What’s Your ReSOULution?

>>I typically don’t make New Year resolutions. I know myself and most times my resolutions don’t make it past the first or second week of the new year! Does that sound like you? I usually make a more general statement like, “I resolve to be the best version of me that I know how by any means necessary.” That covers many things that I could resolve to do but doesn’t get too specific. So my accountability level may be a bit skewed.

What if we took some time to look a little deeper and make reSOULutions?  We could make promises to our souls from our heart with a connected spirit.  WOW! How much more successful would we be at actually connecting with our inner voice?  It’s difficult to be still.  BE STILL!!  Be present and in the moment.  How often do you miss the moment because you’re trying capture the moment with a cellphone photo or video or post it to social media.

The dictionary defines a resolution as a firm decision to do or not to do something. Often a New Year’s resolution is a promise or a goal a person makes for self-improvement to start the year. It is a tradition common in the western and eastern cultures. It also has religious origins as Babylonians made promises to their gods at the start of each year to return borrowed objects and pay their debts.

Many resolutions commit to losing weight, exercising and giving up vices such as smoking.  Some resolutions might include traveling more and working less or saving money.  Others revolve around making a job or career change or going back to school.  Other resolves may be to become more introspective or develop deeper spiritual roots or rituals.

What if you commit that each month or even each quarter of the year, to take two days to just focus on you? No phones, no TV, no family request beyond emergencies, just you and yourself.  Perhaps this is a time to journal or read a novel that has been on your reading list.  Or a change of scenery would be in order; a getaway to the beach or mountains to commune with nature.  Practice meditation or yoga. Or have solo slumber party with you and your favorite ‘jamies and catch up on sleep.  Whatever you choose, it should be meaningful to you and your soul’s purpose.

Several years ago, a friend who is a life coach told me about a retreat location that she would visit to “re-center” a couple of times a year.   I had never been on retreat and at the time was going through a time in my life that I needed to be still and focus on what I needed to do to make some career changes.  I decided to try it out!  One Friday evening after work, I packed a bag and “mapquested” the location and set on what turned out to be a life changing experience.  I have said time and again that I NEED to go back there and experience the peace and solitude the location and experience offered.  I have not been back, but perhaps one of my new year’s reSOULutions it to do so and soon!

Often we as women don’t take the time to reconnect with ourselves in an effort to serve others better or to the very best version of who completely connected with our mind, body and soul.

You may have heard the saying, “You can’t pour from an empty pitcher.” Too frequently, we resolve to take care of family, finances, community, work, anything and anyone before ourselves.

So repeat after me: “I (say your name) do hearby resolve to take a 24-48 hour SOULstice to re-connect with me. “

Let your family and others know that you will be “away.”  It’s a way of helping them understand and respect your need of clear space and time.

It doesn’t have to cost money but it does need to add value to your sanity and outlook.

By taking the time to care for yourself and resolve to be better focused on what’s really important to you, this will open pathways to accomplish other resolutions that can be life changing.   Here’s to a happy, healthy and well self-connected New Year!!