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Summer Shift

There has been a shift in my life this summer.

Something that originally seemed like another thing on my “to-do” list  has now become part of my “done” list; everyday. It is part of my daily routine that has offered the sense of calm and peace that was needed.

If you do not know me, I am a go-getter. My energy is high. I am a people-pleaser.  My personality is strong and determined. I love to be around people and I don’t want to miss out on anything…….but I also tend to have a problem saying “no.”

It is hard for me to rest. It is hard for me to quiet my mind. It is hard for me to be OK with stillness and doing absolutely nothing.

This comes from how I was raised…but more so from guilt. Many of us do things out of guilt and MOST women experience this daily for one reason or another. Guilt that we will let someone down. Guilt that we will disappoint. Guilt that we are not enough. Guilt from ego and  “what will they think if I say no…”

The thing is…there is power in “no.”

Neither the inability to be still or say no are positive things. Both create stress.

Certain stresses on the body ARE good; exercise stress, for example 🙂  Everything we do and interact with is a type of stress; BUT, it is our perception of that stress  that makes the difference in how we deal with LIFE and our daily interactions.

The change for me this summer has been taking the time (even if it is only 2 minutes) out of my day for prayer, to read, reflect, practice gratitude and yoga. Something that was another “to-do” is now something I look forward to and is not an option; because it brings the pieces of my life into alignment providing a sense of calm and balance that is so needed in our fast-paced world.

I have noticed a shift in my physical body over the past 2 weeks, as well.  As I mentioned in a previous blog, my fitness routine usually includes intense cardio, weight lifting, interval training and body weight exercises and not nearly enough stretching, yoga and increased range of movement exercises.

As I head into week 3 of the PiYo program (just 18-38 minutes a day at home) mixed with my other workouts, my core is stronger, my posture is much better as I am sitting taller at my desk and my hip/IT band tightness and pain have almost gone away. After only 2 weeks….this body is on the way to feeling like it should feel; balanced, strong, flexible and vibrant!!

What can you do tomorrow to change your day and create just a bit of stillness? Send me a message with any thoughts, comments, questions…I would love to hear from you all!

**I will have more information coming soon on my new Women’s 6-Week Support Series AND there is still time to join my PiYo accountability group that begins on 8/25.**