Do you intentionally nourish your soul?

When I talk about the soul, I’m referring to your mind, emotions, thoughts, creativity, etc.

The things we think about, feel, focus on, talk about, and experience so often live in the background of our minds. They just become part of the chatter and the noise of the day.  We don’t even notice them or recognize the impact they have in our lives; until we’re burnt out, cranky, frustrated, or worse.

As women we’re pulled in so many different directions, stretched beyond our limits, and expected to “keep it together” for ourselves and everyone else.  We often trivialize our emotions and dismiss how we feel because there are more “important” things going on. Until we can’t live like “this” any longer.

That’s what happened to me in December and I wasn’t alone. So many of my friends and clients were experiencing the same thing.

Since then, I’ve recommitted to my own self-care and have intentionally started making decisions to nourish my soul every day.

Here’s a list of seven practices that have helped me and many of my clients. Choose the ones that resonate with you.

Our minds are usually filled with so much information that we can’t even hear ourselves think. Yet our true soul’s calling, needs, wisdom and joys are beneath the surface of that noise. We need peace and quiet to access our own thoughts.

When you’re alone, it’s easier to connect with God, think, feel, dream, and receive the wisdom you need. You’re able to shut out all the other voices and hone in on the voice of your own spirit. If you make this a part of your daily routine, you’ll receive the answers you crave from within.

Commit to spending at least 15 minutes each day alone with yourself in a peaceful way. Pray & meditate. Read a Devotional and then reflect on the message. Think about God’s truth & wisdom.

# 2: Nourish your soul by practicing gratitude.

Writing a gratitude list is a simple, but powerful way to shift your focus. It reminds you of what’s good, positive, and working in your life. It helps you appreciate who you are, what you’ve accomplished, what you have and what matters most.

Even when life is tough, you can look for the simplest things to be grateful for: a heated home, a healthy body, pets that think you’re the best…

The more you focus on what is truly positive in your life, the more you will notice. This increases your level of happiness

Try writing 5 things that you’re grateful for every day or every week and see what happens.

# 3: Nourish your soul by celebrating what makes you unique.

It’s so easy to focus on our imperfections, inadequacies, and areas that we want to improve. However, it’s just as important to appreciate and celebrate what makes us unique and special.
Make time weekly to reflect on your talents, gifts, strengths, and favorite parts about yourself. Notice what you like and value about yourself and who you are. Keep a journal or list about what you discover.

This is a practice I use and suggest my clients do weekly. Here are some questions to get you started with this practice and thinking positively about You:
What do people say you’re good at?
What do others ask you for advice or help with?
What comes so naturally that you think it’s “normal” or everyone can do it?
What could you talk about all day and people love to list to your perspective on it?
Note any common words or themes.

# 4: Nourish your soul by setting yourself up for success.

How often do we just go through the motions of our day without thinking? We have our usual routines, habits, schedules and To Do’s. Yet do the choices we make and actions we take set us up for success and thriving?
Take some time to reflect on what will empower you to thrive. Part of self-care is knowing the truth of who you are and what will set you up for success with ease and grace.
What self-care choices can you make that will set you up for success and empower you to thrive in your life?
Here are some prompts to help you get started.
>>>Think about what fills you up vs. what drains you.
>>>Think about some actions that you can take that bring you peace.
>>>Think about the easiest way you can accomplish what you want and how that would make you feel.
>>>Think about what would bring you closer to God and to the person you long to be.
Then choose one of those.

# 5: Nourish your soul by being creative.

Tapping into your creativity and expressing yourself with something made or designed by your own hands is a powerful way to cultivate and nourish your soul! There are many ways to be creative in your life. Some examples might be knitting, cooking, taking pictures of nature or your kids, flower arranging and gardening.

Carve out space and time each day (or once a week) to create in some form or fashion. Then commit to pursuing it on a regular basis – without guilt. This is one of the best things you can do to connect with yourself.

# 6: Nourish your soul by experiencing joy moments in your day.

Create simple joy moments in your day to make you smile and feel good, even if it’s only for a few minutes. No matter how chaotic or challenging life can become, little joy moments can remind you of what you love. Here are some examples of my personal favorites:

Watching Golden Retriever videos on YouTube

Watching my dog tilt his head when he hears something.

Listening to my grown kids laugh with each other.

Seeing beautiful patterns and images.

Hearing God’s voice.

Spending time with friends who get me.

Blasting my music when I exercise.

Teaching myself something new.

All those things are free, available, and part of my everyday life without much effort. I just have to notice and embrace them.

What about you? Look around your life today and open your eyes and see what stirs your heart. What makes you smile in your soul?

# 7: Nourish your soul by being of service to others.

Try to always find ways to be of service. To people, animals, the environment, whatever lights you up. Life gives to the giver and takes from the taker. Find ways to give and keep giving. Ways that inspire you, that speak to you, that fill your heart. Ways that empower you instead of depleting you. No matter where you are in life, there is always someone or something who could benefit from what you have to offer.

Some final thoughts….

Remember, the more you invest in your daily well-being and nourish your soul, the easier it will be to thrive and live a happier life.

By taking time to you nourish your soul, you will be a more satisfied woman, wife and mother. Not only that, it will also affect all other areas of your life!

This is the emotional side of self-care and an important key to thriving in your life. So much about thriving has to do with your outlook on “God”, yourself, your life, and the world around you.

What about you? Do you spend as much time caring for your mind as you do for your body? What are your favorite things to put in your mind?

YOUR TURN……….

If you’re feeling up to it, I’d love to hear from YOU.

Which of the ideas above resonates with you most? Do you have another favorite way that you nourish your soul you’d be willing to share?

Leave a comment below and share what’s on your mind.

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Remember, you were made to thrive,

Eleni

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