There are umpteen tasks on your to do list, the days seem to be getting shorter, demands from others seem to be increasing and somewhere in the midst of it all, you are trying to remain a shell of your former self. To be everything to everyone, do your best in all facets of your life and find the balance in it all. Have you become somewhat jaded and begun to see your passion and fire slip away?

Friend, I was there! I understand exactly how you feel and I am here to encourage you. We seem to let ourselves get so caught up in what we perceive to be the expectations of others. I know my last post eluded to this as well, but it has been on my heart so much these past few months. This goes beyond self-care to living a full life. A life where you focus your energy on what truly matters in the big picture. Where you do not self-impose deadlines that contradict the lifestyle you desire. Where you make room for grace and welcome it with open arms. A life where you can rest in contentment.

That does not mean that you have to be ‘on’ or ‘off’,  but that you allow yourself flexibility and to be fully present in whatever it is that you are spending your time doing. Multiple times this year, I have made the decision, absolutely guilt-free, to take some time away from this sweet business and passion of mine. Sometimes it has been for a weekend. Others, for a week and at one point, I took an entire month away by planning ahead and allowing myself to unplug.

I know, you are getting anxiety reading this and thinking there is NO way you could do that, right? Sweet reader, you can. Truly. Not only are you capable, but I truly believe you will benefit greatly from doing so. Each time I have done this, I do not get on the computer, look at any social media and try to refrain from even discussing the business. In those days of stepping away, I have learned a lot about myself and what I want for not only HHE, but our family and myself.

By slowing down, reflecting and settling myself, so many things became clear. I was able to rest, daydream with no deadlines to interfere and know that I had left things in a state to work for me in my absence. Those dreams are in the process of unfolding. I came back with a renewed purpose, clarity in my path and renewed passion for everything. It was not quite a reset, but a refocus.

Allowing ourselves to sit in quiet and truly reflect on our deepest desires, accomplishments and areas for improvement is so important. I’m not talking about just writing or saying things that you consider ‘acceptable’. I mean getting vulnerable and honest with yourself. The good, the bad and the ugly. Yep – it’s likely to get ugly at some point. That’s ok. Let it all out, get introspective and come out on the other side with a strong direction to move in. Not only to reflect and be still, but to work on things that are not directly related. For me, it is painting and calligraphy. Both of which I am horrible at, but I enjoy them. I also love to read and bake, so making time to do those things inspires me and makes me feel like myself.

It is so easy to get wrapped up in routines, to do lists and ‘should’, that we often forget to be our true selves. With the holiday weekend upon us, I encourage you to take even one afternoon to step away from everything. I have no doubt that you will welcome next week with a renewed spirit and excitement to tackle whatever you have dreamt up with more gusto and laser focus than before.

xoxo, Jenn