Countering the Impact of Life’s Many Demands with Intentional, Restorative Practices
A life of balance looks different for everyone. For some, completing a hard workout and eating a nourishing meal may be soothing and restorative.
For others, updating a personal budget and meeting up with friends for a night of enriching conversation might be just what the doctor ordered. In this section, we celebrate the many ways through which we can come to centeredness by spotlighting local women who are intentional about cultivating joy and balance through their own unique practices.
Motherhood
My WHY, my SON-SHINE! There is always something to look forward to with Maddox. The responsibility of protecting a piece of you while cultivating the person he needs to become has been the most challenging task. In moments when our patience runs thin for one another, and we need a reset, we resort to our “My Moods, My Choices” flipbook. We start our mornings with the mood we will choose to begin our day with or work on finding tips to work through our not-so-pleasant feelings. Spending high-quality time together is also important. My business can be demanding of my time. I have a reminder set for 6 p.m. daily that reminds me to “be present with Maddox.”
Faith
My morning ritual is sacred and one that keeps me centered. It is also the same practice that centers me when I am misaligned. Each morning begins with a meditation and a conversation with God. Bible devotionals accompanied by a much-appreciated cup of freshly brewed espresso first thing in the morning. A gratitude journal follows this, and then my day begins. And no day is ever perfect. On those days, I give myself grace.
Giving Back
One of my love languages is gifts. Nothing sparks more joy than to give it. I keep mental notes of a person’s favorite hobby, color, anything, and try to be mindful of giving them something they love or may need. It doesn’t always need to be a tangible gift. Sending an encouraging voice note or text can be the greatest gift to someone who needed it or wasn’t expecting it.
