I keep finding these old posts that were hiding in the drafts, so here’s something new for you, even though Chloe took those steps such a long time ago!
As I watch Chloe take her first not-so-tentative steps, I think about baby steps and how they are the building block for so many things in our lives. We use the term so frequently yet it has not been until very recently that I’ve seen the literal baby steps in action. Small, but filled with excitement, ever pushing her onto the next step. Before I know it, she’ll take off without our help, and soon after that she’ll be running all over the place. With the innocence of childhood, it’s fun to watch her take those steps with some fear, but mostly excitement about this new adventure. As I try to take my own baby steps in my life, I know that I can’t change everything overnight. I need patience and the knowledge that it takes time, and baby steps, to make lasting change.
I am here to help support you as you make changes in your life towards whatever makes you feel like you are living a sacred life, and to make these shifts feel easy and accessible. Here are some tips that you can start implementing in your life today to start on your journey to lasting change.
- Start making lateral shifts – Changing habits can be difficult, and when there are things in our life that we want to change but have become so used to, it can be especially challenging. Instead of cutting something out of your life and feeling deprived, add something in that would fill that space. For example, if you have been thinking about cutting soda out of your daily habits but you can’t imagine getting by without that carbonated beverage, try a carbonated fruit juice (like Izze) in place of the soda.
- Try a new food — Healthy eating doesn’t need to be about cleaning out your kitchen and starting over with foods you’ve never tried. New can be fun and exciting. Pick 1 new food each week and see how you can incorporate it into one of your favorite meals. This can be as simple as adding a new vegetable to a favorite dish. Over the years, I have finally gotten over the false sense that I didn’t like certain foods – it’s opened me up to a world of peppers, artichokes, brussel sprouts, and so much more. These are foods that I never would have imagined that I would eat, but now they are some of my favorites.
- Slow Down — Make time for yourself. This can be one of the hardest changes to make. We are so used to running around at such a fast pace that we often lose sight of our need to recharge. If you bring some awareness to the tasks are part of your everyday routine, you can find some space for yourself. Try walking at a slower pace, try eating more mindfully, try speaking more slowly and clearly and see how that makes you feel.
Remember, take baby steps. What can you do today to support yourself more? Pick one thing at a time, experiment, and have fun with it!
Peace, Love, and Wellness,
Xandra
