What Have You Done to Soothe Your Soul Lately?
As I reflect on the past 9 days that I spent in Mérida, Mexico, I realize how much I needed to recharge.
When is the last time you truly recharged?
Since the beginning of 2023, I’ve kept a full schedule. Most of it has been wonderful, but I haven’t given myself an extended break to just be still and relax.
Since late January, I’ve spent 5 weeks in Mérida, Mexico, 1 week in Medellín, Colombia, returned home to Atlanta, 2 weeks in St. Petersburg, Florida, back to Atlanta, returned to Mérida, MX on June 21st, and now I am headed to Panama for the month of July. During this travel, I didn’t take a break from my remote work. I keep a flexible schedule, but I’ve been juggling coaching clients calls, developing my business, and taking advanced coaching classes. I don’t think I’ve taken 2 consecutive business days off fully this year prior to taking a 6 day weekend last week in Mexico.
Can you relate to running on all cylinders?
While in Mexico I finally took time to slow down and do things that nourished my soul. I didn’t do typical vacation activities like going to the beach or taking pictures. Instead I spent a lot of time just being still. I also walked, slept a lot, meditated, reconnected with friends, had really deep conversations, listened to live music, and went salsa dancing. I also participated in my first plant medicine journey that was very soul nourishing.
For 6 days straight I didn’t work or spend my time thinking about work. As I leave Mexico and travel to Panama, my soul feels nourished. I feel that I’ve finally taken an opportunity to recharge.
It’s sometimes important to just stop and feed our souls!
Too often we stay so busy that we lose contact with what brings us joy and peace.
Do you feel connected to your joy and peacefulness, or have you been feeling stressed, stuck, disengaged, frustrated, overwhelmed, or burned out?
Take a moment to reflect on the things that truly nourish you at the soul level? Better yet, write these down as a list. When is the last time you’ve allowed yourself enough space to do any of these items? Are they a regular part of your life? If you are like many of us, it’s been far too long.
In the upcoming week, I invite you to make time for just one or two of these soul nourishing ideas, even if it's only for a few minutes?
Just like you are probably making time to do things that suck your soul, find a way to make time for soul-nourishing items as well.
Taking time to soothe our souls, not only feels great, it can provide a recharge that helps us show up better in all areas of our lives. I encourage you to consider adding soul soothing activities to your daily or weekly routine.
[Julie Allen is an executive leadership coach who helps executive women leverage authenticity as a superpower to transform the way they show up, make decisions, and deliver meaningful results in the workplace]