Counter 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.
Rituals
I practice rituals with intentionality and mindfulness. I start my day with a smile, prayer, gratitude, and reading something positive. I strive to acknowledge people intentionally when I meet them. Before I enter a patient’s room, I pause for what I call my “doorknock sign” – reminding myself of something about the patient that identifies them as a person. This ensures I center myself and can focus only on the human being in the room.
Reflections
I regularly reflect in solitude and in community with grace, humility, respect, and kindness on these three questions: What gave me hope? What inspired me? What surprised me? This helps me reconnect with my why, my passion and purpose, and reclaim meaning in my personal and professional life. Reflecting on three good things helps reframe my negative self-talk and think positive and happy thoughts, and I try to remember to H.A.L.T. when I get too hungry, angry, lonely, or tired.
Relationships
It’s important to me to be intentional to cultivate, connect, and reconnect with my authentic relationships. A community of kindred spirits is vital. I share my story and invite others to do so. Stories matter – they hold magic, power, and sacredness. Stories are the seeds of who we are, who we are to become, and where we belong. Our “why” and our stories sustain us with meaning and strength! Relationships thrive when we share our stories, and that creates personal resilience within a culture of belonging and well-being. Resilience is not a constant, but a lifelong journey to wholeness and well-being.
