In the commotion of life, it's easy to get caught up in the grinding pace of capitalism. January always feels a little bit extra “go, go, go!” Don’t you think? However, as I sit here today, surrounded by the joyful melodies of my child in the other room, singing about the simple pleasures of life, I am compelled to share a perspective on rest and the seasonality of our souls.
The joy of my child's delight in their song serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of genuine self-care. In a world inundated with New Year's resolutions and the pressure to set bigger, harder, faster goals, I find relief in the quiet moments, the chance to take a breath. All together now: in… out…
Winter is upon us, and like hibernating bears or trees shedding their leaves, we are seasonal animals too! The need for rest often gets overshadowed by society's hyper-focus on achievement. It's crucial to recognize that, just like the natural world, we must rest and store up nutrients for the blooms of the coming spring.
Reflecting on my own journey, I used to fall into the trap of thinking, "I'm okay, I don't need to stop, why bother resting? I'm fine." However, a transformative trip to Colorado in November 2020 changed my perspective. Unplugging in a yurt for four days required a good amount of extra effort on the front end, but it was a crucial moment that made me realize the unsustainable pace of my life.
Before that trip, my days were consumed by managing a 5,000+ member Facebook community—posting incessantly, always checking, moderating. That was on top of the already very full-time work for my photography business and the ever-tugging duties and joys of being a parent and a partner to many. Not to mention simply being a human in the world. When I took that break, it forced me to acknowledge the undeniable need for change.
Returning from the trip, the shifts in my life became evident. The pandemic had significantly reshaped priorities, and as I navigated a new phase of life, I recognized the importance of rebuilding with genuine self-care. It's not just about face masks or bubble baths; it's about consistently incorporating deep care into our lives.
To honor this journey, our team is dedicating a month to self-care—a celebration and exploration of rest and tending. Join us in the Pop-Up Facebook group, where we'll be sharing insights and fostering conversations.
Excitingly, we have planned a self-care week from January 29th to February 2nd, featuring prompts and conversations and of course selfie threads!
On February 1st, at 7 pm Central, I will be hosting an Empowerment Studio Workshop on Real Self-Care—meeting needs consistently. Secure your spot by signing up at empowermentphotographer.com/workshop.
As we embark on this journey, we invite you to be part of the exciting changes within the Empowerment Studio. Take care of yourself, and join the pop-up Facebook group! We look forward to seeing you around!