Do this for more energy and joy

Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of summer. Here in Chicago, that means the beaches and farmer’s markets are open, the days are steadily getting longer and (more consistently) warmer. 

This seasonal transition offers you an opportunity to reflect on the last couple of months and identify your successes and challenges so you can prepare for the summer season. 

• What habits are serving you, giving your energy, and feeding your soul? Continue to make those a priority!
• What are ready to let go of or tweak? Give yourself permission to free up this space in your life. 

Take time to identify your needs and prioritize them, in doing so you’re prioritizing you. This practice gives you perspective as you consider what you want to say yes to this summer. If you’re needing space, take the space. If you’re needing self care, schedule it - this will help you make it a priority.

“A busy life is not a symbol of status. It’s a symptom of trying to do too much for too many people. A full calendar brings a surplus of stress and a shortage of energy. Reflecting and relaxing should be top priorities. Unscheduled time isn’t wasted. It’s invested in well-being.” ~Adam Grant

If you look at your calendar and it’s packed from morning until night, or you don’t use a calendar and you have a neverending to-do list with very few items ticked off… maybe you tell yourself “when I get this done, it will open up time” or “as soon as I complete that task, I’ll deserve to take the afternoon to indulge in my book”. 

The reality is, once you complete that obligation and remove it from your calendar, you’ll probably fill it with something else you’ll say yes to. And, if you must earn or deserve time for yourself, you’ll probably never meet your own high expectations. 

Why put off the enjoyable, restorative, relaxing activities?
In putting them off until… you’re denying your own well-being.  If you’re go, go, go - what do you think will be different in the future? Make the change now so you can begin to practice relaxing, restoring, and enjoying experiences that feed your soul and fill you up.  

Capitalize on the energy of the season and use it to practice something new like:

1. Saying yes to activities and experiences that get you excited
2. Saying no when you don’t want to, or don’t have time to do something
3. If your calendar is full, exploring what you could let go of, even if it’s just for the summer
4. Creating space for rest and relaxation, use your calendar to schedule it, making it a priority

Through this, you’re giving yourself permission to explore and validate your needs, and you’re prioritizing yourself. It may be difficult at first, but just like practicing downward dog for the first time, your muscles shake at first and you learn to steady yourself with your breath. In time, you feel stronger and more confident in your body and your ability to maintain that posture. The same holds true for practicing prioritizing yourself. Practice consistently, work with your breath, and in time you’ll develop the confidence and strength to know your needs and how to prioritize them. 

As a result, you’ll feel restored, energized and more joyful about yourself and your life.  

With love,
Jodh