weekly: your ideal lifestyle
A reader asked me a great question from a weekly email I sent where I pondered the idea of fitting work around our lifestyle goals instead of fitting life around work.
She said, “I love this idea of fitting work to our life instead of vice versa. But I struggle with how to do this when you have a 9-5 job that doesn't give you much flexibility or spontaneous ness. What advice do you have for that? Or how do you work around that when you can't control that?”
Great question.
Fitting work around the lifestyle we want is tough with a job that doesn't allow much time flexibility.
When I worked at a large beauty brand here in New York City, it required a similar inflexible schedule.
Maybe you can relate.
While I don’t claim to know THE answer.
Or be an expert.
Here are two things that come to mind.
Accept this season of life
First, I suggest accepting and honoring yourself for doing what you can in this season of life.
You're doing great.
Sometimes our capacities are limited by our circumstances but it doesn't mean that can't change in the future.
By accepting where we're at, we can get creative.
There’s nothing wrong with starting where you are.
Protect your energy
Second, think of "fitting work around your lifestyle" as an energy/mindset.
What does your ideal lifestyle feel like instead of look like?
Peaceful or centered?
How can we bring that to every aspect of the day?
A great place to start is with meaningful habits and choices that help us transcend and recover from work.
For me, I did a morning routine every day.
It anchored my days and reminded me that work was a part of my life but not my whole life.
During lunch, I'd read a book that made me feel good and worked on TGS from my laptop.
During commutes, I'd have a good book to read or listen to or would write on my phone.
When I got home, I refused to think about work so I could recharge.
Then, I'd do whatever my body needed to find rest.
On weekends, I'd travel or have a fun adventure.
I created boundaries over how much emotionally and mentally I gave work.
Although jobs get certain hours of our day, it doesn't mean they get the best of our energy or spirit.
October is the perfect time of year to do a morning routine audit.
What's working well?
Is there something you've outgrown?
Or maybe you don't have one yet?
Either way, dropping this timeless post here on how to make a morning routine that makes you thrive.
Good Thinking
I trust the Universe responds to my ideas. I know I can move quickly into new creations.
Good Action
Do a morning routine audit.
Are you satisfied with your routine? Do you not have one but want to?
As we evolve, our practices need to as well.
Maybe we moved into a new season of life and require less.
Or need extra support and beefing up our routine makes sense.
I would love to hear where you're at!
Good Question
Move up the ladder to higher vibrations by writing at the top of a blank page and see what flows from your pen (no judgment or editing!):
How might I be holding myself back from enjoying life more?
Good Book
Money and the Law of Attraction is one of those books that's a must-read if you're on a spiritual journey. It reminds you of an important universal law and that we can have conscious creative control over our lives.
There are sections for each part of life: wealth, health, career. Some sentences ring so true your whole body radiates with coherence.
One of my favorite quotes from Abraham Hicks says:
“It slows you down tremendously if you need to see evidence of something before you believe it, because that means you have to wait for someone else to create it before you can believe it. But when you understand that the Universe, and the Law of Attraction, will respond to your imagined idea as quickly as it responds to an observed idea, then you can move quickly into new creations without having to wait for someone to accomplish it first."
If you're looking to grow your spiritual knowledge and refresh your perspective on life, this is a great book to buy.
Sparks of Joy
Postcards: a friend visited Greece and sent us a postcard here in NYC. Snail mail, stationery, pens, and paper are a secret obsession of mine. I love it all.
Greatness: David Beckham’s documentary on Netflix lit a spark in me. Not because he’s a perfect man (far from it) but seeing how he kept going and rising despite the hate and backlash he got over his career made me want to study how athletes train mentally to have that discipline.
Nailed It: The Big Nailed It! Baking Challenge inspired me. I wasn't expecting it AT ALL. Watching people with zero baking skills 10x their progress by learning from coaches and practicing energized me.
Dancing: Friday morning I danced with my daughter and my mood and body felt incredible. This makes me want to dance more often!
Extra Goodies
Good Read (or listen): The problem with "change your thoughts, change your life". A feminist reimagining of "The Model" for self-coaching. (Feminist Founders)
Good Reminder: Don't wait until you feel confident to act.
Good Laugh: "when i bought my giant crystal ball the lady looked me in the eye and said..."
Good Listen: Ten of our most popular wellness podcast episodes.
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