Daily Affirmations: Today, I Will Pause to Take Stock
With Tips for Self Care and Curated Nature Photography
Lately, I have been back and forth with feeling overwhelmed. I’m sure some of my readers here can relate, especially in these unprecedented times that we are living in.
Overwhelmed is often a running theme in my life, which typically happens when I have too much on my plate and I am not getting things done in a timely manner. It also happens when the extraneous forces of the external factors that play parts in my life are in the midst of some sort of upheaval.
There’s been a lot of upheaval in my life in the past few months now that I have written about here, from the loss of my sense of peace and quiet at home because of my upstairs neighbors, to the pending change in my housing. And then there is the daily onslaught of distressing news that is creating stress for so many of us.
Often it just takes one more thing to happen on top everything else we are dealing with and suddenly all hell breaks loose.
This is when we often find ourselves needing to pause and take stock a little more often like this wise Barred Owl1 who could literally sit in the still for a very long time.
I’ve been like the Barred Owl a lot lately. I find myself sitting in the still moments that I can find, and just taking stock of everything and then releasing what I can.
And so it is that today, that I am compelled to share this short affirmation from author and teacher, Julia Cameron. I find myself going back to this affirmation from time to time because it really resonates with me. I hope it resonates with you too.
"Today, I pause to take stock. I count and appreciate my gains. I rest before going forward. I savor the journey I've taken already and the distance I have come." - Julia Cameron: Transitions... Prayers and Declarations for a Changing Life
Namaste and Bright Blessing... Pamela
In recent weeks my CFS/Fibro has been on high alert with extra fatigue and pain flares. I keep trying to hit the reset button after I get some extra rest, but it seems to be as defunct as I am at the moment. Anyone who deals with chronic health issues knows what that it like.
So, I take some extra time for me most every day by practicing various self care routines. Here’s a short list of some of the self care tips that use:
I give myself permission to take time for extra rest — naps are good. Or I sleep in if I am still tired.
I allow myself the luxury of comfort food — making sure that that comfort food leans on the healthy side.
I take long hot showers or soak in a hot tub and I toss a few drops of lavender essential oil into the tub or shower to help me relax and unwind.
Burn some sage and smudge your home. Smudging clear away negative energy.
Now that it is warming up outside, I am getting back to my walking practice. A short or long walk is always a good stress buster.
And of course, curling up with a good book is also a great way to relax and practice self care. Likewise watching a good movie or an old TV series can be relaxing as well.
The self care things that I do in my life are things we all need to do for ourselves on a regular basis. In truth, self care should be a daily part of everyone’s routines.
With that said, today feels like a good day to pause and sit allowing myself the time to think about all that is transpiring around me, and release what I can into the Universe with a prayer for better times and things to come.
Or maybe I need to just hide behind a tree limb and pretend I am invisible…
Whatever the answer is, I know I will find it, because in time after one pauses, rests and takes stock, things become clear again.
Pausing to take stock always helps us to come back to center, and be in the moment and go with the flow.
It’s all about setting our intent and making it manifest.
If you enjoyed this Daily Affirmation, the self care tips and the curated nature photography, I hope you will like, share and restack this post, and perhaps refer a friend.
As always the comments are open to all, please chime in and leave a comment…
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Remember to breathe when things get stressful and as always, be kind to one another.
As I like to say, “Be in the moment and go with the flow.”
Related Posts…
Daily Affirmation: Be An Instrument for Change
Today’s Daily Affirmation is about being an instrument for change and making a difference in the world. This is a topic I feel very strongly about. I believe it is my mission in life to make a difference in the world, even if only in some small way , a little bit, every day.
If you are interested in learning more about the Barred Owl and their distinctive call, visit the Audubon Barred Owl page.
Oh how I dream being more like a Barred Owl, to relish stillness and just take in the world around me without the niggling wriggling worms of to do lists in the foreground that drag me away every time... you say "Pausing to take stock always helps us to come back to center, and be in the moment and go with the flow." My troubles begin right there... I can never pause long enough before the next urgent need appears. I hope you have more time for stillness lovely...
Beautiful beautiful photos! Happy weekend xx
Love this Pamela. You offer so much to your readers despite being in uncertain times yourself.
The owl photos are great particularly the one who hides behind a tree limb and pretends she is invisible! I relate! Sending you blessings and love. And a new HOME. ❤️