Finding Paths of Nourishment

Life is not an endurance contest.

I have had to learn this the hard way. I no longer push on with ways of being that have the potential to cause me harm. I have become more alert and sensitive to what doesn’t work in my life – the things, people and places that no longer serve me.

If we listen to what our bodies, mind and emotions are telling us, we are more able to recognise the situations that are likely to harm our well-being. We can learn to say ‘No’ to situations and substances that drain us of our vitality for life. We can choose a different path that allows us to find nourishment in our existence.

We do not have to force ourselves into doing anything that drains our life force. Instead we can fill our lives with what heals us.

Writing this weekly blog is a form of meditative balm that helps me feel good about myself, reminding me of all the tools that help me stay balanced and afloat.

Yet, there are times when I feel like giving up. If I don’t receive any feedback and I wonder if anyone is reading this stuff that I write. It’s amazing how quickly it comes round to that time each week, when I sit down in front of my laptop and wonder what to say, and whether the effort is worthwhile.

Then I remember that none of this is important – writing the blog serves me well and is a path of nourishment for myself. And if just one person reads it and feels more empowered as a result – then I have made a difference and achieved my goal. In fact I know that lots of people read my blog and I’ve received lots of very encouraging comments as to how my words have touched people’s lives.

So you too can ask yourself the question, when you’re feeling depleted of energy, or low and sad, ‘Is what I’m doing healing and nourishing for myself, and will it fuel and vitalise my spirit? If the answer is ‘No’ then choose a different path that is more nurturing. You always have a choice about the path ahead.

We do have a choice as to where we stand in our own lives and which direction we take. It may not always seem to be the case and yet remembering our choices can help us become more alive, healthy and balanced.

Are you doing things for the sheer joy of doing them or are you being weighed down by the ‘shoulds’ of life? Ask yourself what gives you pleasure in your life and make time for that. Focus on what works for you rather than what doesn’t. 

Sometimes we just need to stop in our tracks and review what is happening around and within us. Have we lost our passion and joy for life? Have we become stuck in the mire of chores and responsibilities or have we been reflecting too much on the past mistakes we have made.

I know that I am capable of looking backwards too much and criticising myself for all the mistakes I have made – the dead ends I’ve entered and all the detours I’ve had to navigate as a result. My struggle with addictions that have drained my passion for so many years.

At such times, I have to stop myself and say ‘No’ to this downward spiral. Today I can accept the journey I’ve had, with all its twists and turns and recognise the wisdom I’ve gained. The humility and compassion that’s grown in my heart for myself and others around me. Who knows the length of the journey left ahead but I can say ‘Yes’ to life and the path of nourishment. I still have a lot of potential creativity to fulfil.

You too can focus your attention on your gifts, your vision, your potential to create in your own chosen ways and to shine. So jump into your potential. And don’t forget to enjoy each precious moment of your life ahead.

Find your paths of nourishment and see where your journey takes you.

Author of memoir, ‘Wearing Red, One Woman’s Journey to Sanity.’

Available at www.amazon.co.uk and www.browndogbooks.uk