There’s this thing come July, that I simply do not want to do, this year around. I’ve done it a handful of times, and it’s given me so much. Connection, exploration, insight, fun and laughter as well as frustration and realization of the boxes that block creativity from flourishing… often for a good cause, but leading wrong, so wrong.

This year though – I do not want to go there. I do not want to be there. I do not want to put any energy into it.

So I said it.
Straight out.

I don’t want to go there this year. 

Sick and tired of it.
I felt it already last year, that my heart wasn’t in it. And even less so this year.

So I said No, to this, which translates into a Yes, to me.

GardeningI will be going next year. Next year there’s a reason, a project I’m involved in, which is very close to my heart. This year, there’s not, and so I want to stay at home. All summer, actually. I haven’t made any plans for the summer, no travels booked or anything, I simply want to stay at home. Resting. Relaxing. Enjoying the garden, the summer evenings, letting myself slow down to the speed of life.

Saying No to this, and Yes to me, is how I’ve practiced being gentle to me, in the month of March.

It’s not the first go I make at saying Yes to me, I’ve been practicing, making it easier each time. It also helps when the person receiving the No, realize it’s not about them. It’s all about me. It’s a No for now because of my need for a Yes right now, for me. And I am proudly honoring myself by granting me the respite I need.

Welcome to my humble abode, where the underlying tone centers around being gentle to oneself. I will be reflecting on a monthly basis on what that means to me, in the moment, and this is one of those reflections. I hope you enjoy it. If you do, please subscribe to updates so you won’t miss out on future reflections.