Does This Sound Familiar?
The grocery order needs finalising so I don’t end up with 16 boxes of eggs that I put in as a placeholder. There are hospital visits or appointments for 3 family members, messages from the kid’s schools to action, a daughter with a broken ankle to wait on, workshops to plan, financial records to update, PR to do, training to take part in. As I write this it’s December 2021 so add Christmas prep and that blasted Elf! I can’t remember all of the rest so it’s on a list. Three lists. And I’m sure there’s something(s) I’ve missed.
I am thoroughly in the thick of it, and yet I’m not disintegrating in desperation. I’m taking it relatively easy.
But I remember clearly what it’s like to do ALL of this and feel obliged to say YES to many other things. To run myself ragged for others who take it for granted. To get utterly depleted or catastrophically ill at the worst possible time because I’ve utterly run out of steam.
If you are still in that place … your mind swirling with #AllTheThings, not being sure what you need to do next and your thoughts whirling round and round in the most unhelpful way … wrap your tired hands around a warm cuppa and cozy up to this blog.
Over the last five years, I’ve worked carefully at learning how to harmonise my work/life responsibilities with other needs such as resting, creativity, and time with family and friends. It’s empowering, confidence-boosting, and wonderful for wellbeing.
In the last week of November/start of December 2021 I gathered up all this experience and put together 7 days of #RestandReset social media posts to support people who find themselves struggling at any time of year. Here it is to support you on your journey….
Day 1 ~ Monday ~ #RestandReset
What would “Kinder Me” say to “Hard On Yourself Me”?
The piece of writing below was inspired by a local Andy’s Man Club post asking what one piece of advice you’d give someone struggling right now.
You may want to quietly read it to yourself and consider what each line is saying, perhaps even record it so you can play it back when you need to.
Whatever the external world may tell you about what you should and shouldn’t do, it’s ok to #RestAndReset a while. So today: Go Easy On Yourself…
I created the short Candle Meditation below for those moments when #AllTheThoughts come rushing in and you need a little time to clear some brain space, find a little perspective, rest your mind, and refocus it on the next little thing you CAN do.
Again, it’s something to revisit and perhaps record so that you gently begin to reprogramme your worried thought patterns with helpful perspective.
Candle Meditation
Focus on a candle flame, real, on a video, or in your imagination.
Watch the light dance.
Watch it sway with the invisible breeze, or stand up tall.
Watch the wax yield, the wick gently hold the flame so it can shine brightly.
Oh, a thought popped in your head?
The washing, the cleaning, the work, the family, the … that’s ok.
Smile.
Look at the candle.
It keeps burning.
Keeps dancing.
Keeps swaying.
Keeps shining.
The thoughts will come and go.
Smile.
If they come, they will go.
They go.
There is just the candle.
All is well, and warm, and bright.
Just for this moment,
Rest and reset.
“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” – Willie Nelson
There you go Wonderful! Try each of these out and use whatever works for you – give it time though, and go easy on yourself. You can also research others ways to rest and build up your own little resource.
Further Support…
There are some great Jax Lovelock Creative resources to support you on your own journey to creating the life you’re ready for…
Quick Coach Session
Do any of these questions resonate with you?:
~ Why do I keep getting things wrong?
There are also discounts available when you make a block booking for 3 – 6 Quick Coach sessions.
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It’s a place for connection, inspiration, encouragement, and up-to-date information on coaching and programmes.
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I’m looking forward to supporting you on your journey of self-empowerment!
Love & light
Jx