My Plan for Self-Care and Sacred Possibilities
Life often unfolds in waves—some gentle, others crashing—and we are left navigating the currents as best as we can. Right now, I find myself in the midst of one of those heavier periods, carrying multiple layers of responsibilities, change, and emotions. My elderly dog, Blayze, is failing, and providing her with care and comfort takes a lot of time, energy, and emotional resilience. On top of that, I’m caring for a friend’s little dog, managing my own household of two dogs and two cats, and feeling the weight of the upcoming move of my office and healing arts center. We’ve been in this church for ten years, and now, as it closes, I’m grieving the end of an era.
With so much going on—from personal losses to planning major transitions—I’m also feeling the collective heaviness of the world. As an empath, the turmoil and instability around the country and beyond are hard to ignore. The weight of it presses on me, and the question arises: how do I hold all of this, acknowledge my feelings, take care of myself, and continue building the future I envision?
Acknowledging the Heaviness
The first step in navigating difficult periods is to acknowledge what I’m feeling without judgment. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, I should be handling this better or I don’t have time to feel this way. But I know that suppressing my emotions only creates more tension and burnout down the line. I’m learning to honor the grief, the worry, the fatigue, and the overwhelm. Giving myself permission to feel these things is a form of self-compassion—a reminder that I don’t have to be strong all the time.
Prioritizing Rest and Self-Care
In the midst of it all, rest is essential. Without it, everything feels heavier. Rest isn’t just about sleep (though that’s important); it’s about creating space for my nervous system to unwind. Whether it’s a nap, a walk at Standley Lake, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea, rest replenishes my energy and helps me approach tasks with more clarity.
Self-care is more important now than ever, and I’ve been reviewing my own practices and what I teach clients, including how I can build more self-care practices into my daily routine:
- Meditation: Taking even five to ten minutes for meditation helps me stay grounded and calm.
- Exercise: Walking has always been a healing practice for me, and I’m committed to moving my body daily, even if it’s just a short walk.
- Journaling: Putting my thoughts on paper is a powerful way to process emotions and gain perspective.
- Downtime: Allowing myself time to rest without guilt, whether that’s reading, watching a favorite show, or simply daydreaming.
- Creative Expression: Engaging in creative outlets, such as collaging with my Journey Circles, which allows me to process emotions, access intuition, and spark inspiration.
Getting Organized and Setting Boundaries
With so many moving parts—a new healing arts center, a major move, a new class, and a membership program—organization is key to keeping everything manageable. I’m breaking down tasks into small, actionable steps and setting deadlines that feel realistic. This way, I can make consistent progress without overwhelming myself.
I’m also learning the importance of saying no. When I’m stretched too thin, I can’t give my best to anything. Saying no to things that drain me or don’t align with my current priorities is an act of self-preservation. At the same time, I’m saying yes to things that light me up—things that nourish my soul and remind me of why I do this work.
Staying Connected to My Purpose
Despite the heaviness, I’m finding hope and inspiration by staying connected to my purpose. Teaching, creating, and guiding others on their spiritual journeys fill me with joy and meaning. My upcoming 8-week Spiritual Alchemy course and the Quest Circle membership program are not just work projects; they are expressions of my soul’s calling. Focusing on these creations keeps me motivated, even when life feels overwhelming.
Giving Back Without Burning Out
As someone who feels deeply for the world, I often want to do more—help more people, contribute to causes, and make a difference. But I’ve come to understand that I can’t pour from an empty cup. Part of my role as a spiritual guide is to lead by example, showing others how to care for themselves while also contributing to the greater good.
I’m learning to set limits on how much news I consume and where I direct my energy. Small, intentional acts of kindness—whether it’s donating to a cause, offering support to a friend, or holding space for someone in need—are powerful. I don’t have to solve every problem to make a difference.
Looking Forward: Embracing Lightness and Possibility
As I prepare for this next chapter—moving into a new space, launching new programs, and creating the life I envision—I’m choosing to embrace the possibilities ahead. There will be moments of joy, connection, and creativity, and I trust that even through the heaviness, I’m being guided toward something meaningful.
I remind myself that balance isn’t about perfection; it’s about flow. There will be days when I feel on top of the world and days when I need to retreat and rest. Both are necessary. By listening to my body, honoring my emotions, and staying connected to what truly matters, I know I can navigate this time with grace.
And so, I take a deep breath, acknowledge the weight of it all, and take the next small step forward—one step closer to rest, renewal, and the sacred possibilities that await.
