The title of today's blog is something I heard recently on a social media video and it really resonated with me. The content was a homesteader that I follow, and she sadly had to make the decision to euthanize one of her animals. Through her tears, she said "Sometimes you have to do the hardest thing to do the right thing." Right in the feels my friends, right in the feels. We have all been in a position at some point in our lives where we have needed to make a difficult decision. Whether it is letting go of a furry family member, ending a relationship, leaving a job, or anything that leaves us torn. It can be difficult to make that choice and sometimes we may procrastinate which can lead to additional stress, worry and pain. Staying mindful and prioritizing our own wellness can be a challenge in these situations.
Something I chat with clients about regularly is following their heart and doing what is right for them. In 2021, I opened Living Within Your Soul with nothing more than a dream and sheer will. It was terrifying and exhilarating and by far the best decision for me. However, in making that decision, I had to leave my stability, my routine and my community. I was walking away from an established business with a busy clientele in the city I live, to open my practice ten minutes away in a different city without that safety net. After six years in the industry, renting my space from others, I was jumping in full force and starting over on my own. The emotions involved in this process were sometimes overwhelming. There were tears, doubts, and more tears but the moment I opened my doors for business and welcomed my first client, I knew I was home. The key was to stay mindful. At the same time this change was happening, I was experiencing a series of impactful events in my personal life. Loss, my youngest kiddo leaving the nest, buying a home unexpectedly, adopting a special needs doggo. The last thing I needed was to add to that, however, I had to make the hardest choice to do the right thing for me. Regardless how difficult being a business owner can be, it was my dream and I had to walk away from what I knew to do what I love.
The challenges of making these types of choices can absolutely consume us. I know several people at the moment going through difficult relationship situations, others dealing with the loss of furbabies and some that are still living with the grief of losing someone they love. When I ask about their self care, I am usually met with a sheepish look and an admission that they are not taking care of themselves the way that they deserve. So how do we navigate the hardest things and make sure we are taking care of our mental and physical wellness? There isn't a one size fits all answer but there are things that you can apply in whatever way works for you.
Meditation
"But I can't get my brain to shut off." Hey, me too! Sometimes when we are all consumed with the events happening in our universe, it is hard to disengage and check in with your body, mind and soul. I will forever shout that meditation is different for everyone. Sometimes it is sitting in the lotus position, listening to singing bowls and being zen. Sometimes, it is hanging out in the car for an extra few minutes listening to a favorite song before we go into work. Sometimes it is focusing on breathwork at a red light. Sometimes it is getting a massage. Sometimes it is putting our feet in the grass and soaking up a bit of sunlight. Last week, I spent two hours at the beach by myself with my earbuds in listening to 90's Hip Hop in my noise cancelling earbuds and it renewed me.
Journaling
Processing difficult decisions can be compounded if we are struggling to sort through all of the information. I talk often with clients about journaling. Sometimes we just need to get things out of our brain so that we can see them objectively in black and white. Whether you opt for stream of conscious journaling, bullet journaling, or whatever works for you, journaling is proven to help with decision making. So open a new tab, pick out a cute junk journal, buy a crisp new notebook and go forth!
Exercise
I know. I know. For many of us, exercise feels like a chore but stay with me. When we are in the depths of a rough patch or needing to make that decision we have been avoiding, exercise can absolutely help. Moving our bodies releases endorphins that help with mood, clarity. It promotes digestion, increases metabolism and over all helps us feel better. A brisk walk, some light yoga, even just devoting five minutes to stretching can make a notable difference to your brain function and mood.
Mindfulness
This one is especially challenging for many of us, me included. We get caught up in what the repercussions of our decisions might be. We worry about what the future holds, rather than experiencing the moment we are in now. The "what ifs" can be paralyzing and when you are looking down the road, you can't see what is happening around you. Something that works for me, helping to be mindful and remain in the moment is what I call "It doesn't fu**ing matter". I know, language lol. In the midst of worrying about xyz, we find ourselves looking down the road saying what if I can't do it or what if something bad happens? Guess what? It doesn't matter. Something negative might happen regardless of what choices we make so sometimes we need to drop our ego, and do what is best for our wellbeing no matter how hard it may seem.
We can do hard things and sometimes we have to do them to get the best rewards. The peace we deserve in our souls. The happiness we have given up for another person, job, or situation. The solace of knowing that we are making the right choice.
One choice I have been leaning on for several years has been offering wellness workshops and retreats. In full transparency, I struggle deeply with imposter syndrome sometimes and with some of my personal challenges, I find myself not able to pull the trigger on things that I am passionate about because there is a fear of failure. It is also a huge task to put together something of that magnitude and I had to make the decision to let go of other things to focus on making this happen. I worried about impact in different areas of my life and finances and then I stopped worrying because, It. Doesn't. Matter. ;) None of those worries matter. I can either continue worrying and not move forward, in which case I don't know if it would succeed because I was too busy worrying to do the thing. Or, I can do the thing and be mindful and the moment about it and help change lives because I embraced it.
That being said, this fall I am introducing two new programs to help spread mindfulness, meditation and promote self-care and wellness.
Get Your Soul Swole is a workshop and eventual retreat series that offers small group instruction and hands on learning. The workshops will include meditation guidance, practical instruction on mindfulness, self care activities, body movement exercises and so much more!
Opportunities for small groups, company settings, and larger group setting will all be available beginning in the fall of 2023!
Wee Chill is a new program designed to introduce age appropriate mindfulness, meditation and body movement to kiddos as young as three years old. Offering our little ones the opportunity to learn self regulation and mindfulness opens doors for their future. Wee Chill will be available for one on one, family, and larger group settings (schools, daycares, etc) beginning in the fall of 2023!
I am so excited to be making my own hard choice to do the right thing by focusing on Living Within Your Soul and expanding my business this year. It is scary and exciting and I look forward to helping more individuals live their best lives. What right thing will you choose this week?
Namaste
Chrys Whitmarsh, LMT, CRM, Wellness Coach
Living Within Your Soul Wellness & Bodywork
2101 Woolworth Ave Bldg 2
Omaha, NE 68108
Comments