*Photo above: skimming the seafloor with stingrays during Fitness + Foolishness Cayman Islands.
Trust in the tides, because the flow always returns from the ebb.
-Colette Baron-Reid
Have you ever done something you weren’t totally into, simply because someone else or your ego told you to?
Are you someone who, like me, aims to please and is wary of disappointing others, resulting in doing something you might not feel 100% invested in?
This can translate from pushing ourselves to go out with a friend we don’t want to cancel on when we would really benefit from recharging at home, or accepting extra work to impress a boss [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][or ourselves] when we know it’s too much.
There is a time and place to go step up for ourselves or someone else when we might want otherwise, but when we continually ignore our body’s needs or wants for the sake of someone else/our definition of “self-worth,” it’s like we’re telling ourselves we’re not deserving of what we desire.
What I’m getting at is: you do you. Do what fuels, excites, feeds, nourishes your soul based on what you need and want, not someone else’s opinions or desires.
I am fortunately able to send this to you through the magic of technology as I explore the south of Turkey, because I am doing me. I have a recurring case of FOMO and often feel like I “shouldn’t” take this much time off from working, but I know that if my needs and desires are nurtured, I will be more effectively able to do the work that I love so dearly.
When we don’t acknowledge what we want to do and base it off someone else’s [or our ego’s] desires, often what can result is resentment toward that person or ourselves.
This does not mean things like obligatory visits to valued family members are not a priority while simultaneously feeling anxious about missing out on something else. When we give ourselves the space to care for our own needs and wants, however, it can be approached with less resistance.
When we offer ourselves love and honor this “you do you” mentality, we are more able and willing to show up for others, and can perhaps do things we’re not exactly thrilled to do with compassion in lieu of bitterness.
When I was not yet regularly teaching or coaching, I gave myself a mantra along the lines of, “I heal myself so I can effectively heal others.” In order to successfully do the big work I desire to do, I know I must continually do a lot of self-care so I am healthy and strong enough to support others.
So more often than not: you do you, and watch how it will ultimately fill you up with the love you need to approach and support situations and others with compassion.
How do you “do you”?
Read the rest of the newsletter for a simple delicious smoothie, my bro’s amazing nature documentary project, good music and more.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
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