Two weeks ago I found myself in a position where I fell flat on my face. We have all had those times, but this situation felt so different for me. I have been feeling great. I had been doing so well in taking care of myself. I see a chiropractor a couple times a week, eat healthy, get enough sleep, made some changes in my daily routines, continued with my daily meditation and much more. But how on earth did I get completely drained?!

To top it off, I had some amazing things happen in both my personal and professional life that week. I thought things were going really well and in fact had some new opportunities come my way. I gave a presentation on Embodying your New Years Resolutions to a room of over 40 women and then taught a class on the Introduction to The Art of Feminine Presence for 15 women locally here in Chicago. My oldest son made his confirmation and I made some breakthroughs on a work related issue. But at the end of the week I found myself drained and I just couldn’t breathe. You know that kind of illness where your nose is runny and stuffy all at the same time? I swear I don’t know how that happens, but it was happening to me!

I went home to rest and do nothing for 3 days. Our body knows what we need way long before we do. This particular week I just didn’t see the signs. I was so excited to share of myself with others, by teaching, presenting and coaching, that I forgot to take care of myself and appreciate the little things along the way.

We hear all the time how important it is to focus on the little things and how much we should be grateful for them, but we tend to focus on the big goals and forget to appreciate all of our small accomplishments along the way. I ended up taking the rest my body needed, took a few long bubble baths, read a book and listened to some music. This entire experience taught me so much that while I was in the midst of the pain, I started to write a song about my experience. It’s not ready to share at this time, but when I get the music behind it, I will certainly post.

Later that day, Beth Majerszky sent me the lyrics to a song of a retreat she led a few weeks prior called. “Be Gentle with Myself” by Karen Drucker. It was exactly what I needed to hear. In the lyrics it says, “I will only go as fast as the slowest part of me feels safe to go.” Sometimes our mind wants to go faster than our body is ready and able to go. When we find ourselves stressed, exhausted, drained or overwhelmed, it is usually a sign that we need to slow down and be gentle on ourselves. I encourage you to listen to this inspirational song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp3LCCy96_I

When was the last time you appreciated yourself for the interim or little accomplishments you did? Every step forward you take is something to celebrate. I encourage you to share any celebrations here.

One reply on “Be Gentle With Yourself

  • Mary Wu

    It’s a small thing – but I replaced and reorganized my Day Timer, and I was able to give my old one to my daughter.

    The climate in my house seems to be set by the organization (or lack thereof) in my kitchen, the climate in my business is set by the organization in my planner.

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