Restoring my soul.

We find ourselves yet again at the beginning of a new month. October 1st is here, where has the year gone? We are fast entering the busy season of celebrations and perhaps catch ups with family and friends. It can be a time of overwhelming participation requirements, organisation, social gatherings, a heightened sense of responsibility; whilst also being a time of joy, fun, lightness of being and discovery.

It is easy for us to get caught up in the whirlwind of invitations and hosting events, shopping, visiting and other activities. However it is very important to blockout time in our day for personal reflection and quietness.

I love catching up with friends, however there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. I often need time alone, in my own space to recuperate and rebuild my energy after socialising, even with my loved ones. It helps me to regulate my emotional responses to behaviours that may not bother me at all when I am rested, but if I am depleted could see the roof blow off.

Some may say this need to isolate is selfish and non-participatory, maybe this could be true in some cases. I like to say it is healing and very important to take care of our self in moments that could be overwhelming and exhausting. You are actually serving those with whom you may later be catching up with. They deserve a you that is en pointe and sharp witted, joyful and receptive to conversation.

If you are well rested and revived it will also make entering difficult social occasions even easier. You can reduce your anxiety and apprehension by maintaining a revival schedule during this season. When you are faced with an inappropriate family member at a BBQ or a belligerent co-worker at the office party, you may be less likely to react loudly or violently ( and keep your job).

Now I am not always very consistent with protecting my calm and peace and in those times I find I am less responsive in social situations. I also find time to hide in corners or disengage from active conversations during events. This makes me look snobby and aloof and does not endear me to others. By all means, if you are actually seeking to annoy old Uncle Bill or old Aunt Agnes, stay unregulated and sleepy cranky. It could be the most talked about take down of the year.

I look forward to entering the new season with you all and beginning a new series of blog posts and interviews on the topic of new beginnings, self care, home care and maintaining our peace.