I feel like so often we feel as though we need to maintain a fast pace. We put expectations on ourselves as to where we need or ‘should be’. For example, by the age of 30 we should be finished uni, be working in our career, be married, have children, and buy a house. However, this is so far from the truth, in fact it is just the expectations that society tries to place on us.
I for one, will be the first one to admit that I have felt this. These last few months I have been studying at university but have needed time to focus on health and that has meant stepping away from work and boy, have I felt this expectation from society. However, luckily, I was able to identify this quite early on and each time it rears its head I just remind myself that it is just a false façade and that I do not need to give into it. I have needed time to focus on my health and I have concluded that it is so okay. I can easily say having this time off has been the best thing even when faced with the expectations of what I ‘should’ be doing. No one ‘should’ have to feel like they need to do anything.
This past season has looked like looking after my health more intentionally through exercise, healthy food, meditation, ice baths, nature, gratitude, cold showers, ocean swims, hydrotherapy, breathwork, mindfulness, podcasts, prayer, reading, walks in nature, journaling, camping, spending time with friends and family, beach walks, drives and adventures, church, rest, tea, baths and listening to my body.
It is amazing how much calmer, present and intentional I feel. The ice baths and cold showers have allowed me to realise that my body is capable of so much more than I thought it was, the breathwork has allowed me to process emotions that have needed to be processed for a long time and journaling has allowed me to integrate what I have been experiencing into my daily life. I have also learnt how powerful the words are that we speak over ourselves and how we can choose to speak words of life, hope, purpose and destiny. I encourage you to if you are not already to start speaking words of life, purpose and destiny
and see the impact that will have. I personally, read out affirmations over myself in front of the mirror every morning and have found it powerful.
God is so intentional, and I have felt his closeness so much throughout this journey. Processing and allowing ourselves to truly feel is one of the best things we can do. I will honestly, tell you it hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been worth it.
From someone who has been through it myself I want to give you permission if you need to, to slow down, to process, to cry, to laugh, to journey, to pray, to rest, to express yourself in any way you need to feel and to process. Covid has been hard there is no denying that and the world has still been moving at a rapid pace adding so much stress which also can have an impact on our bodies.
I also want to encourage you to have fun – in whatever way that looks like for you! I love how children always have fun and have such a childlike wonder to them. I personally believe we can learn a lot from even just observing children and the way they play. As adults we can get so serious sometimes. I know I have in the past but in fact we can let our guard down, we can be silly and have fun too!
You are so valuable, you are so loved, you are so beautiful, you are courageous, and you are so worthy. We get to decide how we want to show up in this world. In the long run by slowing down if needed you are helping yourself in the long run. I want you to know that.
In the slowing down and letting go may you remember that better things are coming and that He holds your future in His hands
I want you to know that I am always here if you need someone to talk to, have a coffee with and process things with.