June 2022 Reflections

I'm just gonna jump right in this month, because quite honestly, pleasantries feel indulgent

these days. By all accounts, the world is an utter mess. The news is not good. The pain and suffering is suffocating. Over-used terms like dumpster fire and shit show spring to mind. When life feels like chaos, it's important to pause and assess your basic needs. So I'm checking in...How are you doing? Are you getting fresh air? Are you sleeping enough? Drinking enough water? Moving your body? Do you have the tools and support systems you need? Remember to take care of you first. You cannot fully help others unless you help yourself.

And because I'm an Aries, I'm going to list some actions here that may help you stay balanced when life seems anything but. Here are a few ideas that have worked for me. See what you think:

• Put your phone on silent, including vibration, and turn off all alerts. Check your phone on your schedule--not every time it beeps or flashes at you. You're in charge of your phone, it is not in charge of you. And stop wearing an Apple watch. It's reeking havoc on your nervous system.

• Remind yourself that not every text and email is an emergency. Pause. Prioritize. Wait to respond. Take your time. Take your power back. You are in charge of your time and energy, no one else (not even your boss or kids!!). This is also a practice in being present.

• Limit your news intake. Our nervous systems were not built to handle the 24-hour news cycle. It's not healthy to be on constant high alert. (See: The Effects of Stress on Your Body)

• Limit your Social Media intake. Most if it is highly toxic and vexatious to the spirit. Use your discernment and decide which platforms bring you joy and which need to be deleted. Then act accordingly. (Personally and professionally I am off both Facebook and Twitter.)

• Quiet your mind every single day. Start with 10 minutes a day and choose a way that works for you. Try meditating, breathwork, restorative yoga, a walk outside, a warm bath with salts, listening to serene music, sing, dance, try float therapy, infrared sauna, reflexology, Reiki, or getting a massage. There's no one right way--it's right if it's meaningful to you.

• Check in on your inner voice. Is it being supportive or sabotaging? What thoughts are rolling around in that beautiful head of yours? We know that thoughts create our reality, so pay attention to what you're saying to yourself. Adjust and add kindness as needed.

• If you want to help heal the world, but feel overwhelmed about what to do, think small. That may seem counterintuitive, but even the smallest effort makes a difference. And if each of us made a small effort, the impact would be huge! You can donate money or time to a local charity in your town, write postcards to voters, vote in local, state, and national elections, join community organizations such as Kiwanis Club, Junior League, or Chamber of Commerce, just to name a few ideas.

Now get out there and welcome June in all her glory! Let the sun shine on you like the potted plant pictured above. Because even with all it's heartache, hardships, and heaviness, the world is still a beautiful place.