Expect the Unexpected. 20 Mantras to get you through the hard times of traveling as a family.

Maybe it’s happens more while traveling, maybe it’s just life, but sometimes things just don’t play out the way you expect them to. Here are twenty mantras, or affirmations, for when things go wrong. Especially for traveling families.

What is a “mantra”? Why use them?

Mantras or affirmations are powerful short statements that help bring back some perspective to a situation. Maybe the flight is delayed or canceled. Maybe it rains on the day you planned to spend at the beach. Maybe the mudslides closed the road or the bus just isn’t running today. Maybe the hot water went out or someone got sick. Big or small, life’s curve balls are going to keep coming. How we respond and how we help our children to respond is a powerful life lesson.

Some might argue that having mantras that you fall back on doesn’t give you space to “own” your feelings. Or using them is somehow saying that it’s not okay to feel sad or frustrated etc. I agree that you aren’t meant to just smile through the day, no matter what. That’s not my goal. But mantras can be a great to to learn how to choose your focus or how to bring yourself out of despair.

Set the example yourself

First, as the parent in the situation, you set the example. A mother who is always snapping at her children or a father with a quick temper won’t be able to teach their kids to be calm or resolve problems peacefully. So commit to leveling up yourself. Then share the strategies you learn. As you do so, your kids will catch on. 

Some of these mantras will help you refocus. Or find the good. Some will remind you that there’s an end, it won’t last forever. Some are serious, some are silly. Find a few that speak to you and use them as short reminders whenever you need. Many were shared from other traveling families. I hope they help you too!

20 Mantras for when times are tough

• We can do hard things.
• Life is full of ups and downs. I wonder what tomorrow will bring?
• I can feel frustrated (or overwhelmed, anxious etc.) and still be kind
• Don’t count the days (or the minutes/hours), make the days count.
• This, too, belongs. Hard times aren’t a disruption, they are part of the experience.
• Get in, get out, get lunch. Sometimes you just got to do the thing. Then you can move on.
• When the going gets tough, the tough get going!
• Plot twist!
• “Home” has hard days too. (for when traveling)
• This too shall pass. (actually a great reminder to enjoy the good days too)
• This is a detour, not a roadblock.
• This is making us stronger.
• We embrace the unknown with curiosity and courage. After having introduced it, I like to just remind “curiosity and courage!”
• Let’s do this!
• We’re a team. We support each other.
• It’s only a failure if we quit. 
• Everything happens for a reason.
• My cirucmstances don’t define me, but how I respond surely will.
• Let’s find the solution. We can change how this story ends.
• What’s gone well today? (practice seeing the good and expressing gratitude)

And two bonus ones are two that have come from my own recent spiritual journey. I share about the story behind each in a post of there own and will link to them as well.

• That same God will also see me through this.
• He’s not surprised and He still has a plan.