One of my very first Pay It Forward clients had, in her big vision/version of her healthiest and happiest Self, "feeling respected by her 4 sons and her husband". Her boys were all under 8 years old and she had chosen to homeschool them. I have a handful of kids and have been around a houseful of boys and felt massive appreciation for how she desired to show up well for her kids.
As we navigated "her world", zooming in and out to explore priorities and brainstorm potential intentions to move the needle in the desired directions, we landed with her first week's intention to simply be "two cups of tea". For many, adding 2 cups of tea to your "to do" list may not seem like much, but for this woman, honoring her need to pause was a massive step toward caring for herself.
I often remind momma's that taking care of ourselves isn't just so we can take care of others. Taking care of ourselves is our responsibility. Our health is our job.
As weeks and sessions went by, she moved around her map, came to know it more intimately and experienced more of who she aspired to be. At some point, I inquired about her "tea drinking" and her reply still generates joy in my heart.
Me: "Still pausing for a cup of tea?
Her: "Oh, girl, I have tea everyday! If the boys come asking for something during my tea time, they notice and say 'momma's having her tea' and they come back a few moments later."
Me: "Whhhhaaaatttt? Wait - DO YOU FEEL RESPECTED?"
That was part of the "big picture" and she hadn't noticed that yes, she did. Often, we have a lot of what we want, but focus on the gaps. Don't get me wrong, giving attention to the gaps are important so that we can fill them, but please pause, have your tea and notice what awesome parts of your world are being experienced.
As we navigated "her world", zooming in and out to explore priorities and brainstorm potential intentions to move the needle in the desired directions, we landed with her first week's intention to simply be "two cups of tea". For many, adding 2 cups of tea to your "to do" list may not seem like much, but for this woman, honoring her need to pause was a massive step toward caring for herself.
I often remind momma's that taking care of ourselves isn't just so we can take care of others. Taking care of ourselves is our responsibility. Our health is our job.
As weeks and sessions went by, she moved around her map, came to know it more intimately and experienced more of who she aspired to be. At some point, I inquired about her "tea drinking" and her reply still generates joy in my heart.
Me: "Still pausing for a cup of tea?
Her: "Oh, girl, I have tea everyday! If the boys come asking for something during my tea time, they notice and say 'momma's having her tea' and they come back a few moments later."
Me: "Whhhhaaaatttt? Wait - DO YOU FEEL RESPECTED?"
That was part of the "big picture" and she hadn't noticed that yes, she did. Often, we have a lot of what we want, but focus on the gaps. Don't get me wrong, giving attention to the gaps are important so that we can fill them, but please pause, have your tea and notice what awesome parts of your world are being experienced.
