Living Intentionally: Crafting a Personal Strategy for a Grounded, Present, and Engaged Life

Hello, my Selah Warriors! I’d like to pose a question. What if we could create our lives as skillfully and mindfully as a master craftsman forms a beautiful piece of pottery from a shapeless lump of clay? This is a thought worth revisiting time and again as we seek to live lives that are vibrant, meaningful, and authentic. So let’s gather the courage within ourselves to be vulnerable to our own investigation, exhale our doubt, and dig in.

Define the Values you Mean to Live By

Purposefully creating our life is what Living intentionally is about. This involves defining our core values, our guiding lights on this journey. Are they kindness, connection, honesty, or maybe creativity? Identify the qualities you want from life that truly resonate with you. Write them down to commit them to memory. Once you’ve given names to your values, you’ll be able to live a more intentional life by consciously infuse your actions and decisions with them.

Take Action to Improve your Life

Once we have our values defined, it's time to put in the work of bringing those values into our lives in meaningful ways. Intent without action is like a map without a journey. It may look appealing, but it doesn't take us anywhere. Action can be scary because it implies purposeful change from the ways we've always done things and a world of constant uncertainty, but remember, being brave isn’t about the absence of fear; it's about stepping forward despite it and building a life. Clear your mind and let your actions reflect your values. Let them echo your intentions.

Cultivate the Presence of Intentional Living

Our modern world constantly makes us feel overwhelmed; pulls us into the future, into planning, anticipating, and worrying. It can often feel like we're always a step behind the present moment. But presence is where life happens. It's where joy unfolds, where love is felt, and where connection happens. To be present means to be grounded in the here and now, engaged in the moment and responsive to its needs. You have to show up in order to experience a life that reflects your true self, and I guarantee it’s worth showing up for.

Discover Ways to be Intentional Every Day

Survival is just a requirement for living. Our goal is a life fully, passionately, and courageously engaged in what's important to you. Living intentionally, being grounded, present and engaged, doesn't happen overnight. It's a practice that requires courage, clarity of values, action, and presence to stay on track. But as we choose to step into this process, we begin to shape our lives into a form that truly reflects who we are and what we value. So let us be the master craftspersons of our own lives, molding it day by day with intention, love, and courage.

The Transformative Power of Self-Discovery: Engaging in Healing Work for Women

As a therapist and life coach dedicated to empowering women, I have witnessed the incredible transformations that occur when individuals commit to the healing work of self-discovery. Engaging in this process is an act of self-care and self-compassion that can lead to profound personal growth and empowerment. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of staying engaged in the healing work and delve into the numerous benefits it can bring to women's lives.

Embracing Authenticity:

The healing work of self-discovery allows women to peel back the layers of conditioning and societal expectations to uncover their authentic selves. It provides an opportunity to reflect on personal values, beliefs, and desires, leading to a deeper understanding of one's true identity. By embracing authenticity, women can live more fulfilling lives aligned with their genuine selves, fostering a sense of purpose and self-acceptance.

Healing Past Wounds:

Engaging in the healing work enables women to address and heal past wounds. It provides a safe space to explore and process emotions, traumas, and unresolved issues that may be holding them back. By acknowledging and working through these experiences, women can release emotional burdens, cultivate forgiveness, and create space for healing and personal growth.

Developing Self-Awareness:

Self-discovery involves developing self-awareness, which is a crucial aspect of personal growth and empowerment. By exploring thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, women gain a deeper understanding of their inner world and the patterns that influence their lives. This heightened self-awareness allows them to make conscious choices, develop healthier coping strategies, and create meaningful change in their lives.

Cultivating Empowerment:

Engaging in healing work cultivates a sense of empowerment in women. By acknowledging and taking responsibility for their own healing, women reclaim their agency and become active participants in their lives. They develop the skills and tools necessary to navigate challenges, set boundaries, and make choices aligned with their well-being. This newfound empowerment fosters confidence, resilience, and a greater sense of self-worth.

Building Authentic Connections:

As women engage in self-discovery, they often attract and foster authentic connections with others who are on a similar journey. Sharing experiences, insights, and support with like-minded individuals can be incredibly empowering and validating. By surrounding themselves with a community of individuals committed to personal growth, women find encouragement, accountability, and a sense of belonging.

Embracing Personal Growth:

The healing work of self-discovery is an ongoing journey that encourages continuous personal growth. It invites women to step outside their comfort zones, embrace new perspectives, and challenge limiting beliefs. Through this process, women cultivate resilience, adaptability, and the capacity to embrace change. They develop a growth mindset, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation.

Engaging in the healing work of self-discovery is a profound act of self-love and personal investment for women. By embracing authenticity, healing past wounds, developing self-awareness, cultivating empowerment, building authentic connections, and embracing personal growth, women can embark on a transformative journey toward greater self-fulfillment and well-being. Let us encourage and support one another in staying engaged in the healing work, as it has the potential to unlock immense personal power and create a more meaningful and joyful life.

Selah... Nurturing the Soul: Rest, Reflection and the Enneagram for Busy and Stressed Moms

Motherhood is a beautiful journey that demands immense love, energy, and sacrifice. Amidst the busyness and stress, it becomes crucial for moms to carve out time for rest, reflection, and self-discovery. Understanding yourself and your unique needs is essential for maintaining balance and finding fulfillment amidst the challenges of motherhood. In this article, we will explore the significance of rest, reflection, and the Enneagram as a powerful tool for busy and stressed moms in nurturing their well-being and personal growth.

The Power of Rest and Reflection:

Rest and reflection are two interconnected practices that allow busy moms to recharge, gain clarity, and navigate the demands of motherhood more effectively. Rest provides a vital opportunity to replenish your physical, mental, and emotional energy. It allows you to step away from the constant demands and responsibilities, fostering a sense of renewal and inner peace.

Reflection, on the other hand, helps you delve into your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Taking the time to reflect enables you to gain insight into your needs, desires, and challenges. It offers a valuable space for self-awareness, helping you align your choices with your values and make conscious decisions in your role as a mother.

Introducing the Enneagram:

One powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth is the Enneagram. The Enneagram is a personality system that helps individuals understand their core motivations, fears, and patterns of behavior. It consists of nine distinct types, each representing a different way of experiencing the world and approaching life's challenges.

For busy moms, the Enneagram can be a transformative tool in understanding themselves on a deeper level. It sheds light on their unique strengths, weaknesses, and triggers, offering valuable insights into their parenting style, relationships, and personal growth opportunities. By identifying their Enneagram type, moms can gain a clearer understanding of their automatic responses, and consciously choose more empowering and balanced ways of being.

Embracing the Enneagram and Rest-Reflection:

Combining the power of the Enneagram with rest and reflection can amplify the benefits for busy moms. As you take time to rest and rejuvenate, the Enneagram serves as a guiding framework, helping you identify patterns, triggers, and growth areas specific to your Enneagram type.

When engaging in reflective practices such as journaling, meditation, or self-inquiry, incorporate questions related to your Enneagram type. Explore how your type influences your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors as a mother. Consider how your Enneagram type's strengths can be harnessed to navigate challenges, and how your automatic reactions may hinder your growth. Embrace self-compassion as you uncover areas for personal development, knowing that awareness is the first step towards positive change.

Practical Tips for Rest and Reflection:

1. Set boundaries: Learn to say "no" when necessary and establish clear boundaries to protect your time and energy. Remember, it's okay to prioritize your well-being.

2. Delegate and ask for help: You don't have to do it all alone. Reach out to your support network, whether it's your partner, family, or friends, and ask for assistance when needed.

3. Create a self-care routine: Dedicate regular time for self-care activities that bring you joy and relaxation. It could be reading a book, practicing yoga, or engaging in a creative hobby.

4. Practice mindfulness: Incorporate moments of mindfulness throughout your day, where you bring your attention to the present moment without judgment. This can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths or savoring a mindful meal.

5. Prioritize quality sleep: Sleep is essential for your overall well-being. Establish a consistent sleep routine and create a relaxing bedtime ritual to ensure you get the restful sleep your body and mind need.

As a busy and stressed mom, taking care of yourself is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Embracing rest and reflection allows you to replenish your energy, gain clarity, and navigate the challenges of motherhood with greater ease. Remember, you deserve moments of rest and self-reflection to flourish as an individual and as a mother. By prioritizing your well-being, you are setting a positive example for your children.