My weather tracker says the high today (when I initially wrote this) will be about 80 degrees. Surprisingly, I found myself okay with not making space in my day to go outside. I’m not a “warm-to-warmer-weather” type of person, as I prefer the cooler air of a spring night or fall day. It was a slight reframed opportunity to catch up on things I wasn’t able to complete from this weekend, as I presented at a writer’s conference over the weekend. 

One thing I have learned from my experience is that no matter how much I enjoy presenting on the topic of stress (this workshop was on writer’s block and shifting your perception and experience), ironically, it IS a stressor on me. I end up needing to rest more and allow my body to recover. This time it took a day and a half, which is amazingly good (considering it took up to two weeks before). I have learned to accommodate my body’s needs and signals, prioritize them so other things can be attended to more fully, and be patient with the process. This itself has not been easy, supported, or understood by many. And yet, where many years ago this experience would bring fear and worry, I’ve since learned that those two gremlins (fear and worry) don’t get me anywhere (unless there IS a tiger after me, then yes, fear will work). 

Now I see this small act of self-kindness, compassion, and boundary setting as part of my healing process. It allows space to do the things I want to focus on, like write, create, and provide growth opportunities. Jackson Browne’s song comes to mind, particularly the lyrics about the difference between “what you do to keep your love alive and not to confuse it with what you do to survive.” Fear and worry are about survival, where it’s challenging to thrive. When I am in the place of love, everything seems different, more vibrant, hopeful, and flourishing. That IS the space I want to live in. And finding what that meant to me took effort, time, and patience. 

Yet, when I discovered what this looked like and how much I enjoyed this space, dwelling within it became a choice (savoring it comes to mind as well.). It became a way to replenish myself when my tank was “running on empty”. Recognizing and knowing how to do the things that increase my energy, actually replenish the energy, and restore my heart and spirit.  Everything else falls into place. There is a flow, a synchronicity if you will. (Including the boundaries, recognizing and honoring the physiological signals.)

So as Stress Awareness Month wraps up, I invite you to reflect upon the space that brings you that sense of renewal, where you thrive.  What does that renewal allow you to do and be? What will you do today to replenish your tank? 

And see what happens.