My dear friends,

As we start to settle into this new chapter of 2021, I hope that you make some time to take care of yourself, in the most aligned way possible. We all continue to face a wide-array of challenges and can often be pulled in so many directions. And, I promise you when I say, I know exactly how you feel! Life, as beautiful as it is, is also exhausting and difficult.

This week, I want to share with you two practices of self-care that might be beneficial to you during these periods of transition and uncertainty. I know self-care is a topic often discussed, but I also know that it can feel overwhelming, not knowing where to start.

What I hope to share this week, is a simple reminder that how you care for yourself, and what that looks like for you, is completely unique to you. You are your own unique, magnificent person with specific needs and desires, and so, I wish for you the wisdom and connection within so that you can continue to care for yourself in the most aligned and comforting way.

Lately, I’ve introduced two new practices into my life, that have given me so much relief, especially during these times, and I hope they might be helpful for you, too!

1. Taking Space: With life being so uncertain and unpredictable, it’s easy to feel like we are living life on full-speed, and always reacting to whatever comes next. I learned, sometimes the hard way, that the best way to counteract the chaotic nature of our times, is to simply not react. No matter the moment or circumstance, I’ve started to give myself the space to gather myself, to connect with myself, and to fully understand, before moving forward. So often, when I act within my reflexes, I say things that I don’t necessarily mean, I’m hyper-emotional, or not thinking clearly. When I take the space to breathe and process, I find clarity, peace, and a deeper knowing of how I’d like to proceed. What taking space for me looks like is closing my eyes and taking a few deep breaths, closing my computer and taking a walk before sending an email, meditating before making a big decision, and even journaling if I need a little more inner guidance. However space looks for you, I hope you can find some unique ways to carve it out in your life, and feel the peace that space provides when we allow it.

2. Allowing Grace. The other practice that I’ve been heavily relying on is giving myself some grace. Which means, cutting myself slack when needed, forgiving myself, being gentle with myself, and really listening to my own needs and desires. We tend to hold ourselves to such high standards and add unnecessary pressure to our already challenging existence. In allowing grace, I release myself from my own high expectations, I remind myself that I do not need to be perfect to be worthy, and I am compassionate with my myself in my mistakes and missteps. Grace for me looks like breaking free from rigidity and allowing flow, and trusting that in any given moment, I am doing the best that I can. What does this look like for you?

I hope these 2 little tips can help spark your own creativity in self-care. I’d love to hear how you care for yourself, let me know in the comments!

xo, Michelle

Michelle Maros is Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life's Creative Director and resident writer. She has a degree in Journalism from Indiana University and is also a certified holistic health coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and registered yoga teacher with trainings with Anuttara Yoga Shala and Strala Yoga. Michelle has a deep desire to help people find happiness in all areas of their lives, and truly believes the Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life movement will bring lasting change to the world. Michelle splits her time between Florida and New York City and loves connecting with people from all over the world. If you'd like to contact her, she can be reached at michelle@peacefulmindpeacefullife.org

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