The wake up call
You wake up one morning with this feeling that something is off. You're slow to get out of bed, your body feels sluggish, and you can't help but feel as though something is missing.
Your left-brain kicks in as you scan through your never-ending list of to-dos.
This tension creeps over your body, up through your chest and into your throat. Suddenly you feel yourself getting totally stressed and freaked out about life.
You become aware of the pressure of the many roles you're responsible to fulfill. You're a mom, a wife, a friend, a caretaker, an employee, and you are without a doubt your entire family's support system. You are everything to everyone - except yourself.
Welcome to the struggle of many of us women.
Choosing to change
I don't know why it is this way. Why we have this deep desire to nurture and love others, but end up losing a piece of ourselves along the way.
I do know that we can change this.
You can restore yourself and live the rest of your life feeling fully empowered in who you are.
The process of restoration involves re-connecting your body, mind, and spirit. The focus is on creating a healthy lifestyle coupled with a stronger knowing of self. When you tend to your inner most needs, you create the opportunity to reconnect with your most powerful self.
Where to begin
1. Honor your past
Most of us have lived a very colorful life. The colors vary but the shades are all the same. We've had highs, lows, plateaus, and everything in between. This variety is what gives us our own unique wisdom, and ultimately it's where our power comes from. Life experience is the greatest teacher of all time. If you are holding on to any shame or regrets - let them go.
A simple technique is to write a letter to your old self. Focus on all of the positives you have learned and accomplished. Thank your old self for both the struggles and the valuable lessons. Finish off with a beautiful description of who you are today, and explain why you are ready to become your most powerful self.
Then, let that letter go.
2. Create a vision of the woman you want to be
This can be intimidating so I like to start by writing out a description of my perfect day. I consider things like, how I would spend the day, the foods I would eat, who would be there with me, and where we would be.
From there you will likely be able to extract certain values that come up based on your perfect day. For example: health, family, freedom, creativity, self-care, or connection. Use those core values to envision the image of what you want to bring forth with you as you evolve into this spiritual restoration of self. Then write it all out as though you are already there.
Remember, this is a restoration of your inner self so keep the focus away from the typical things like career, money, or body image.
Your vision might look something like this...
I am a strong woman who is deeply connected and in tune with my innermost needs and my soul. I have complete faith in myself to get through the daily waves of ups and downs. I wake up fifteen minutes earlier than usual so that I can spend a few minutes in total silence, sipping a cup of chai tea, and setting my intention for the day. Taking care of myself is a priority, and I have enough energy to give back to those around me. My life is simple but it is truly magical.
Now read this description to yourself first thing every morning for the next forty days.
3. Book an afternoon off to recharge
Too often we find ourselves going through the motions of our busy days without really taking the time to pause and connect to our needs. Your mind-body-spirit connection relies on you setting time aside to consciously rest and recharge.
An afternoon of rejuvenation doesn't have to be glamorous or complicated. Some of the best ways to recharge are the most simple and can be done in the comfort of your own home. Think of mindful activities such as a hot bath with relaxing essential oils, sipping a cup of tea, and doing some slow yoga.
Try to avoid activities that are more mind-numbing than anything. Watching television, catching up on social media, or drinking half a bottle of wine is not the kind of connection that awakens your power.
Whatever an afternoon of self-care looks like for you, make sure to minimize the distractions, turn your phone on silent, and be present in each moment. This is your time to think of you and you only!
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As you move forward, you'll want to build on these three steps and incorporate them into a daily, weekly, or monthly ritual so that the restoration process is a consistent part of your life.
The more you connect the dots between your body, mind, and spirit, the more you will tap into your fierce inner power!