the reminder you've been waiting for...

Storytime with Ruby

Howdy!

Does it feel like fall where you are?

I'm writing to you from Kate's living room. The sun glistens into the trees and streams through the divided-light windows; the air outside is warm but brisk in the way that only early autumn can offer us.

By now you likely know that Kate and I don't live in the same place, and if you've been around lately you know that Jake (my husband) and I are all over the place since leaving Colorado at the end of July. We get to be here with Kate for 3 weeks, and as you can guess... I'm THRILLED about that!

Especially after the month I've had... I lost an uncle, had a parent have surgery, a cousin have a heart attack, another cousin's wedding, and a grandparent in the hospital...

Before coming up to see Kate, we got to go on a family trip to Exuma, Bahamas. This vacation was planned long in advance, and for everything that's happened lately, getting to be away was a literal breath of fresh air.

When's the last time you took a sigh of relief?

Like prop your feet up, sit outside, not needed by anyone, feet in water, open book, easy conversation, nowhere to be kind of easy.

Has it been a minute?

This month's theme in the Self Study Program is Rest. Rest is what's rejuvenating.
Sometimes a deep breath is the perfect reset in the middle of a hectic day. Other times, we need more space.

It's easy to fall into the trap of believing that rest should be reserved for special occasions or emergencies. Otherwise, there's too much to do to rest!

But when we rest, big and small, with regularity, everything about life feels lighter. Even the really tough stuff gets to be more.... hopeful... because your body, brain, and heart can expect care throughout and especially on the other side.

And the best way to have that experience with yourself is to start now, even if you don't feel like you need to.

Real quick: pull out a piece of paper, or open up your Notes app. Write down 10 things that replenish you.

I'll go first:

1. Sunshine on my face
2. A tall glass of water
3. Walks
4. Water (shower, bath, face splash, swim)
5. Big hugs
6. Cozy and cute outfits
7. A change of scene
8. Uninterrupted reading time
9. A long sleep (9+ hours)
10. A few days away

Now pick one thing from your list to do before the end of today.

Set a reminder to check in with yourself after, or tomorrow, and comment: How are you? What's present after rest? Any reflections?

* It is important to note that what's present after rest could be 'feeling anxious' or 'behind' or 'guilty' because this action is different than how you would usually behave, a part of your brain sees this as a threat. But what's underneath that fear? What else is present? Can you do this for several days in a row? Does anything shift?

Here's to infusing rest into our days, months, lives. Let this year be the year you follow the nudges of nature to slow down and rejuvenate.

I love you, and you're doing great,
Ruby

PS The PERFECT opportunity to replenish is just around the corner. You can still join us for our Heartfelt Retreat (November 8-11)