The SHE of Life

Sometimes, the smallest acts can have the most significant effects on our daily lives.

I’m the sort of person who tires easily of repetition. I know this about myself, so I try to do what I can to infuse creative variety in my life. But lately, I let the ball drop, and with it fell my passion, leaving me with a sense of spiritual stagnation. Being driven and working towards a goal are characteristics of most, if not all, successful people, and yet there is a delicate balance that must be observed in order to preserve one’s sanity.

After spending every day for the past two weeks either at work or at home (working), I finally deviated from my routine and ventured out into the world again today. My boyfriend and I took the day to have lunch at a restaurant we hadn’t been to in a while and do some shopping, and I was shocked by how much of a difference the simple change of scenery made for me. It wasn’t about the chicken I ate or the blouse I bought, but about the fact that I was doing something different from what had become my ordinary day, and it felt invigorating! It’s so easy to push aside needs that may seem frivolous, or at the very least, not as important as the task at hand, whether that task is tied to our profession, family, school, or other commitments. But what about the needs of the soul?

I believe that in order to be truly successful in life – and by successful, I mean having a feeling of accomplishment and being able to enjoy the fruits of that accomplishment – you have to know yourself and your needs. You have to understand what motivates you, inspires you, and rejuvenates you, and do all you can to make sure you keep these things clearly at the forefront of your mind and incorporated into your days. If you don’t, what’s the point? Why do we think it’s okay to neglect the parts of ourselves that make up the unique constellation of the beautiful, quirky women that we are? Know that, and you’re one step closer to understanding yourself and how to use that knowledge to create the circumstances that will propel you to your own success.

So, in taking a turn in my high-speed-no-scenery train ride through life to enjoy what many people simply call “a Tuesday”, I realized that I need to pay attention to things that will keep me going mentally and spiritually. Something as simple as a day out changed my entire attitude, and rejuvenated me so I can keep going with my work. Only this time, I’m happier about it!

Bottom line: Take a break, ladies. It’s good for your soul.