How are you nourishing yourself?

It’s the start of a new month. The start of a new quarter. Normally I’d be full of plans, especially as I’m full of the energy of spring. But this is going to be an April like no other.
 
I lay in bed on 1st April thinking about all of this and asking myself what I wanted from April. What’s actually within my control?
 
On Monday I did a live on my Facebook page talking about the fact that I'm choosing to be the light this week. Choosing to show up in the world for myself and others with my focus on light, not darkness. I set up a Netflix party with a friend and my mum to keep us connected and to have some fun. I arranged video calls with other friends and kept up with the WhatsApp conversations. I’ve consciously chosen to focus on light.
 
I thought about all of this and remembered that a lot is still within my control. How I show up. How I choose to think. How I choose to be. With this in mind I decided that this month I’m going to choose not just to survive but to thrive.
 
So how am I going to thrive?
 
The first thing that popped into my head is that I have to be kinder to myself. I’ve been so determined to keep going and get work done and keep on top of household chores that I haven’t been listening to my body or mind properly.
 
Last Friday I was really struggling to compose an email to my lovely list of followers. Writing is something that usually comes to me easily. I enjoy it. Normally if I’m struggling I know it’s because I’ve done enough, my mind needs to rest. But I just didn’t listen on Friday and kept powering through.
 
So, be kind to myself and make sure I get the rest and relaxation I need is first on the list.
 
Next on the list and very much connected to being kind to myself is to nourish myself properly – body and mind.
 
I’ve seen a lot on social media about people struggling with comfort eating, emotional eating and eating the sugary snacks that don’t make them feel good. What I haven’t seen anything about is the people (and it can’t just be me) who are finding it harder to eat at the moment. In the last 12 days I think I’ve eaten three meals in a day only once and that is not me. I’m a regular three meals a day woman and breakfast is usually my favourite meal!
 
Don’t get me wrong I am eating. I’m eating at least two meals a day, but my appetite is much reduced. I know that this will pass but it’s made me realise that I really do need to make sure that what I am eating is nourishing and will make me feel good – body and soul.
 
I took time to cook my favourite dhal last week. Deliciously Ella’s red lentil and cauliflower dhal. I don’t usually have time to make it and it was so delicious. I’ve bought the ingredients to make it for myself again this weekend and I’m really looking forward to it.
 
So I’m going to be very intentional about what I choose to eat. I’m also going to be intentional about what I choose to watch, listen to and read. How I’m nourishing my mind and spirit is really important too.
 
I’ve already limited reading the news to once a day. It’s enough to keep me informed and keeps my stress levels lower.
 
I’m listening to Stephen Fry read the Harry Potter books again. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve listened, but I find returning to well-loved books a great comfort in times of stress or discomfort.
 
I started reading a book which I’d intended to read throughout Lent but only got around to picking up on Tuesday. Finding God in the Mess – Meditations for Mindful Living by Jim Deeds & Brendan McManus SJ.
 
Little did I realise when I ordered it from Amazon in February how apt and timely it was going to be. It’s based in Ignatian spirituality, which of course is where the Cycle of Discernment comes from. There’s a short passage and three questions for reflection.
 
I’m reading a passage a day and finding the questions so helpful in stilling my mind and making things clearer for me. Today’s questions for example are:

• What is unique about you?

• What do others see in you that you may not recognise in yourself?

• What have you to offer to the world?

 
I’m choosing to watch things that inspire me, entertain or make me laugh. I know that for me now is not the time to watch anything that is stressful or that will make me cry.
 
Nourishing myself so that I thrive will also mean making sure I get outside in the fresh air and daylight every day. Ideally a walk or run so that I’m moving my body.
 
I’ll also make time to garden as that nourishes my soul as well as my body. Working in my garden always helps me feel closer to God.
 
I'm attending daily Mass via the internet. Seeing and hearing my parish priest in church is such a comfort. Knowing that my fellow parishioners are watching and praying too makes me feel connected to the community as well as God.

I’ll make sure that I’m getting enough sleep.
 
We’re all different. My recipe for nourishing myself will be different to yours.
 
So what is your recipe for nourishing yourself? Have a think about it and ensure that you’re building those things into your daily life.
 
Like me are you going to choose to thrive this month or have you got a word or intention of your own? I’d love to hear what it is.
 
Remember that I’m offering one-off 90 minute coaching sessions in order to help you gain clarity in this unprecedented time. These sessions are usually £150 but I’ve reduced them to £97 or £75 if you’re in my email list.
 
Let me help you to deal with the overwhelm and stress so that you too thrive in this strange time we find ourselves in. Email me at clare@clarewalshcoaching.com to book your place.