ə-ˈlīn | verb: to bring into line or alignment
Alignment. Many things in our lives must be in alignment for things to run smoothly—the tires on your car, the tasks on your to-do list vs. the time you have in the day, the choices we make measured against the values we hold. When you think about it, much of, if not all of, our happiness depends on whether or not we're in alignment.
Every decision you make, big or small, is either moving you closer to or pulling you away from being in alignment. When your choices are aligned with your true needs, things feel steady and easy. When they’re not, you feel tired, guilty, or heavy.
Misalignment is what makes the holidays so difficult. We overspend and can miss our financial goals. We overindulge, which can cause disorder in many areas of our lives, depending on the circumstances. Today, we're going to focus on paying attention to our habits and the choices we make that keep us from being and staying in alignment with our goals and values.
Your commitment today is to examine your choices honestly. Where are you saying "yes" to something just because you feel you should, even though it makes your life harder? Those choices are costing you necessary energy.
To check your alignment, ask yourself: Does this choice feel right for me, or does it feel like a heavy obligation? If your intention is rest, does agreeing to a late dinner match that priority? If your intention is clear boundaries, are you practicing those boundaries today, or letting them slide?
This practice is about being honest with yourself. When you start making choices that truly feel right (choices that match the peace you are working to create), your self-care routine stops being work and starts being natural. Make one clear choice today that actively makes your day feel lighter and proves you are sticking to your original goal.
JOURNAL PROMPTS
- Think about one of today's commitments. Does it feel light and easy or heavy and draining? How does the heavy choice pull you away from being in alignment with your goals? Is there anything you can do immediately to lighten that burden? If not, how can you avoid this feeling in the future if a similar situation arises?
- What is one action you can take today to bring your energy and schedule into alignment with your needs and goals?
- Describe a time recently when you made a decision that was tough but ultimately felt 100% right for you. What physical feeling confirmed that choice?
- Look at your intention from day one, your why. What small action are you taking today that perfectly matches and reinforces that original promise?
THE GIFT
Sample, Classic, and Deluxe Boxes
Soaking salts are where I started in my self-care journey. Most Sunday evenings I take a bath after my kids go to sleep. This was the first self-care ritual I regularly performed and it started when I was pregnant with my first born. I don't often stock soaking salts anymore, but I love including them in this box. The scent on these salts is one of honey soaked plums, rich spices, citrus peel and juicy black cherries. This scent always makes me think of the juiciest plum of the season and how it runs down your arm. There's an element of self-love to this scent as well. It's why I chose it for today. As we think about aligning ourselves self-love is a crucial brick in that foundation.
I know that some of you won't have a tub to soak in. I recommend running a bowl of hot water and soaking your feet. That's my go to when I need a quick pamper and don't have the time for a full shower. You can also add these salts to a simmer pot. Just make sure you absolutely don't eat them. Make sure to clean your pot thoroughly too.
Bookish Boxes
Today's gift is one of my favorite reads of the year, Welcome to Blackbird Hollow. This paperback is signed by both authors. Allison Carr Waechter is an author local to MN (which is where I am). I am a fan of everything she rights. Blackbird Hollow introduced me to Victoria, her writing partner for this one and I've enjoyed her other titles as well.
Not only was this book one of my favorite reads of the year, the FMC is on a journey to find herself and figure out how she fits in and I felt like that really that search for alignment was perfect for today.
To learn more about this title (think trigger warnings, spicy level, etc) CLICK HERE. Allison has it all explained on her website. I will say though, I chose this book because I believe it is truly versatile for all types of readers.