September
READY?
“How we do one thing is how we do everything.” ~ Kate
If this last year and a half has taught us anything, it’s that we’re creatures of habit, uncertainty is difficult to navigate, and adapting requires some pretty hard core adjustment that doesn’t come naturally to most. And with the zeitgeist being all about becoming the CHANGE we want to see in the world, it’s easy to observe how the above quote plays out in many interactions and relationships we have with ourselves and others.
How often have you been frustrated with someone because they refused to face hard truths? And then you realize, “Oh, they do that with most things in life...in general.” Can you count the number of times that you’ve asked why a friend or loved one may behave the way that they do when faced with the harsh realities/stressors of a global pandemic? And then you realize, “Oh, they do that with most things in life...in general.” That’s because the way that we do one thing is usually the way we do all the things.
It takes real intentionality to make change, effect change, be change. What are you ready to change? What patterns need to be less automatic? How much time do you have to sit and reflect on the answers to these questions? If we don’t make space to examine and define them, we go through life, distracted by our autopilot setting, living a less fulfilling existence and being of lackluster service to others.
Here’s to determining the things that need to stay the things...and the things that could benefit us and others by being adjusted.
re-SET…
The term ‘self-care’ evokes mixed responses. ‘Soul-care’ is an alternative term used by many. But no matter which way you choose to describe the practices of taking an active role in replenishing your state of being, it’s essential that we prioritize them, particularly during periods of stress.
More specifically, in a world that tends to encourage putting the needs of others before our own, the month of September [informally dubbed Self-Care Awareness Month] is a perfect time to remember that we cannot fill another’s cup from our own empty vessel.
In a recent repost from EVE MILAN NEW YORK, I enjoyed seeing how my followers responded to a ‘Soulcare Bingo’ graphic. If you missed it, here are a few suggestions to get you started on your journey to taking care of yourself:
. talked with a therapist
. planned a getaway
. got a facial
. cleaned out purse
. drink water
. helped someone
. spent time outside
. watered a plant
. said “no”
. called a friend
. gave yourself a scalp massage
. recycled
. chill pass
. took vitamin D
. did a yoni steam
. said an affirmation
. scheduled a dr appt.
. got a massage
. expressed gratitude
. took a walk
. stretched
. set a new goal
. tried something new
. green juice
. bubble bath
It can be as simple as a conscious breath in the morning or as luxurious as time away from the pressures of everyday life. It can span the spectrum from free to frivolous. No matter what choose to commit to, just know that the kindness we show towards ourselves will manifest into a kinder world.
GROW!
After we define what we want to do in the short-term [READY?], and reimagine new ways to pour into ourselves [re-SET], then it’s time to figure out how we want to strategize long-term to be able to look back and say, “This is how I flourished!”
For our purposes, long-term is January 1st.
Challenge:
Choose three areas: “Mind, Body, and Soul”
Decide one thing you’d like / you need to change in each area
With specificity, outline a plan. Write it down, record it, include detailed steps you’ll need to take, make it real.
At the end of each week, have a brief accountability meeting with yourself. Tell no lies. Be honest about how you're winning...or not :). Make the necessary tweaks.
On the 1st day of October, November, and December...look how far you’ve come...clap for yourself...and celebrate with extra special self/soul-care.
January 1st is the day to reflect on your tenacity, the meaningful changes in your life, and the joy you’ve brought to the lives of others...as a result of your transformation.
This is just one way to approach the challenge. Feel free to revise as needed. But don’t forget that [like the quote says], ‘the only person you’re competing with is the person you were yesterday’. I’d love to hear and share your experiences with this!
