August

Travel is fatal

Mark Twain penned, "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow mindedness." Upon reflection on his words, it's a reminder that we are all 'foreigners' in different environments at some point, foreign or domestic. We can log so many life lessons when we allow ourselves to be open to them. 

Even if you can't afford a traditional summer vacay, you can be intentional about taking some time off, and creating a staycation that transports you out of your familiar environment. Make a list of things you've never done in your local community and be a 'tourist'. But most of all, regardless of how you structure your fun, take a break from the duties that are part of your daily routine. 

Travel is the ultimate 'reset button' for our tired souls. Exposure is the best way to break down barriers. Work. Travel. Save. Repeat. Where will you GO next?

Take a Break!

National Relaxation Day happens every August 15th. Here are 15 ways to disconnect and breathe a little bit differently:

1. Rest your legs up on a wall

2. Take deep breaths

3. Listen to guided relaxation

4. Eat a meal in silence

5. Let out a long sigh

6. Let go of something

7. Engage in small acts of kindness

8. Move twice as slowly

9. Call a friend

10. Color

11. Drive somewhere new

12. Sit with yourself 

13. Listen to music

14. Make time for a nap

15. Light a candle and read a book

We’ll be talking more about relaxation on IG all month. It’s my hope that you’ll also keep its daily practice top of mind. 

Live simple

In “The Beauty of Simplicity - Living a Simpler Life”, Stacy Brookman explains that, “Extravagance is often a picture of an unsatisfied life, and living simple entails stripping away the nonessential and focusing your time and energy on the things that matter the most.” She touts that we find true happiness in the most simple things and benefit in the following ways:

1. Finances improve - we’re spending less

2. Less likely to overreact - there’s less to worry about

3. Health is improved - mental and physical systems are less stressed 

4. Relationships become more meaningful - focus is on quality over quantity

5. Freedom is a natural byproduct - less things equal less responsibility

6. We learn more about ourselves - more time to reflect without as many distractions

7. Life is less cluttered - less time cleaning and organizing yields more time to live with clarity

8. You can be true to yourself and your values - material things lead us to covet and long for more

9. More free time - one of the greatest gifts that we can’t enjoy when we’re running ragged

And to leave you with the words of Francine Jay, “My goal is no longer to get more done, but rather to have less to do.” Here’s to living a simpler life in a more purposeful way!