Navigating Life's Tides: Finding Your Flow in a Changing World
The world around us feels like it's spinning faster than ever, doesn't it? With so much happening and an endless stream of distractions, it's easy to feel weighed down, tired, and perhaps not quite like yourself. I know that feeling intimately. I'm still learning how to balance all the changes while allowing myself to truly be present and enjoy whatever I'm doing.
Quieting the Inner Critic
It's amazing how often we're our own toughest critics. We tend to be incredibly hard on ourselves, and I'm no exception. I'm actively working on noticing that little internal voice that often whispers things that simply aren't true. When it shows up, I hit the reset button and remind myself of a powerful truth: I am worthy and deserving, and we're all just human. Perfection? It doesn't actually exist. For the past few years, my personal motto has been, "80% good is better than 20% perfect." It's incredible how much more you can accomplish and offer when you don't get caught up in every tiny detail, especially when, in many cases, those minute details won't make a significant enough difference to justify holding things up. (Of course, if you're a surgeon, or lives are at stake, you can't be quite so generous with what you let go of!)
The Many Hats We Wear
We're all wearing so many hats in our day-to-day lives. For me, that looks like:
Daughter
Sister
Friend
Dog mom to two beautiful babies
Part-time caretaker to my aging parents
Certified coach
Full-time federal employee
Project manager (as my dad affectionately refers to me!)
Sometimes, when I don't prioritize my own well-being and time, it can honestly feel like I'm giving away a little piece of my soul to all these distractions, responsibilities, and daily activities. The result? I feel drained, sad, and just plain tired. This is definitely NOT where I want to be, but life has a way of sweeping us up, and we can all get caught in the current. The key is to recognize the loop you're in, hopefully sooner rather than later, and remember that you have the tools to regain your coherence and plug those energy leaks.
My "Go-To" Activities for Recharging
I'm sure you have your own long list of roles and responsibilities that keep you moving at a pace sometimes faster than you'd like. So, what are some things you find helpful when you need to catch your breath and slow things down a little? Here are some of my "go-to" activities:
Prayer/meditation: Connecting inward helps me recenter.
Heart-Focused Breathing techniques: I use these throughout the day to calm my nervous system. (If you're curious about diving deeper into how your body's intelligence can help you navigate change, you might enjoy my previous post, "Embracing Change with Your Body's Intelligence"!)
Relying on my intuition: That inner knowing is a powerful guide.
Stepping outside for even just a few minutes and breathing: A quick walk or simply standing in nature can make a huge difference.
Setting boundaries (and sometimes re-setting them!): Because that definitely happens, and it's okay!
At the end of the day, if I can't learn to regulate myself and find the settings that allow me to be my best self, how can I possibly show up for anyone else as my full, authentic self? It's a question I often ask myself, and it reminds me of the importance of filling my own cup first.
Conclusion
This journey of self-discovery and self-care is a continuous one, and it's unique for each of us. By leaning into practices that nourish our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual selves, we create a strong foundation from which to navigate whatever life throws our way. Remember, you hold the inner resources to find your balance and thrive. What's one small step you can take today to give yourself a little more grace and reclaim your energy?
