Forgiveness is powerful, that’s why it’s so difficult to ask for. We tend to hold on to our faults and keep score of our failures, but to what end? Learn a lesson, make a new plan, and move forward to tackle another challenge. Thrive! New Year’s Day has come and gone, and in the heart of February, there’s a very good chance that your resolutions began to unravel if not completely fallen apart. You know what? That’s okay!
Maybe you slept in more often than you got up early to work out, or you have yet to prep a week’s worth of meals more than once on a Sunday, opting instead for frozen pizza and whatever happens to be on special at the grocery store that day. That’s okay!
Perhaps your guilt is even more elegantly set: do you regret spending money on that sparkly mani, or treating yourself to a Starbucks latte? We’ve got news for you: that’s okay! Being kind to yourself is part of building up healthy self-confidence. Don’t beat yourself up for taking care of yourself. In order to operate at your best, to be there for your family and friends, to take your kids to all of the hockey games and dance classes, to show up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed to work every day, to live your best life, you have to indulge. When we hear the world “indulge” we instantly think gluttony, just like we’ve been trained. But indulge at its core definition really means to let yourself enjoy. So you can indulge in a walk at lunch. And you can indulge in that chocolate with your afternoon tea.
You can indulge in activities that are good for your soul and leave the guilt behind.
When you’re contemplating adding something new to your routine, like exercise or meditation, resist the temptation to go all out. Build up the changes gradually so that they feel cohesive in your life. That way, should you have to stop something, or you want to try something else – or you have a cheat day – you’re less likely to feel guilty about it.
And if you do feel guilty when you indulge in a brownie sundae or a new pair of jeans counteract those inner thoughts with a mantra like “Life is good”. Still, feeling guilty? Go for a 15-minute walk on your lunch break, or donate an old pair of jeans to make room for the new. Pay positivity forward rather than dwell in negativity. Love yourself!
Mandala workshops are a gentle introduction to the benefits of art therapy, mindfulness, and the basics of meditation. Drawing mandalas is a great way to let go of the pressure you put upon yourself to be perfect and evaluate what’s really important to your health and happiness. It’s also a lot of fun! Book a workshop for your next party or corporate engagement event. Contact us for more information and to book your spot.