Work+Life Balance: Create a routine for reflection
This is post 1 of 7 in a series about work+life balance.
Your ability to tap into your what inspires you, find your purpose, and prioritize what you really want to be doing with your time is not something most people automatically “know.” You may be aware of unfulfilled dreams or goals for the future, but without regularly sitting down and engaging in reflection or self-discovery, it’s possible that your dreams from the past aren’t even relevant today. To really discover what you want out of this life based on where you are now, you will need to regularly allow yourself time for self-reflection. We are complex beings and are constantly changing what we want out of life and rediscovering what our passions are based on each and every experience we encounter.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: LISTEN
It takes regular and repeated time for introspection to really listen to your heart.
A few ways to find peace and introspection:
- Journaling
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Running
- Exercise
- Walking
- Driving
- Painting
- Drawing
- Quiet bath
- Blogging
Your routine should allow you the freedom of mind to listen to your heart without distraction. You’ll be even happier with this routine if you can create a sacred space in your home where you can retreat to.
STOP AND PLAN
Create a daily routine for self-reflection. Make it simple and straightforward. You can even make it short (yes, even just 5 minutes) if it helps you commit to it. Determine where, when and what your activity will be to help you focus.
[Tweet “What times in your life have you really felt like you were in tune with your heart?”]
Think about what times in your life have you really felt like you were in tune with your heart? Create an environment that reminds you of that time in your home if possible. Use music, outdoor space, early morning times, or whatever you need to create this sacred time for you to reflect and listen to your heart. You can start with some journal prompts such as considering what you want to be remembered by, or what you will be most proud of in your life.
Kirsty
26.02.2015 at 21:34Lovely idea to reflect, I downloaded a journalling app recently but I need to get in the habit of using it so thanks for the reminder. It was really nice to get all my thoughts out of my head when I was doing it!
Amy Luna
26.02.2015 at 22:21I love this! Self reflection is so near and dear to my heart. I try to teach it to my children because it was something that I just learned as an adult and is so helpful in this life.
Kathy
27.02.2015 at 01:50Such a good thought to not only do it for ourselves but for our kids. Curious what you do to help teach this to your kids? Thanks for stopping by!
Daniela
27.02.2015 at 04:02I like to reflect by doing a writing practice. It’s a really powerful exercise. Have you ever tried it?
Kathy
27.02.2015 at 22:28What kind of writing practice do you do? I do a freewrite of 3 pages — morning pages — every weekday!
Shauna Sanders
27.02.2015 at 05:38100% agree with this. Reflection and planning your time out is essential. Can’t wait to see the rest of your content!
Kathy
27.02.2015 at 22:27Thanks for stopping by!
Nikki @ Growing Up Mom
27.02.2015 at 22:19Thank you, I love to reflect through reading. When I was younger I made sure to keep a notebook in my purse, and whenever I would walk around and have a thought that struck me, I would write it down. This has continued to be a favorite past time of mine. I even took my notes one day and turned them into a small “book” I made for my dad one Christmas. We haven’t been close since I was a child, and some of that was my own stubbornness, so I took that chance to let him get to know me again. He loved it.
Kathy
27.02.2015 at 22:27That’s amazing! What an introspective child you were! You must do a lot of journaling still then – no wonder you like to blog!
Alana
27.02.2015 at 23:01I use my blogging as a time of reflection, along with walking for exercise, but sometimes it is not enough. My problem is, it is not a routine. It is not as planned as it should be. I have never been a planner; I tend to react rather than to plan ahead.
Kathy
28.02.2015 at 18:21Perhaps making it a morning routine? I’m a big fan of starting the day – even if its just 5-10 minutes – doing things that matter to you. See http://www.thischerishedlife.com/index.php/moms-morning-routine/
Francene Stanley
28.02.2015 at 10:00This reminds me of the song: ‘Listen to your heart.’ We should all take the time for some quiet time alone. You’ve offered some perfect suggestions of how to do so.
Kathryn
01.03.2015 at 01:17This topic is close to my heart too, Kathy! Journaling, painting, and taking time to be quiet enough so that I can pay attention to my life is such an important part of my life. Looking forward to the rest of your series!