Align vs. Hustle

I know that “rest, recovery, and reflection” is not the party line in our culture. You know what I mean.  We’re constantly encouraged to hustle, grind and take on as much as possible.  It’s like we’re all running this impossible race towards some idea of success.

What does it really mean to be “successful” anyway?  Does it mean that if we do more, achieve more, and own more stuff we’ll magically be happy?

Life has forced me to slow down.  From lockdown to a recent illness, I have had no choice but to sit down, slow down and reflect.  And it hasn’t been easy AT ALL for me to downshift.  But what I am finding is that the ability to reflect is actually a gift.  When I stop moving, I am able to sit with and see what is actually there.  And maybe, just maybe let it go.

Question:  Are you in hustle mode?

Food For Thought:  What if slowing your pace could bring you in alignment with the things you truly desire.

Challenge:  I dare you to take 5 minutes to completely unplug (hit the “reset” button).

Forget not …

I’ve always found the natural world to be my “reset” button.  No matter how harried my life becomes, when I go outside, the chaos subsides.

When the wind caresses my face and lifts my hair, it’s inviting me to calm down.  The rhythmic blowing of the leaves and grasses; the sounds of birds singing and animal noises; the heat of the sun on my skin; or the light of the moon and stars … it all reminds me that I am small and yet part of something larger than myself.  Regular breathing, steady heartbeat, feet tapping the earth … it all calms me.

And when I forget how much my body craves the out of doors, I find beautiful quotes like this one to remind me:  Elizabeth, get outside!

Question:  Are you someone who is soothed by being outside?

Food For Thought:  If so, when was the last time you went outside?

Challenge:  Take 10-15 minutes (minimum) to go for a walk outside.  Take a deep breath of fresh air, feel your heart beat, and let your feet tap the earth.