Remember when you were a kid and you had recess in the middle of your school day? I remember having a teacher in 2nd grade, Mr. Kane, who let us earn more recess time with good behavior.
So as a class we decided we were going to earn as much time as we could and we ended up with a full day of recess! I remember the day like it was yesterday. How could I forget? After all I got to bring in my Donny Osmond “Dream” record to play that day. It was so much fun!
So why am I talking about recess? Because as adults we don’t have a teacher ringing the bell at a certain time to tell us to go play. And as mission driven, soulful messenger and transformational authors, our missions can sometimes keep us working late hours, pushing too hard, and not going out for recess!
I know this pattern pretty well. As you may sense I am on a definite mission to help people discover their soul’s true purpose, share their message with the world and make a difference by putting their story and wisdom on the page. I firmly believe that the world can only change from the “bottom up” rather than the “top down.” Yes, one person at a time. So, every person I can reach is one more notch on the scale of global transformation.
I work myself to the bone at times, pulling late nights and working rigorous long hours to pursue my mission. But the truth is that I – or any of us – can’t sustain that very long.
God did not put us on the planet to “work hard.” God put us on the planet so we could experience as much love, joy, peace and liberation as possible. So we could be the living embodiment of the Divine and all that encompasses.
Yet, as spiritual beings having this human experience we get challenged. Well, I know I do and if you’re reading this right now I’m probably safe to assume you can relate to what I’m sharing.
We live in a world of duality. We are soul beings here to liberate the creative expression of our soul, and to grow and expand our Presence in the world. And, we are physical beings operating on a physical plan of consciousness where stuff needs to get done and bills need to be paid.
The risk we run when we get too focused on the physical aspects of our lives is to just keep going and miss those nudges of our soul saying “pay attention over here, don’t miss this sign, slow down, take a breath.”
If you read my greeting this week, you know that I’ve been getting a soul-boot! A 2 x 4 of situations in my life that are making me slow down and take a time out. And, it’s been quite amazing what’s been happening as I took time out.
I got clarity about some changes I needed to make in my business, I took action on getting my next “solo” book proposal together on the topic of being a Soulful Messenger. I’m focusing on streamlining and simplifying my business, and my life to create more SPACE for the river of grace to flow easily and beautiful in my life.
So, please learn from my experience. I don’t want you to get a 2 by 4 like I have after pushing it too hard for too long. Yes, serving tens of thousands of people is important to me and I don’t mind the work – but when I am sacrificing my own well-being – who is really served in the long-run.
Take my lead and give yourself a break. Sit under your favorite tree. Feel the breeze on your skin. Take a day at the spa. Do nothing. Or as I did last month…. spend a few nights at a hotel on your own. Oh my goodness – that was such a gift!
For 48 hours I didn’t “do” anything! Literally, I sat in the rocking chair on my balcony and watched the birds, trees and water fountain, I brought yummy healthy food and prepared my own meals because I didn’t even want to go to the restaurant and talk to anybody. I wrote in my journal. I got a massage. I read part of a spiritual book and a few articles in a spiritually oriented magazine. I took a swing in the gorgeous tree swing. I watched the stars. I sat in the grass. I had no agenda but to REST! It was a slice of heaven on earth and I left feeling fueled and renewed.
You get the idea. You were not designed to go “peddle to the metal,” there’s no joy in “work, work, work.” Yes there is joy in service and having impact which requires some work… but taking TIME OUT to renew your self – your soul – so you can do the work you were put here to do is a priority.
So as I wrap up this article, I’d love for you to hit reply and let me know what you think of taking time out and when/how you’ll take some for you! It could be 5 conscious minutes listening to the birds or watching the stars, or 5 days of retreat. Whatever you choose to do, please commit today to taking time out for YOU!
