Summer is in full swing, and you are taking time to rest, catch up on projects around your home, and relaxing with some much needed vacation time! You may also be taking graduate courses, professional development training, or revising how you want to switch things up at work when fall arrives. Sometimes we lose ourselves in school or our work, developing strong career-focused identities we just can’t break away from, even if we’re physically not at work. Whatever you’re doing with your summer, it’s essential to take time to find balance and rediscover yourself, and summer is the perfect time to do it!
If you’re ready to find balance and rediscover yourself, keep reading for mindful solutions.
Step 1: Gain Clarity – What do you really want?
What is it you really want for yourself? You’ve probably known for a while something needs to change in your life. Maybe you’re feeling stuck in relationships, in a job you no longer love, or simply can’t find the strength to battle your inner voice of self-doubt anymore. Whatever it is, it’s time to get clear on where you are and where you want to be. To find clarity, you’ll need to set aside some quiet time for you to look within and ask yourself the question, “What do I really want?” Journal with this prompt in mind for a week, dedicating time to let whatever’s on your mind to freely flow onto paper.
When I did this exercise for myself, I journaled everyday for seven days straight. I had just finished up a second MAEd (I’m a recovering overachiever, people pleaser, and loyal prover of my worth). Despite entering this graduate program for art education with intentions of someday moving into a doctoral program, then teaching at the collegiate level, my studies totally shifted my inner desires. I left the program asking myself, “Now what?” The question was terrifying because I knew deep down I didn’t see myself as an art teacher for the rest of my career, but I only knew myself as a teacher.
To answer my burning question, I began writing about what I really wanted for myself. Soon I recognized a theme surfacing from my journal entries. I needed more creativity in my life. Funny, right? An art teacher lacking opportunities to be creative. The truth was I was so consumed teaching others how to be creative that I no longer felt creative autonomy in my own life. After gaining clarity, I started searching to find more answers. That’s when the major shifts began happening for me on a soul level. They can happen for you, too, so keep on reading!
Step 2: Make Shifts – Choose guiding words for intentional living.
Once you uncover what you really want for yourself, you have the foundation of your roadmap. It’s time to start your journey to restore inner balance and rediscover yourself. If you’ve come to the end of your journaling and still aren’t quite sure of your next steps, I’ve got you covered. I want to walk you through part of an exercise in one of my workshops, Living Through an Intentional Lens. The idea is to align your life with intentional actions based upon 3 guiding words. Grab a paper and pencil, then follow the 3 simple steps below!
3 Guiding Words
Step 1:
Consider 3 words to represent how you want to show up for yourself and others everyday. You may think of more, but narrow your list down to 3. Simplicity is key for your success.
Step 2:
For each word, journal about why it’s important to you. How will this create a better life for you? How will you show up for yourself and others when living through a lens of intention guided by your 3 words? In other words, what is your why?
Step 3:
Think about how you might display these 3 Guiding Words somewhere you will see them, reminding you of your intentions. You might create artwork like a drawing, collage, or painting, or you may choose to design something digital in Canva or Piktochart.
Curious what the workshop is like? Check out Meghan’s thoughts when she participated with a group of colleagues:
Meghan:
“I participated in Jess’ wellness workshop on guiding words and cannot say enough positive things about her and the workshop. She makes each person feel welcome and known in the time that you are with her. The workshop’s direction was very organized and gave each participant the time to read, write and ask questions. She guided the participants through the process of coming up with our own guiding words by breaking it into parts which gave us the time we needed to process the information. I highly recommend participating in one of her workshops. You will not be disappointed.”
You can sign up for a private workshop session by following this link!
Step 3: Level Up – Prioritize self-compassion and mindfulness
Two essential ways to find balance and rediscover yourself comes when you practice acts of self-compassion and mindfulness. Practicing self-compassion gives you full permission to go within, look inside, and nurture your mind, body, heart, and soul in loving ways. According to mindful.org, “Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are, what we’re doing and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.” When you put the two together, you will reveal the truth of your spirit, which aligns with pure, unconditional love and being fully present with yourself and others, making safe space with your life’s circumstances – past and present.
Raising your awareness of your thoughts and behaviors is the first step to find balance and rediscover yourself. Journaling, setting your intentions for living, and practicing self-compassion and mindfulness are all wonderful ways to get you started on your journey back to your true self. But what happens next? How can you tend to your spirit when you’re either out of practice or don’t know where to start? That little voice inside, your inner guidance or intuition, will guide you in the right direction. Just get quiet and listen.
What are your go-to mindfulness practices?
How can you practice self-compassion today and throughout the week ahead?
Are you an educator, leader, or busy parent ready to find inner peace, balance, and rediscover your purpose? You know you have the power to heal, but having personalized guidance, support, and accountability is exactly what you need right now. If this sounds like you, you’re invited to schedule a free clarity call to see if the 1:1 Guided Journey is right for you!
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