Knowing When to Be Gentle w/Yourself & 5 Ways to Accomplish This

Are you frazzled, fatigued, drained...and going a bit crazy?

Do you feel like your body and brain are all of a sudden functioning in slow motion?

Is your energy at 0.5 (out of a 10)?

It is time to be GENTLE...with yourself.

I believe that we are all here - living this life - for a reason.

I look at it much like we are at "Earth School" during this lifetime and our primary job is to work at becoming a better version of ourselves each and every day...that we can manage to muster up the strength. I also believe our secondary job is to use the skills, knowledge, and experiences that we learn/have (while we are growing) - to give back to others and to also have compassion for their journey of growth.

Having said that, I also believe that we deserve some breaks, some vacation time, and some recovery - while we are in Earth School.

Growth can be so powerful, enlightening, and magical...

But it can also be absolutely EXHAUSTING!!!🥱

You could have a week where you are totally rocking your goals and checking off your lists - while also being thoughtful and kind to others...

And then one day you hit about 10AM and your brain, body, emotions, and energy say...

NOPE!!! Not up in here!

I can't do it anymore. I have had enough.

You instantly get caught a little off-guard.🤔

Hmmm...everything was going so well. What happened???

Here is where things can get a bit tricky and a few things can creep in:

- Worry

- Self Doubt

- Anxiety

- Depression

Examples: "Maybe I can't reach this goal." "I'm never good enough to...." "It doesn't matter how hard I work, things just don't work out for me."

...And this is why I created this post...

Sometimes...we just need to listen to our body/mind/spirit and choose to be gentle with ourselves.

Why Being Gentle w/Yourself is So Important:

1. No one can give their best to themselves or others when their cup is half full (or less).

2. It is hard to chase your passions when you are in grind mode.

3. Joy comes from being present in the moment and noticing the miracles. When you are worn out, it is hard to stay present.

4. Learning how to best care for yourself is a learned skill and the faster you start practicing, the better you'll be able to handle tough times when they arise.

5. You are your biggest asset - so you should invest in yourself first.

5 Ways to Accomplish Being Gentle w/Yourself:

1. Get quiet and listen - It is virtually impossible to hear what the universe, your spirit, and/or your heart are trying to tell you when your life is so busy and noisy. We have to learn (& choose) to add healthy practices/routines into our days to help center and reboot us. This could be as simple as a 10 minute meditation twice a day, a 30 minute walk with your dog after work, or a good bath. Get quiet...the answers will come. Then just choose to listen.

2. Pay attention to signs and signals - There is an old saying that the universe is always whispering to you. If you are unwilling to listen, your messages may come in the form of yells or screams from the universe...and then, if you are still not listening - a brick to the head. You choose. If you let yourself live in a constant state of fatigue...you're gonna get more bricks.

3. Learn what brings you back to a state of peace and DO MORE OF THOSE THINGS - Peace is a practice, not just something the "lucky" get to enjoy. What quality choices in your life bring you back to a state of peace and joy? A run? A massage? A meditation? Volunteering? Choose to practice things that bring you back to peace and joy and your spirit will thank you!

4. Learn the skill of saying, "No." - I am not really sure how it happened, but the last few decades conditioned us into being slaves. Work more. Give up more personal time. Strive to become workaholics and perfectionists. I am like a lot of you and fell right into the trap! I have spent the last 10 years trying to unlearn these toxic traits. It certainly wasn't easy at first; I was robbing Peter to pay Paul all of the time because people weren't ready to hear the language, "I need to recharge" or "I need to take care of myself." I had to learn by testing that language on people that I thought might be fairly receptive, first. Once I got the hang of it - it became easier...but I'm still not a pro. And let me be clear - I get worse and and worse at communicating what I need when my tank is run down. Please put your wellness first, and learn how to navigate the language of "No."

5. Choose to view rest and recovery as your recharge and reboot, not as you being weak - This is a continuation of #4 - as we have rewarded the toxic traits of workaholism, perfectionism, and multitasking for years now - like it is some badge of honor. Depressing - if you think about it. How many spouses have been missing each other? How many kids never got to play whiffle ball in the park with their parents? How many family members, friends, pets, and strangers could we have cherished more - had we not been trying to do 50 things at once? It is time to change that. We can be the change.

It is time to be gentle with yourselves, folks. Today and always - but especially when your body, mind, and spirit are screaming for some peace. May you not only incorporate these tips for you and your loved ones - but be the example that this world needs more of. Much love to you on your journey!