The last year has tested us in ways we never would have imagined and it’s never been more important to stay connected to each other and, more importantly, to self.
You’ve probably heard this so many times recently that it might not even be sinking in anymore.
But I want you to stop and really think about what we’ve actually been through and how it’s affected you.
I’ll be the first to admit that it’s been a lot easier to check out and hang with my three best friends:
Cabernet Sauvignon, chips and Netflix.
And I know I’m not alone. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with occasionally opting to numb yourself with your favourite trio, long sessions of scrolling social or over-consumption of news, work or other people’s drama. But the keyword there is occasionally.
When it becomes a regular unconscious coping mechanism, then it becomes a problem.
Nurturing Self-Connection
Repeatedly checking out of your life disconnects you from the connection, relationships and experiences you desire. It separates you from the life you truly want to be living. It blocks you from being able to take purposeful action and manage your energy.
So how can we foster that connection?
We need to nurture our connection to self.
It takes practice. Practice being in the moment. Practice self-care. Practice self-mastery. Practice holding our energy.
Practice checking in with yourself.
It’s about taking the time to honour what your heart needs and create space for things that ground you, inspire you and foster peace.
Ask yourself:
What does my heart need today?
Maybe you need to go for a walk in nature.
Maybe you need to be creative with a pen and paper.
Maybe you need to take time on your yoga mat.
Maybe you need to have a date yourself (think candle, music, homemade tea latte and a hot bath).
Show yourself that you matter by finding a way to honour your needs in whatever way you are capable of – even if it’s in the smallest of ways.
Intention is everything.
And if you need some inspiration for how you can look after your heart today, read on.
Heart-Centred Self-Care
My self-care schedule is a non-negotiable strategy that has become foundational for everything I value in my life – my health, relationships, self-love, connection with others, my passions, my creativity and the work I do in the world.
I want to share with you a way to create a personalized schedule that goes way beyond a pedicure or manicure (although, let’s be honest — get those too).
Get a pen and paper and brain dump the following:
Write down everything that brings you joy.
Write down everything that soothes your heart.
Write down everything that makes you laugh.
Write down every healing modalities that help you show in for yourself in all the best ways.
Write down everything that feels like coming home to yourself.
Write them down, organize them however you’d like and post them so that you can embody your connection strategies every day.
Then create space for it all.
It’s easy to check-out. It’s easy to binge Netflix. It’s easy to spend hours scrolling through social media.
But that’s not what serves our soul.
Our soul is served by our connection to ourselves. Our connection to what’s around us.
And that’s where we really find peace.
