Refresh Daily: Relishing the Moment

The last time I published on this blog, I wrote My Personal Algorithm as I expounded on how there is sometimes a necessity to make positive change in order to align with self care. Today I would like to share with you my experience in the past few weeks concerning how I've been choosing to spend my time and what that has been like for me. 

I have discovered a new approach to waking up in the morning and starting my day. Dream journaling, of course, is an immediate part of my morning routine (and has been for many years). From there, I check the weather and then I proceed to plan what I will wear (#WardrobeJOY!) and get myself prepared and dressed for the day.  

The difference in my morning approach is that I focus on myself and what I plan for the day before I check any information about my online sphere. 
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Sometimes I just sit and pay attention to how I'm feeling or I chat with hubby about what his day entails. 

One thing I'm noticing with this change of routine is that I am more Present. I'm more mindful about my next step. I'm loving how I more deliberately choose what I will do with my time and how I will invest in my energy. I'm even more intentional about my choices than I've ever been. 

I don't check my emails until I've been up for an hour or two. I also get into some household tasks that I would often put off until I had time later, in between office work and meals. 

I'm also slowing down enough to relish my meals even more than I was before. I try to really pay attention to the bites I am taking so I can appreciate the food I am consuming and be present with my self care as I nourish my body. 

Of course, recording my Food JOY in my journal is a fun activity, especially when I'm trying something new or when I'm just grateful for what I relish in my food choices. (Click on either image below to get The ART of Journaling Prompt PLAY Book and Toolbox, filled with prompts, questions, image suggestions and approaches to journaling to keep it fresh, fun and fabulous!) 

When I do choose to spend time connecting with others online, I am very much aware of my goals and I'm using those notification pages with relish as I use my time more efficiently and still connect meaningfully, whether I'm sharing my Wardrobe JOY, my music or my walks. 

I am noticing that as I go about my day paying attention to my energy and what my goals are, I am able to relish those choices, the process and the result of my productivity, seeing the difference in how present I am as I engage and take care of business. 

I feel more empowered as I begin my day focusing on self care and deliberately choosing when to connect and engage. 

When you're ready to make changes in your routine, to shake things up to break out of a rut or to focus more on self care, trust your gut and those intuitive nudges that tell you it's time. Remember to be gentle with yourself because any change is going to feel a bit odd, awkward and disorienting. But if you're paying attention to where you are investing your energy and time, you will see and feel the difference, and you may be surprised as to how much more energy you have. 

It's okay to pull back from what you've been doing (especially when it's been a long time since you made any changes in your routine) to create a new Algorithm for yourself. Then deliberately choose to relish that slowing down you will experience, that greater peace of mind, that awareness of your choices. Then congratulate yourself for being willing to step out courageously and do what is best for you in the long run. 

You will never regret making more time for you, for what brings you joy, and for giving yourself space to be quiet, to rest, and to relish the moments that inevitably become even more meaningful because you are present, and paying attention like never before. 

Journaling Prompt:
Record your current routine step by step. Now take a close look at what you would like to eliminate or reduce. Take note of how you may rearrange your schedule to allow for more self care and less of what is extraneous. 
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Visual prompt:
Use clocks, watches with an emphasis about time or images of activity you consider self care for you and record what comes to mind about these things. Ask yourself, what do I want to spend more time doing? Create a collage or draw an object to remind you of your new priorities. 

​Copyright 2019 Dawn Herring