If you’ve read my post ‘Expanding Your Awareness Through Creativity’ – you already know I place a lot of value on everyone, and that means YOU! I also believe that for all of us, as individuals to be our best, we need to live authentically. We need to honor our own needs, our own dreams, and our own values. Then, and only then, can we be at our best for others.
I love this quote by Thich Nhat Hanh.
“Each of us has to be our true self: fresh, solid, at ease, loving, and compassionate. When we are our true selves, not only do we benefit, but everyone around us profits from our presence.” Thich Nhat Hanh – The Art of Living
Let’s look at ourselves from another angle. What if we are not living our authentic life – trust me, I get it, it can take time! Especially if chronic illness, health challenges, and/or pain is part of your journey. Let’s pretend we are far off our ideal path; we are living a life based on the expectations of others or that of society. Perhaps you hold a particular job because it’s the responsible thing to do, or perhaps you have followed in the footsteps of a family member rather than creating your own path. Maybe you created a business purely based on the expected financial gain.
What happens to us over time when we are living the life others expect of us? Chances are we are not as happy and content as we could be. We likely experience more stress due to not being true to ourselves. Our sleep might be negatively impacted. Our relationships might suffer. We have less energy. Even our financial situation might be lagging. All these factors impact not only our moods, thoughts, and emotions but also our bodies.
What we do GIVES us energy or drains our energy
If we are trying to heal our bodies, it is important to work towards living an authentic life. As individuals with health challenges, including autoimmune disorders or chronic pain, we are already battling reduced energy reserves. How would our lives be different if what we ‘do’ gives us energy rather than drains us? Maybe our ideal business idea or career truly is unobtainable due to the demands it would place on our physical health. If that’s the case, that’s okay. Then it’s time to think about how you can do related work or something else that you would love. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Creating a business that you love can bring you new relationships, a new community, a new purpose, and even new support for your well-being. Yes, being an entrepreneur is hard work. But … you get to determine your needs and build your business around those needs. You are in control of how your business is managed. You set the rules. You create the work schedule you need and want.
Taking care of your needs first
A few reminders regarding your basic needs: You need adequate sleep. You need time for self-care. You need to eat healthy. And you need to manage stress. However, on top of these basic needs are layered the extra precautions, activities, and care you must take to manage your health challenges in a way that truly supports your well-being. This might be time to do physical therapy, to take naps, or to manage a special diet.
The more you build the business you love around these and other needs, AND the more authentically you are living your life, the more energy and healing you will have. As a result, you will be at your best for others, both in your personal life and in your business.
The goal is not necessarily to flip a switch and suddenly be living your ideal life. That would be fantastic, but it typically takes time.
Instead, regularly take stock of your business, your health, and your lifestyle and make small adjustments that bring you closer to your ideal situation. For example, maybe you realize that you are working too many hours, and as a result, not eating well. Maybe it’s time to ‘fire’ that one client who is extra demanding and disrupting of your schedule. If making this change results in your ability to better care for your own health, you will then be able to onboard a client that better fits your business model. This one small change can result in improved health and happiness.
Your turn! Make one change
You, your business, and your healing are all works in progress. Each small change can bring you more time and more energy to bring you one step closer to creating a life that better supports your business and a business that better supports your health.
Now’s the time. What ONE change can you make today that will bring you closer to living your most authentic life, while also supporting your healing? Message me on Instagram with the change you are committed to making.
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