A late February ice storm is playing a percussion rhythm against my office window. School is canceled. For school-aged children, snow days are the jackpot, a secret treasure hidden within the winter months of the calendar. Waking up to a snow day is like waking up to a surprise party, an unexpected gift, a blissful time-out.
When was the last time you honored yourself with a time-out?
When did you last pause, step out of your busy day, and fall into the experience of relaxation, into the experience of simply being ?
A personal time-out is a unique creation you design to be whatever you choose. It can be decadent, luxurious, simple or sweet, as short as ten minutes, as long as a lifetime, and everything in between.
Design your time-outs to fill your heart. Take special care as you consider what a time-out looks like for you. Focus on tenderness and what it means to nurture your soul.
Step out of your schedule and into the glorious experience of reconnecting with your magnificence.
Embrace the playful child within.
Wake up to a snow day.
Take a time out.
You are worth it.
Time-out practices:
Create a list of 25 simple pleasures.
Design your perfect time-out weekend and then go for it!
February, the month of Valentines and romance has arrived.
Do you have someone you love?
Do you have someone with whom to share the sentiment of the holiday, the heart shaped greetings, the flowers, the chocolate, the candle light dinners?
Do you have a special someone in your life that brings a smile to your face, fills you with joy, and makes your heart beat faster?
If your heart is beating at all, the answer to all of the above is yes, yes, a resounding yes!
Who makes all of these wonderful experiences a reality for you?
You do.
Why not fall in love with yourself? Look in the mirror. What do you see? Do you see the miracle of life? Do you see the sparkle of your eyes or the unique beauty of your features? Do you see strength? Do you see warmth? Do you see kindness and connection in your smile? Do you recognize radiance? Do you see humor?
Look closer. Be still. Breathe in. Breathe out. Focus.
The image before you is a gorgeous human being, deserving of love, compassion and all the magic the world has to offer. Take a moment to reflect on the absolutely miraculous person that you are. Stand in a place of gratitude for all that is uniquely and wonderfully you. Fall in love with who you see.
Standing tall from a place of love for your self sets the stage for you to accomplish whatever your heart desires. Filling yourself with love and acceptance makes possible a life of authentic connection with others. Cherish yourself as you would cherish a beloved. Show yourself your brilliant light and share its energy with those around you. From love grows limitless possibility.
Love yourself first.
Watch what happens.
February Love Practices:
Make a list of 25 things you love about yourself.
Every day share at least one big bright grateful smile with the person you see in the mirror.