Purpose & Possibility
My intention for writing today was to share information about our upcoming Purpose Workshop. And while I still want to share that information with you and truly hope that you’ll consider joining us, it feels callous and irresponsible to talk about that without first talking about what’s going on in our country.
This 4th of July marked protests across the Country in response to the recent ruling of the Supreme Court. It also marked another mass shooting in the U.S. when a gunman opened fire at a 4th of July parade, killing at least a half dozen of our fellow citizens and injuring dozens more. All of this while we’re still trying to heal from the other recent mass shootings and trying to figure out how to come to terms, as a nation, with the events of January 6th.
It feels like the U.S. is in the midst of a culture war and while nobody is winning, everyone is losing. If we’re not arguing for or against a woman’s right to choose, then we’re arguing for or against gun control. Our politicians appear to be unable to work together on much of anything and sometimes seem to be more interested in standing for their own interests than those of the people they were elected to represent. Simultaneously Americans are dealing with high rates of inflation that make purchasing food and gas and paying bills challenging while also attempting to adjust to our new post-pandemic “normal.” In general tempers are short, and passions are high.
I’m wondering, how are you handling all of this? What are you doing to take care of yourself? What are you doing to find some peace in the middle of the chaos?
It’s especially important during tough times that we stop and take care of ourselves. Below are five ways that you can show yourself some kindness and compassion. Research shows that practicing self-care can lower your stress levels, boost your immune system, and help you feel better about yourself.
1. Laugh – laughter really is the best medicine, and it has been scientifically proven that laughter releases endorphins that boost your mood.
2. Focus on your accomplishments and remember that failure is an opportunity to learn and shouldn’t be used as an opportunity to beat yourself up.
3. Allow yourself to be vulnerable – create opportunities where you can speak your truth, even when it seems silly or insignificant.
4. Take time to do what makes you happy – be sure that you are indulging yourself as often as possible and doing the things that bring you joy.
5. Invest in yourself – take that class, start that business, write that book.
You can also join our workshop – Building a Life of Purpose & Possibility. It’s a two-part workshop being held on July 7th and July 21st from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It’s a chance for you to take care of yourself and to meet some cool people while also doing a little self-exploration.
My workshop collaborator, Paul Briley, and I designed the workshop to support you with clarifying your values, examining your gifts and passions, and connecting (or reconnecting) with your purpose. For more information on the workshop visit https://www.intentionallyme.org/events and if you’re ready to purchase your tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/building-a-life-of-purpose-possibility-tickets-345090764767.
I hope to see you at the workshop, and I’d love to hear how you’re handling recent events and what you’re doing to take care of yourself. I really want to hear from you!
In the meantime, give yourself a hug and then give someone else a hug. We all need a little extra kindness and connection right now. Take care and be well.
