
It’s always a great time to turn a page and start over; it doesn’t have to be a new year, month or even a Monday! I believe in starting where you are, with what you have and without thinking it over too much (planning can just get in the way of taking action).
Of course, the path to change can sometimes be a bumpy one but we all know that it’s worth it in the end. Whether you choose to take baby steps or a big leap of faith towards your goals I encourage you to nurture yourself through the transition so that you can create the light and energy you need to keep taking those steps forward.
Starting a new chapter can sometimes take everything that we’ve got, whether you’re beginning a different phase of life, taking a leap of faith into a new project or starting over.
It’s at times like these that self-care becomes even more important; to help nurture ourselves through the transition and create the light and energy we need to keep taking those steps forward.
So if you are considering starting a new chapter in your life this springtime, consider creating one or two rituals that support your intentions for this new time in your life…
Journaling
Even if you’ve never tried it, writing a journal can help you to chart the small steps that you’re taking and in time you will read back through the pages and see how far you’ve come. Remember though that you don’t have to commit to writing every day if that feels overwhelming, once a week or even a couple of times a month works too. Find a beautiful journal or notebook and pour your thoughts and feelings into it, it doesn’t even need to make sense or be in actual sentences. As you write you’ll find that your mind becomes clearer and your mood is lifted.
Meditation
You don’t need to meditate for hours. Even ten minutes can make the world of difference and helps you to quiet your mind and stay focused on what’s important to you. Everyone is different and what works for one person may not work for you. Your path to meditation could begin with just two minutes each evening and before you know it you will have a regular daily practice which could bring so many benefits including a much quieter mind and emotions that don’t spiral out of control at any given moment.
Eat Well
Making changes can be unsettling for most of us and at times it can be more demanding than we thought it would be. This can raise our stress levels a little and we’re much more likely to make bad food choices – just at the time when we need to do the opposite. A nourishing meal or snack can help to balance out your hormones and mood. So, resist the temptation to reach for high sugar snacks or highly caffeinated drinks. Create a ritual from making meals from nourishing ingredients that support your mind and body through your transition.
Give Thanks
There are so many ways to do this – meditation, prayer, daily journaling, appreciation – they’re all very simple and can be done at the start or end of your day. Perhaps use a combination of all four throughout your day but it’s important to find what works for you. You’ll be amazed at what a difference this can make to your life, especially at times of change.
JAN
About the Author:
Lissa Foley-Hughes is the founder of Yogalilies Studio. Lissa is an experienced and advanced Pilates expert with over 20 years of teaching experience, holding three Pilates & yoga certifications with CYQ, OCR, RYT200 and the internationally renowned BASI (Body Arts and Science International). In addition, Lissa is a fully qualified Personal Trainer with London Central YMCA and holds additional qualifications with EFI Sports Medicine USA in Gravity Personal Training and Gravity Pilates Group. Lissa has a true passion in Meditation and her daily practice keeps her sane! She is continually adding to her repertoire of qualifications and is currently studying Transpersonal Psychotherapy with Clearmind Institute with an aim to provide the best teaching & wellness coaching experience possible. In addition she is a Licensed Desire Map Facilitator and is passionate about hosting Yoga + Desire Map Retreats globally (a truly transformational process!) Her vocation and mission in life is in helping people find movement, freedom and joy in their lives with patience, persistence and playful exploration so that yoga & coaching becomes not only an activity to exercise the body, but also a tool to reduce stress, quiet the mind and live a more balanced, joyous & magnificent life.