Dear Friend:
Spring represents a time of rebirth, of new beginnings. For those of us with kids, it can also be a time of heightened activity--sports outings, birthday parties, spring break, making summer plans, household organization, etc. If we're not mindful, we can blink and find ourselves peering over the cliff of stress into the valley of overwhelm!
Before you move forward and say 'yes' to the many opportunities before you, try becoming quiet. Pause. And then reflect on the four keys to balanced living outlined below. These are principles I have been leaning on--personally and professionally--for about four years (and I go into more detail around these in The Mother's Guide to Self-Renewal www.reneetrudeau.com). When I draw on the wisdom from these four areas, it greatly enhances my sense of peace, well-being and balance during unusually busy times.
Strategies and Insights for Balanced Living
- Know your top priorities and effectively manage your energy. - What in life is most important to you? How good are you at managing your energy? What is draining you? What is fueling you? Are you comfortable saying no and not over-committing? Following the exercise in Month Four of The Guide, create a Top Life Priorities list and adhere to it! If it's not one of your top three priorities right now, it's going to have to wait.
- Make your self-renewal a priority. - By filling your cup first, you'll have more to give to family, work and creative projects and yourself! You'll be able to function at your optimum and set an example for healthy, balanced living for those around you. Self-care (on all levels - physical/mental/emotional/spiritual) is essential to balanced living.
- Build a personal support system. - What type of and how much personal and professional support do you need to feel nurtured, emotionally healthy and stress-free? Learn to ask for and receive help. Reevaluate your support needs every three months; these change based on your current life stage. Having a support system when going through a transition or stressful time can have a huge impact on how you experience the journey.
- Be more present in all that you do. - Stress and overwhelm are often brought on by dwelling on the past or living in the future. By spending more time living in the present and focusing on what is most important here and now, you'll feel calmer and be more effective. In general, when we're living in the present, we experience a greater sense of balance and well-being. One specific way to be more present is to be mindful of how and when we use technology (cell phones, computers, PDAs, email/Internet and telephones). These tools have the tendency to overwork us!
I'd love to hear what strategies help you feel centered, balanced and at peace. Email your stories to me at stories@reneetrudeau.com.
Upcoming Events and Training:
- Visit our online calendar at to learn about upcoming Self-Renewal Parties and RTA events. If you'd like to find out how you or your organization can host a Self-Renewal Party, email rachel@reneetrudeau.com.
- Are you a nurse, social worker, therapist, coach, parent educator, doula, massage therapist or are you in the healing arts? If yes, consider getting trained to lead a Personal Renewal Group for mothers! This program is a wonderful way for you to reach a new audience and help mothers everywhere reconnect with who they are. Learn more at reneetrudeau.com
- SAVE THE DATE! The Mother's Guide to Self-Renewal National Book Launch Party: May 9th, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Mark your calendars now, more details to come!
Warmly,
Renée
