Stop. Drop. And read this in nature.
1. Making my home secure.
I don't like to live in fear, but when our neighbors had a burglary a few weeks ago, I took it as a good reminder. Security is important for our... well... security. And as someone who grew up in the public eye, I've had dreams of people breaking in (and me murdering them - so literally watch out, I've been sleep-training) my entire life. Upon hearing the neighbor's news, Sean got all up in his masculine and secured the frick out of this house. I didn't even know I needed it, but it feels so much better to have these precautions. It feels like an odd form of self-care that I highly recommend.
2. "Don't stop until you're proud."
I've mentioned my motivational card deck before. It sits on my dining room table (where I usually work) and this is the message I've had on top for weeks. I love it because it feels personal. No comparison. No right. No wrong. Just go until you're proud. It drives me in a holistic, centered way.
3. Breathwork.
Breathwork has always been something I love, but I'm finding it tapping on my window more and more. It just feels like something my body, mind and emotions are beckoning me to do more of and I trust them. We already have quite a few, but catch more practices in the Lush Life Community.
4. Guest teachers.
In my membership, the Lush Life Community, I am now having a guest teacher lead a new workshop each month. We just had intuitive reader, Devon Lawrence lead a class on "How to Hone Your Intuition." It was so informative and fun. Next up: nutritionists, creatives, relationship coaches and more teaching you their specialties. Plus my monthly workshop of course. Two live (and recorded for later watching) expert workshops plus 200+ meditations, a cookbook equivalent of healthy recipes and more self-care rituals FOR $20/MONTH!? Mm-hmm. Check it out here.
5. Photo dumps.
Hate the word, love the realness. P.S. am I doing them right?!
6. Pleasure as the most important thing.
Nearly every empowered woman I've ever talked to has told me to read the book "Pussy" by Regena Thomashauer. I read it about 2.5 years ago and it was sincerely, truly life-changing. The truth is though, I constantly forget to put it to practice. Actually, that's a complete lie. I think about it all the time. I know it's truth that women are MADE to experience pleasure above all else (and everything from there falls in line), but I'm scared. I wonder if I'm deserving. I wonder if people will judge me. I shut myself down and keep trudging along bleakly or miserably because that seems more acceptable.
Well after really hitting a misery wall last week, I realized if I don't put my pleasure first (this is ALL kinds of pleasure, btw), then EVERYONE in my life will suffer. In fact, they actually already are. This year, my pleasure has been last. I've put my partner, family and work first and beat myself up for not doing MORE. Although we've had a lot of fun along the way, I've really back-seated my desires and followed what everyone else wants to do. By the time I have time for just me, I feel guilty for spending it. It's put me in a real ridiculous pit.
So what am I doing now? I'm back to Mama Gena's philosophy. And I'm being brave. I told my partner and my people: I'm committed to my pleasure now so don't be surprised if you catch me saying no more often and dancing in the living room in the morning.
7. Morning walks.
I used to do this all the time, but "got busy" and felt like "I didn't deserve them" because I needed to "prioritize things like cleaning, cooking, working and catching up with messages." Bro gtfo. I'm walking in the morning now even if it's only for 15 minutes. Walking, being in direct sunlight and being in nature have ALL been proven to boost our mood - especially first thing in the morning.
8. An hour in nature per day.
It hit me that there are days where I get no more than five minutes of nature. It makes sense that this is why humans suffer, get sick, and feel depressed or anxious. I'm committed to an hour of nature a day (if I can get it in one swoop, great - if not, broken up throughout the day is still good) everyday for two weeks to see what happens. So far, so good. Stay tuned.
9. Candlelit yoga.
This has always been worthy of my musings list. Even just stretching to candlelight at home is the stuff.
