Here in LA, the sun is shining, and the skies are blue, typical Southern California weather! As we sit into this summer season, I thought we should talk about all the ways we can fuel our minds which feeds our soul. Boy do I have a list and I have been really digging deep this summer with my personal growth. It's been healing on a soul level.
Speaking of soul... as I reflect on my childhood, summer was always a time of excitement. We didn't have classes to attend, and the days seemed to last a lifetime, meaning more time to play outside. We actually would say, "I'm bored!" from time to time, I'm not sure these generations have the same luxury. I’ve been asking myself, “How can I rediscover the childlike wonder in the summertime?”, "How can I feel more alive?" First step, get curious, such a beautiful gift that's free to everyone who chooses to look in. One of my favorite summer memories was time spent in down in Baja Mexico with my entire extended Mexican family. Wow! The sheer thought of it brings a smile to my face and a slight giggle at the time spent together with cousins, Grandmas, Aunts, Uncles and my own family. I can remember basking in the sun, riding horses daily, helping the caballeros bathe the horses so I could ride for free, making new friends, playing on the beach until the late afternoon, tennis, boating, and riding my bike up this seemingly HUGE hill to buy fireworks that I think were more like dynamite. This is time I will always cherish, nothing was planned out. We were in the moment present to the opportunities around us and creating magical meet ups by the minute.
A 2014 study from the British Journal of Guidance & Counseling showed that “exploratory curiosity” was one of the character strengths that predicts positive mood and self-esteem, and in research published in 2012 in the journal Personality & Individual Differences, curiosity was connected to a greater sense of hope and life purpose. I know that this struck me as so many of my coaching clients are desperate to find their purpose, but what if it's right in front of you?A 2014 study from the British Journal of Guidance & Counseling showed that “exploratory curiosity” was one of the character strengths that predicts positive mood and self-esteem, and in research published in 2012 in the journal Personality & Individual Differences, curiosity was connected to a greater sense of hope and life purpose. I know that this struck me as so many of my coaching clients are desperate to find their purpose, but what if it's right in front of you?
What I want to touch on today are different ways that we can take some time to fuel our minds and bodies this summer. Summer is the perfect time to lean into healthy habits and recharge. Think of your body as a solar panel. When the sun shines, we get more energy to power the different systems within us.
THREE WAYS TO FUEL UP THIS SUMMER:
Active Recovery - Active recovery may seem like an oxymoron. How can we actively rest? When we hit the gym or our favorite workout class, we have to give our bodies some time to recover from the work it’s been doing. However, this doesn’t mean sleeping all day. We get out and do an activity that nourishes and restores the body, like walking. Fuel your mind this summer by engaging in some meaningful recovery activities. Not sure where to start? Try journaling, meditating, or even taking a nap. In fact, researchers say that 15-20 minute power naps taken in the early afternoon can restore and refresh you when experiencing a natural decline in wakefulness. Check out my most recent blog for other methods on how to actively rest and recover.
Listen to a Podcast - Podcasts are one of my favorite mediums to fuel my mind. We are lucky to have an unlimited knowledge bank at our fingertips for FREE. At any time of the day, we could listen to experts talk about their passions, give advice, or even listen to stand-up comedy. If you haven’t been listening to our Opportunity Knocks podcast, this summer is the perfect time to get into it! Some of my favorite podcasts - Super Soul Sunday, Goal Digger, and The Rich Roll podcast.
Tackle Your Reading List - I’m sure many of us have a list of at least one or two books we’ve been meaning to read but haven’t gotten around to yet. Maybe you bought the books, and they’re sitting on your nightstand right now, just waiting to be cracked open! Stories are one of the many ways that we, as humans, come to understand life and each other. In particular, Laura Coe’s books are a blend between philosophy, poetry, and personal growth. They are small, easily digestible and great reference books to be reminded by reading them again and again! If you’re in need of some book recommendations, check out this post with some of my favorites!
If you’ve been following me on Instagram (You totally should be, by the way @empowher_la!), you’d be the first to see how I’ve been refueling this summer. In addition to my recent Paris adventure with my eldest daughter, I’ve also been reading, writing, take more classes to continue learning, and connecting with humans (my favorite). I believe that meaningful conversations can be one of the best ways to refuel. I’ll be the first to admit that sometimes my tank runs empty because I can be known for burning the candle at both ends between work, social life, children and family. I need my support system in those instances. A support system can help pour into you, meaning that you can feed off each other's energies and genuinely feel cared for. If you need help getting in touch with a support system, look no further! Learn more about our MembHership here. We are always here to support you!
My advice this summer is to get in touch with the people in your life who make you feel alive and recharged. Get curious! Try something new together. Make an effort to meet once a week or even once a month. It can be so crucial to find the time to be in community. Reconnect and realign to your self, what makes you love you. Of course, when we fuel our mind, we fuel our soul.
Be well. Do well.
All my best,
P.S. Looking to create change or transform your life? Learn how one-on-one coaching can help you today! Check out our websitefor a full list of benefits.
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS
Don't miss out on the Opportunity Knocks Podcast!
This Summer we are throwing it back to previous Opportunity Knocks episodes!
Check out our most recent podcasts:
Pamela Salzman, Founder of Park Place Payments
Mara Smith, Founder of Inspiro Tequila
Samantha Ettus, Founder of Park Place Payments
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