Today I’m not sure what I want to write about, but I’ll just start and see what flows. It has been a pretty heavy week, mostly because I’ve been super tired, and felt on the verge of coming down with something. I’ve been able to keep that at bay though, by taking some extra supplements (vitamin C, D, zinc and magnesium, in case you were curious), in addition to my regular multi vitamin and Ayurvedic herbs. And I’ve been resting, making sure to get plenty of sleep, which is really what’s most important, I feel, to recover yourself when you’re feeling run down.
Listening to my body and its needs is something that has become more and more important to me over the years. I’ve never been a fan of popping pills or taking stimulants, although I have done it at times to get by. It seems to me that doing that only pushes your body to keep going, when it’s really trying to tell you to slow down. I think in many ways we have forgotten how to listen within, taking the time to really take note of how we’re feeling on a daily basis, and then take care of ourselves, giving our body (and mind + spirit, as that is important too!) what it needs.
The rat race of the 9-5 (and beyond) work schedule, making money, getting ahead, rushing from one place to the next, really takes us nowhere fast, is what I’ve come to believe. I used to participate in that kind of fast paced lifestyle, but find that I can no longer do it. I don’t think we’re really made for that, to be honest. It’s not a natural way of living. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons why we have so much chronic illness, both mental and physical, in our society, because we try to push ourselves too much. Trying to be something or someone we’re not. Losing touch with who we really are, and what we really want deep down.
Of course, even though I don’t work a 9-5 job anymore, doesn’t mean I don’t have negative stress in my life. I’m a work in progress, as we all are. 🙂 And not everyone has the luxury of just quitting their job either, as we all need to eat, pay our bills etc. For others, especially those that have a job they enjoy, the 9-5 isn’t such a bad thing. I suppose what I’m getting at is this mindset of needing to get ahead, and being stuck in a job (or a life) you don’t enjoy, and the pressure and stress that this can bring. I’ve definitely been there before, and still am at times. And then there is the general fast paced nature of most jobs these days, the never ending cycle of more work, never really getting on top of things. Even if you generally enjoy your work, it can get a bit too much at times.
This is why it’s so important to find balance in life. To find meaning. I think my own life really started to change when I began to pay more attention to myself and to listen to my inner voice. When I began to take time out to reflect on what I wanted for myself, what I enjoyed, what kind of life I wanted to live, and who I wanted to be. Living in balance to me, is to heed the mind, body and spirit. It’s not just the physical body that has needs, our soul does too. We all have hopes, dreams and aspirations, and reasons for being that amount to more than being stuck in a status quo.
How do you find balance though, in this crazy world we live in? Everyone has to find their own way, but for me it means eating healthy most of the time, but also taking time to indulge every once in a while. I take time out to exercise regularly, but also make sure I get the rest that I need. Yoga and meditation is something that I do daily, and can’t imagine a life without it at this point. Taking time out for myself is important to me, but socializing is also something I need, spending time with friends, having fun, talking, going for walks etc. Finding time to be creative, to write, sing, make music, that is something that I need in my life, and helps me to bring my focus within, instead of focusing on all the craziness in the world (and there’s a lot of that these days!).
In some ways, perhaps this situation with the virus over the past year has had its benefits, in that it has forced us to slow down a little. Making us look at how we live our lives, and perhaps also appreciate more what’s really important. I know that it has for me. For that reason I’m focusing more on those things that give me joy these days, and making music is definitely one of them. I’m gearing up to release a new song in the coming weeks, and am very excited for that. Can’t wait to finally share some new music, as it’s actually been 11 years since my last release. Didn’t mean for it to take that long, but hey, that’s life sometimes. Just happy that I’m finally back in the creative flow again, and there will be lots more to come!
So I hope this post inspires you to think about how you can find more balance in your life, doing more things that give you joy, and less of what stresses you out. Perhaps you could use a little meditation in your daily life (I have some good ones to try right here), or maybe you also like to be creative, like me. Creativity can be expressed in many ways, not just music, so find something you enjoy, and express yourself though it! It really is so rewarding on so many levels!
Well, that’s it from me today. I hope you have a balanced day, and until next time…
Sending love & light,
Sweet Annie Sounds 