I’m curious about something. How many of you are intentionally choosing to build practices that nourish and support you?
It seems like a no-brainer, right? Of course. Why wouldn’t we do that? If you can answer yes to this question, I’m jumping up and applauding you. I’m going to venture a guess that most of us would answer … well … not exaaaaactly … you know … the kids, sports, job, life logistics, partner …
I do know. As women, we’re conditioned from almost the very beginning of our lives to put other people’s needs first. If you’re a mom, that tendency is even stronger. It’s what we do. If those people and their needs come from significant relationships in your lives … well … finding time to fit in anything to nourish and support ourselves may not even appear on your list. At all.
So why did I even ask the question if I already know the answer? Because I want you to consider how your life might feel different if you changed that pattern. What if you:
Pause. Literally. And really give yourself some time to ask: how would I like to be nourished and supported?
Grab a piece of paper, page in a notebook or a journal and for one week keep a running list. As you go about your day, notice what pops up as you keep asking yourself that question. Jot down any and all answers. Don’t edit.
At the end of the week, circle three of them that are really grabbing your attention.
Last, choose ONE. I challenge you to incorporate that one thing into your life for the next 30 days. Whether it’s If something you want to do daily (I finally started a morning writing practice after saying for literally years that it was something I wanted to do) or several times a week, declare it and make it your intentional practice for 30 days. At the end of the 30 days, assess how it made you feel to incorporate this practice into your life. Are you going to keep it or choose a different one to try?
Nobody else is going to do this for you because it’s easier for them to keep things just the way they are. After all, it’s working. For them. Right? And truly, you’re the only one who knows, in your heart of hearts, what you need / want. If you’re an empty nest mom, this is even more important and likely even harder to build a new practice!
This may feel SO uncomfortable that you’ll say … never mind. Don’t. Choose to let yourself matter.
xx Jean
P.S. If you feel like some support with this, reach out! I’m here to help!
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