Be kind to yourself and take time

Since my sister moved to the Outer Hebrides on the Isle of Harris I have visited her each year and cherish the time we have together in this beautifully dramatic island.

The walks on the endless white sandy beaches when the tide is out, gives me the time to mull over what has been on my mind, settling my confusion and letting my imagination free range lifting and soaring along with the sea eagles, watching the playful rolling of the seals and the excitement of rock pooling for inspiration.

It is the joy of looking around, taking in nature through all of my senses as I get into the rhythm of walking.

As life unfolds I realise that we each need our moments of reflection to rebalance our lives.

It is so easy to fall into the busy-ness trap, of saying yes in giving to others when actually you need self time so you have the energy to follow through your ‘yes’ and not resent the energy expounded in completing your ‘yes’. A little self-care goes a long way to restore your energy.

Don’t feel guilty about taking time out for yourself, actively put yourself in a mindful moment through sound – sound baths with its relaxing vibrations; Forest bathing developed in Japan in the 1980’s where it is called Shinrin-yoku; walking through nature to find a special place to observe this living picture as the light changes through time or just stepping off the relentless treadmill by having a fifteen minute snooze – pause and allow yourself to revaluate what stresses you and work your way back to that quiet moment when the stressors are no longer important.

So take your time, give yourself  moment before you answer the next plea and make your ‘yes’ worth your while….