The weekly perspective
One question to ask yourself
If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?
Journal on this - what are you talking lots about, debating over, wishing that 'one day' you'll do? If you've listened to any podcast I've done in the last year you've probably heard me say one of my biggest drivers of behaviour change and joy in my life over the past 5 years has been the considering of how I'll feel in my early 40s as I reflect on my 30s, and I imagine repeating this for every decade I am blessed to live through.
Something to consider
"In theory, consistency is about being disciplined, determined and unwavering. In practice, consistency is about being adaptable" - James Clear
I rate James Clear (I'm sure he'll be psyched to know) and I also find myself often differing with his opinion on the regs. I don't love taking on external, egoic identities as a method of motivation for behaviour change as I feel he proposes, but that's for another day. I loved what he said recently about consistency and I know almost all of you need to hear it. Most of you are focused on this idea of rigid consistency you've created in your head (slash diet / hustle culture have created) and it's a huge source of your discontentment, shame and struggle with balance.
One thing I'd tell my younger self.
Most people only know how to stand alone if someone is standing next to them. Learning to go it alone will offer insight that will shape your choices forever.
After some discussion with a best friend this week, we were contemplating how lucky we are to have spent time alone, be that living, travelling, without a partner, as it has culminated in making decisions born from self-love and an innate, inner knowing of self-worth. Without ever having time alone, you may always find yourself seeking a sub-par version of something already inside of you.
One thing to try this week
Measure your stress by your felt sense
Bare with me. Many of us spend a large proportion of our days (slash lives) stressed. Normal, occasional stressors are super normal and our bodies adapt to recover. But often, we experience repeated stressors without adaptation or even just prolonged stressors without any recovery at all. It's in these states that stress impacts not only our decision making but also potentially our health. When we're always stressed, we get used to it and eventually stop noticing it as a problem, maybe even identifying it as a strategy for productivity. Something we do at ETPHD is encourage people to check in with their somatic experience, their felt sense. Chronic stress leading to burnout might feel like apathy, numbness, lack of energy. Stressed out might feel like agitated, irritable and tingly fingers / toes. Use your felt sense to check in with your stress this week...
A few things to tell you...
How can you stay motivated in business ALL THE TIME? Is it ok to NOT be? Listen here
Is it ok to miss your old body? How can you manage chronic pain anxiety? Find out here
Should you wait 90 minutes before your morning caffeine? Can IBS be 'cured' with therapy? Find out here
Save the date - Saturday 27th April 2024 for the next ETPHD event. Last time there was a magical day of self-compassion. This time, it's the body reconnection event. More details coming soon.
The second season of Single Mother by Choice podcast is here!
I shared a bit about my story and why I'm no longer a single mother by choice here
Then chatted through why I'm so grateful to have healed my relationship with food before becoming pregnant here
Lynn and I recorded an episode that at least made us laugh a lot, covering the actual truths of the first trimester and answered questions on managing pregnancy anxiety and exercising when trying to conceive - listen here
One more thing...
Please share your favourite stuff.
Thank you all for continuing to share your favourite Monday email quotes. I see them all. I know how much I love seeing impactful quotes from strangers, so it means a lot that you allow me to hopefully be that person for someone else. f there's something you really relate to or know someone who'd benefit from something in this email, please share it and pay it forward. Words are magical, and if I've learned anything from writing these emails to you for years, you never know when someone needs to hear the exact thing you've got to say.
