
with care.
Then, imagine that each small action such as that, is like a
sparkling steppingstone on a bridge: unique, valuable, and meaningful in its
own way. Recognize that just as Cinderella’s steady kindness paved the way for
her transformation, your mindful actions build resilience and self-worth in
your own life.
Fairytales like Cinderella remind us that growth and change
often happen quietly, step by step. When we read them mindfully, we uncover
lessons about patience, inner strength, and the power of intentional living,
lessons that are as relevant for adults today as they were for children long
ago.
Before you dive into the hustle of the week ahead, take a
moment to pause and breathe. This week, I'm inviting you into a simple but
powerful mindfulness challenge that I like to call, "One Mindful
Moment a Day." That’s it, just one moment each day where you pause,
ground yourself, and fully experience the present. Whether it’s sipping your
morning coffee without distractions, taking a few deep breaths before
responding to a stressful email, or simply noticing the feel of the sun on your
skin, let that moment be just about being here,
now. You've got this. Let this be the week you show up for you.
Until next time- be kind to your mind.
—The Therapist Diaries
For professional inquiries please reach out to georgina.m.lloyd@outlook.com
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