Last week I was reminded why it’s absolutely vital that women listen to their souls and do something spiritually, emotionally, and physically rejuvenating. Sometimes as women, we discount the deep, lasting benefits of doing this. We say, “Well, I really feel depleted right now BUT, it can wait until…” and we minimize the need to stop and recharge, moving once again into the mainstream of daily life and busy humanity.
As I spoke to, talked with, and hugged fiercely the wonderful women I met during the week, I was struck by the absolute joy on their faces, the sheer peace and happiness radiating from their entire beings! This wasn’t just a focus on mani-pedi mentality. This was how to go soul-deep in recharging.
While talking with a friend I hadn’t seen for awhile, I mentioned how pretty she looked—her hair, cheeks, countenance, so lovely. She said, That’s because I’m here, taking a break. After struggling with some health issues for a long time, she talked with her husband and shared the realization that she needed to rejuvenate. He agreed and made the space. The fact that she had acknowledged the need, talked with her hubby to find a solution, and not only found it but was doing it, was a great example of how this principle works fabulously.
Women generally know what they need, they’re often afraid to ask for it, or worried they won’t get it, or don’t see how they can make it happen in the reality of life. So I invite you to consider what I asked the women at Ed Week to consider: What is ONE thing you need, right now, to be able to better handle life either spiritually, physically, or emotionally? Just one thing. Then talk with your husband and/or children about it, and make a plan. Then do it. Actually follow through on the plan, with a bit of faith and finagling.
Just last night I felt this exact principle in my life. I’d been pushing this month, dealing with a variety of positive, negative, and in between issues of everyday life and specialty circumstances. I could feel to my bones I was depleted. After feeling grateful for the health benefits of my earlier summer fitness journey (man, did I draw on those!), I could tell that I needed to stop, just stop and not do. If I would listen, I would bounce back quicker.
So I talked with my children, told them the same, and made a new plan. My son took the kids to the library, the kids took care of dinner, and while my hubby took care of the baby I put on my PJs as my youngest daughter “ordered” me to bed and gave me a foot rub. Within an hour I could feel my body let down, the calmness returning, the muscles relaxing, and my joy increasing. I slept beautifully and woke to a new day, ready to tackle what came.
This week, consider one thing you need. Then flip it and ask your spouse the same question. Helping each other fill needs is what couples and families do. So open your soul to the possibility, make a plan, and just do it.
Best,
Connie
P.S. Check out my KSL Motherhood Matters article on “Back-to-school Means Keep it Simple”
P.P.S. Congratulations to our Back-to-School tradition winners, Hilary Simon and Sally Farrell—enjoy your download! Read their winning entries below:
Thanks to all of you wonderful women and your fabulous entries–it was so hard to choose that I had to do a tie! Enjoy these winning back-to-school traditions:)
Hilary Simon
“WAY too much going on during the last couple days before school so we arrived at the night before school a little behind the eight ball. The evening was winding down and there was not really enough time for showers (or perhaps I just COULDN’T face the inevitable battle of wills when the need for a shower was announced – better to end the evening on a positive note, right?).
The kids were eating popsicles outside and my husband decided to turn the sprinklers on the ultra parched section of our grass (why is it ultra parched? Because it’s the one part of our grass that has a manual start for the sprinklers. And it’s his responsibility to remember! But let’s award points for him remembering that night!)
Anyway, I made a spur of the moment decision that if my [young] kids wanted to take their shower in the sprinklers, that was good enough for me. “Hey kids, if you wanna take your shower in the sprinklers, strip down to your underwear and go get clean!” They looked at me like I was crazy but didn’t pause too long for me to change my mind! Snickering the whole time as they stripped to their underwear. They danced around in the grass and sprinklers and had an awesome time!
Sally Farrell
