In my work with women, particularly around the issues of anxiety and depression type symptoms, I often find that women are disconnected from themselves, their interests, skills, and their purpose. For those women who are also parents, yes, our children are one of our purposes and most of our choices are made with our kids' well-being in mind; however, we often forget that there needs to be time devoted for ourselves, each day, to tend to our own needs and wants within, independent of others. That time, when remembered, allows us to feel connected to just what it is that makes us feel alive and purposeful. By remembering to connect with ourselves, we are able to ask the question, what is it that I truly want to do?
Women will sometimes say to me, for example, that they don't know exactly what that connection is for them, what speak to them, and makes them feel that they want to get up and get going. Many women feel they have lost themselves over the years. Life happens. Many women get into a routine of doing for others and putting themselves at the bottom of the to-do list. This results in the feelings of depression and lethargy, that feeling of being stuck. In order to put your self in motion, one small step is all it takes, but that first step must come from the inner drive, the desire, to move forward.
Fall, the start of a new season, is a great time to detangle from that web we sometimes find ourselves in, and choose to begin anew: new habits, new relationships, and/or new thoughts to think. It is a perfect season to take those crisp walks in the morning to get the day started, or take those hot bubble baths on a cool night to wind down from the day, in order to start thinking about what it is that you want to do, independent of everyone else you love and care for. Perhaps you're considering a new part-time job, or getting out of the job you currently have. Maybe you're contemplating a course of study that you've always wanted to try, a new hobby, or spending time with people that inspire you and give you more energy. Now may be that perfect time to take that step you've wanted to take.
By making choices to be good to yourself and listen to that inner voice that speaks to you, it lifts your energy and gets you to a level where real action starts. Small steps lead to bigger ones. You might be surprised to find where you end up. It may just be where you intended to be and what you always visualized for yourself, all along. Those small steps often lead you to uncover the strengths you possess so that you can take those strengths and use them to feel good about yourself. When you re-connect with those strengths, you feel productive, connected, and contribute, whether to your household, community, or society. The idea is to spark the flame that is inside of you, which is your birthright, so that you feel good about who you are and the choices you are making each day.
Connect with this fresh new season to find out what that strength is for you and get yourself going. By taking small steps towards your goals and dreams that may have been tucked away for some time, you'll feel better mentally and emotionally, have more energy physically, and you'll sleep better, knowing you spent the day the way you wanted to. Find your strengths and talents and then develop them. They're there.
For more about the work I do with women, particularly in using energy assessments to help women discover their strengths and gifts, please see my web site at www.JillSylvester.com
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