Tag: #AlbertCamus

Gifts to Your Future Self

On By theyogagoatLeave a comment
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Your future depends on what you do today.

Mahatma Gandhi

I have received many amazing gifts over the years. I consider my marriage a gift. My children and pets are a gift. My friends and extended family are also wonderful gifts. I think it’s important to not take these “gifts” for granted and make the shift to treasure what is right in front of you. When you do that, it becomes all the more obvious that it’s all a gift. The seeds I plant today, whether they be healthy habits, organizing or simplifying my life, are gifts to my future self. This is self care in its truest form.

Here are some ideas that I consider to be gifts to my future self.

  • Choose healthy foods to eat and eat them in a slow and mindful way.
  • Exercise, whether it is daily walks, biking, yoga or weight training. If you can get the body moving, in a way that you enjoy, you will be more likely to make it a habit.
  • Acts of mindfulness, whether it be meditation, technology breaks or being in nature. All of these things nurture the mind.
  • Social connections are also known to nurture the health of the mind. Like meeting up with a friend for lunch or taking a walk with a loved one.
  • Give yourself something to look forward to like planning a vacation, a workshop or some event that you enjoy attending.
  • Forgive. If you are holding onto old wounds, carrying a grudge or even if you find drivers annoying, don’t allow this heaviness a place in your heart.
  • Plan the near future. Plan the week by looking at the calendar on Sunday night. Make your coffee the night before. Fill up the car before it’s near empty.
  • Plan for the more distant future. Set aside money for retirement. Make an end of life plan. Keep your will and living will updated.
  • Establish healthy boundaries. Say no to things that aren’t in your best interest. Choose to be around people that lift you up rather than bring you down. Don’t spend time worrying about what others think of you.
  • Continue to learn new things and be open to growth opportunities when they arise.
  • De-clutter and simplify. We all know how good it feels once the closet is cleaned out and things are organized.
  • Always have clothes that are appropriate for a variety of events in your closet. From something to wear to a last minute party to a funeral.
  • Keep extra birthday cards, gift wrap and maybe even a few gifts at the ready.

These are just a few ideas. I would love to know what gifts you give to your future self. When we take the time to care for ourselves, we naturally have more to give to those around us. And our future selves will be continually grateful for our efforts.

Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present.

Albert Camus

Stand in your truth

On By theyogagoat4 Comments
Photo by Evelina Zhu on Pexels.com

I had the good fortune recently to spend time with my beloved mother-in-law, Libby. Time with her feeds my soul in a very special way, and she is the impetus for this blog. She said, “Amy, we need people to stand in their truth right now.”

I began reflecting on this after I left her. After arriving home I came across some notes from an online seminar with Judith Lasater and her daughter Lizzie called “Taking Refuge- Finding Peace in the Time of the Virus.” During this talk, the word “overwhelmed” was discussed. We all know the meaning of the word and many of us are feeling that way right now. Judith describes it as being pulled in many directions at once. But, says Judith, it also means disconnecting from ones true self.

My “self” is my highest form of refuge. In this context, refuge is not a location but a connection to your essence, your higher power, or however you define your “inner most knowing.” Refuge is not moving away from what’s happening around you, rather it is running towards what is happening with your own sense of truth. When in doubt, be in your truth and tell the truth as you know it.

What if you aren’t sure what your “truth” is? I suggest taking time for self reflection. Move away from outside stimulus and be quiet. Meditate even if only for 5-10 minutes Take time to not only observe your mind, but love your mind. A dear student sent me this reading recently that speaks to this beautifully:

As She Is
"In the midst of hate, I found there was, within me, an invincible love.
In the midst of tears, I found there was, within me, an invincible smile.
In the midst of chaos, I found there was, within me, an invincible calm.
I realized, through it all, that...
In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.
And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there's something stronger - something better, pushing right back. 
 ~Albert Camus