I feel it. All of it. Complete exhaustion, humility, fullness, joy, gratitude and a deep groundedness all rolled into one. Not because anything has been published yet in hard cover with years of dreaming finely displayed on 300 pages (that will come in Fall 2020); rather, I feel this as a result of a transformative process of writing a book and undergoing new growth. I heard this was often a changing journey for a first time author and I didn’t know what to expect. So I released all expectations and truly poured myself into the process. Where I started and where I am in this present day feel like two different individuals. The former was a little more well rested… HA and now I feel like I am even more sensitive and curious to a world we all are grateful enough to share! Through writing, shooting and producing the book, I have been continually reminded to be gentle with myself. This sounds simple enough, but there is so much pressure in a world that rarely slows down. While there is great power in saying yes, there is a deeper declaration in saying NO. I have been going inward more for stillness, for my own answers and for my own self-love. I have released the feelings of having to produce at a certain rate and I am more focused on creating with quality and great mindfulness. As I allow myself to grow and continue to transform into the creative I know myself to be, I will also allow myself for things to be undone, fail at times, pick myself back up, value kindness over success, and - most importantly - being gentle with myself through all the journeys to come…. especially the journey of finishing up my book. Below, I am sharing quick and easy reminders we all need to create space and be gentle with ourselves. You are all loved and worthy of more self-care in your day - AR
MY 5 S-words FOR BEING GENTLE WITH YOURSELF
one
SAY “NO” TO PEOPLE, THINGS, & EXPERIENCES THAT DO NOT BRING YOU JOY OR ENERGY.
two
STOP + SLOW DOWN. THIS SIMPLIFIES OUR TASKS AND REMINDS US TO BE PRESENT.
three
SCREW PERFECTION! THE EFFORT AND LOVE WE POUR INTO OUR PROJECTS AND RELATIONSHIPS ARE ENOUGH.
four
SELF CARE: MEDITATION, JOURNALING, BATHS, YOGA, WALKS, REST, STILLNESS…TAKE TIME FOR YOU.
five
START CELEBRATING SMALL, DAILY JOYFUL WINS. SMALL FORWARD MOVING STEPS LEAD TO PROFOUND LIFE CHANGING RESULTS.
