Have you ever gone for a walk with no distractions - no music, no podcasts, just you and your thoughts wandering through nature? That’s what I did on my recent trip to Ireland where I spent hours hiking through limestone formations and steep terrain and just allowed myself to be present with whatever thoughts and feelings came up for me along the way.
Today we’re going to go on one of those Wise Walks together and I’ll share a big realization that cemented for me last week. We’ll explore how slowing down gives us the opportunity to check in with our reality, have those big “aha” moments and recognize when something no longer serves us - that point where we can finally say “I’m going to make a better choice for myself” and actually do it.
So let’s slow down, check our reality, and take a wise walk together.
How often in your life are you slowing down?
Are you listening to your heartbeat?
Are you listening to your feelings, paying attention to your thoughts, and just seeing what surfaces?
Are you acknowledging and creating some practices so you can unpack those feelings or thoughts in a deep and meaningful way?
Are you journaling on whatever aha moment surfaces, or reaching out to a friend to say, can you be a sounding board?
What practices can you put in place so that when you get triggered or something surfaces, you can make a better choice for yourself?
Where in your life are you putting others' oxygen masks on first?
Is it something you are ready to shift in your life?
Is it something you want to send out a rippling message about, like yes, I did that in the past, but I am done now?
Is there a part of your energy you are ready to take back so you can put your own oxygen mask on first?
Maybe you are already good at putting yourself first, and if so, that is amazing, but is there another opportunity in your life you want to shift?
What are some ways you can own that shift and recognize that if you want others to respond to you differently, it has to start within you?
Are you willing to behave differently, lead differently, and set a new example so that others know how to treat you?
As you make these shifts in your life, are you willing to notice who applauds and supports you, even if it takes a little time?
Are you open to seeing who respects your boundaries and who is surprised when you stop accepting sloppy seconds?
Can you identify the people who say, I am so glad you told me, and yes, I can shift with you?
Can you be mindful of whatever dynamic you are trying to shift, and whether those around you are truly supportive without stealing your energy or discounting your healthy boundaries?
We are all evolving and learning to make different choices that better align with who we are becoming. I am so grateful for your support on this journey and for being part of my evolution.
In this episode:
[05:13] One of the things I was unpacking in Ireland was whether I was putting myself first or not.
[06:09] It's on me to make this shift happen.
[08:46] I used to justify when others hurt my feelings. I was putting their feelings first.
[10:19] I decided to speak up for myself when my feelings were hurt, because I want this dynamic to shift within myself.
[11:35] Pushing back felt like a relief and it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.
[12:14] I set a healthy boundary, and I'm so proud of myself.
[13:16] I love the idea of going on Wise Walks and looking at areas we may want to explore and shift.
[15:09] Can we surround ourselves with relationships that want us to put ourselves first?
Memorable Quotes:
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