Wellness Wednesday

I read. Like, I read ALL THE TIME. I'm constantly between 2 or 3 books and there is always a stack sitting next to my bed to be devoured. Buying an e-reader was one of the most dangerous purchases for me because it is so much easier to buy an outrageous number of books! I still have a library card AND I use it. When I say I love reading, I really mean it.

One of my all time favorite books, I reference again and again is called "The Gifts of Imperfection" by Brene Brown. I've searched for truths which bring me peace and leads me to understanding myself and my reactions better. I'm going to share different bits and pieces for this book over a few different Wellness Wednesday posts.

Today I've thought a lot about one passage in particular. It reads:

"The opposite of play is not work-the opposite of play is depression." She continues, "Respecting our biologically programmed need for play can transform work. It can bring back excitement and newness to our job. Play helps us deal with difficulties, provides a sense of expansiveness, promotes mastery of our craft, and is an essential part of the creative process. Most important, true play that comes from our own inner needs and desires is the only path to finding lasting joy and satisfaction in our work. In the long run, work does not work without play."

I've thought a lot about this- what kind of "play" brings excitement to my life and helps me deal with difficulties? What do I do to laugh and relieve stress?

Everyone's answer is different. My answer- I dance in my kitchen. I crank the radio, take of my shoes and dance around like a fool. I throw my hands up, I spin in circles, I sing at the top of my lungs, I laugh. I just let myself be in the moment. The point is the actual movement isn't important- instead it is the play aspect that is important. I have been dancing in the kitchen for as long as I can remember. It makes sense it would be "play" to me.

So, what is your "play"? What is going to bring laughter into your day? Can you involve your spouse or kids? Try it! Turn off your phone- turn off the tv- turn off all distractions. Be in the moment. PLAY. Laugh. Allow yourself to be stress free for a moment. Your wholeness will thank you.

Happy Wednesday,

Much love to you all and happy 30 to me-

Stef

Thought for the week:

(I don’t claim to be an expert, just a lover of new and useful information. I hope you enjoy new and useful information too! If you have a question, comment, suggestion or would like to be added/removed to the weekly email, please contact me at stef.wellness.coach@gmail.com)

Wellness Wednesday

Happy Wednesday! I can't believe another week has already come.


I had an interesting experience this past week while on a business trip in California. I slid onto a jam-packed elevator and jokingly said, don't worry, I'll think skinny thoughts. An older lady on the elevator looked at me and said, you don't need to think skinny thoughts- you are skinny! I opened my mouth to respond and before I could say a single word, she interrupted me and said, "Nope, just say thank you". Again, I went to respond and was cut off with the words, "just say thank you." So I did. I said thank you and shut my mouth.


This experience got me thinking- we are all striving to be gentle with our own souls and more compassionate to those around us but do we allow them to genuinely compliment us? Do we try to dismiss their kindness with a returned compliment or a brush off?




Why is it difficult for us to just say thank you?




I've made it a goal this week and am challenging all of you to the same- give genuine compliments to those around you and ACCEPT compliments given to you with a simple thank you.


As we work on accepting positive compliments from those around us, it will help us to see how other people see us which will help us to start practicing self love.




So, I will start- you are an extraordinary person- there is no one on this earth quite like you. You are unique and valued. The world needs you- your friends/family needs you- I need you. You add beauty and humility to my life.




Much love to you all-


Happy Wednesday-


Stef






Thought for the week:

(I don’t claim to be an expert, just a lover of new and useful information. I hope you enjoy new and useful information too! If you have a question, comment, suggestion or would like to be added/removed to the weekly email, please contact me at stef.wellness.coach@gmail.com)