Listening to My Body

source: coridalus

Last November, I made a well-planned decision to slow down, in general — to reduce the number of projects and on-going activities I was multitasking on. At the urging of my husband, I began to focus more of my limited free time on taking better care of myself. Not an easy task when you have four children, ranging in ages 2 to 16.

Soon, I found myself at our local gym, energetically using the treadmill, stretching and feeling proud of myself. Gradually, I began to change my eating habits, and I slept better at night. By January, I even lost a few pounds. My energy level (and mood) improved, and I began to feel more focused and clear about what’s important in my life.

All of that lasted until I realized the deadline for a project (I had committed to earlier) was soon approaching.

Yes, the project completely side-tracked me. There are only 24 hours in a day. I began to go to sleep late again. Because I was tired, I had very little energy to get myself to the gym. I began to feel stressed about meeting the project’s deadline and, so, my body began to express itself – the aches and pains returned, my neck felt stiff, and my energy level plummeted.

But I listened to my body. I welcomed what it (so wisely) was trying to tell me. And I accepted the insightful message.

I chose to appreciate all that my body does for me, as it carries my ambitious spirit — day in and day out.

I chose to simplify, slow down, go to bed earlier, play more and honor this body I got. The only one I have.

Yes, it was time to turn off the computer, to slow down the creative process, and embrace rest, sleep, exercise and healthy eating again. My body had spoken, and I had listened.

Back to dancing again in the middle of my living room. Back to singing to the beat of Shakira’s songs, as I drove in my car. Back to me.

Lesson Learned: Consult your body before committing to new projects.

How does your body speak to you?