Seasons of Change

‘Tis the season for change, which can definitely feel uncomfortable and unsettling at times. In the middle of all these ups and downs, it’s important to find ways to stay connected and centered on what really matters.

Here are a few activities our team regularly practices to refocus, re-energize, and stay grounded when the going gets rough:

• Connecting with the communities around me - helps me feel more grounded and less isolated.
• Monday night painting - Getting to talk with other artists, connect on a human level, learn new skills, and get funky with art!
• Sunday volleyball league - An opportunity to be part of a team and get moving. A source of community and fun physical challenges.
• Going on self-dates - This allows me time to be alone and explore new things. This can be art shows, movies, restaurants, or a new park. Through this I’ve learned how to enjoy my own company.
• Digging sweet potatoes with Leon
• Playing ‘Bang!’ at community game night
• Cleaning up downed trees at a work party with neighbors
• Time in the pottery studio, which grounds me in my body—a very tactile, physical experience that I sometimes call “mud therapy”
• Enjoying some homemade drinks with syrups created from the roselle hibiscus in my front yard
• I’ve been making more of an effort to prioritize seeing live performances and attending art events with friends. Whether it’s a concert (like the Jungle show I went to last week with friends), or a friend’s gallery opening, I feel so inspired, enriched, and energized by gallery openings, live music, or live theater. It helps me feel more engaged and rooted in appreciating the little things.
• Get a massage and /or take a bath with fancy bath bombs. Sitting in that hot water with the door closed so no one or animal will bother me.
• Spend time with my dog, cuddle puddling, going to the dog park, smell his “happy air” (aka smell the dog. Video from insta for reference. Indy has a good calming scent to me.)
• Talk to people about what I am feeling: mom, best frans, therapists & psychologists, anyone that is near me. I try not to bottle it up and feel less alone if others also feel the same or can sympathize with. Talking out my feelings makes it easier to understand more about myself. It takes the abstract and turn it into something people can connect with.
• Getting outside! Walking Finn, driving my motorcycle, going on hikes, bike rides and playing sports.
• Baking. It requires both physical and mental concentration that allows me to forget about life stressors for an hour or a few hours. It also can also be socially connecting. After baking something, I often like to share it with others. There was a period of time where my friend and I would read a book together and then bake something and eat it while we discussed the book.
• Taking time for myself. I have a lot of responsibilities daily that leave me feeling exhausted by the end of the day. I set aside 15 minutes in the morning where I enjoy my first cup of coffee and complete the daily wordle/connections/other online puzzle games. In the evening, before bed I try to take another short chunk of alone time to do an activity that brings me joy - usually listening to music or reading.

What about you? What are some activities, rituals, or habits that help you stay grounded during times of change and uncertainty? How do you make time for self-care, play, and quiet contemplation in the midst of your busy life? Drop us a reply, we’d love to celebrate those moments with you!

If you’re looking for a team to help you discover the right thing to build and help you build it, get in touch.