Tuning into What You Need

Lately I’ve been thinking about times when I have the feeling that I “should” be doing something. For example, when I’m working I feel that I “should” be extra productive by listening to an educational podcast at the same time instead of listening to music or having quiet time. I find myself getting wrapped up in this back in forth dialogue that I “should” do this or “should” do that. I’ve been trying to stop myself when these thoughts creep up and ask what do I really want in this moment? If it’s listening to the podcast because that’s what I feel I need in that particular moment, then great! If it’s listening to chill music or country music then that’s great too! I think our subconscious and soul are trying to speak to us all the time with what is really going to make us feel good and help us be our best selves and it’s important that we listen to these pings or intuitive thoughts. I know it seems so small, but I’m a believer in if we can tune in and listen in the seemingly small situations, then we will flex that intuition muscle and it will get stronger and louder and help us in the times when we have a bigger decision to make. I’ve had this same feeling with the way I write blog posts. Part of me thinks that I should make them very factual, proper, and have a very organized flow and that just doesn’t feel right for me sometimes. I like writing in more of a “brain dump” style because this is the way my mind is working and this is how my creativity flows. So, I’m going with it and it feels so much more natural to me.

I, of course, think that there are times when it’s important to have discipline and do things that we may not necessary want to do at first glance, but we know will make us feel great and be better off in the end. For example, working out. Sometimes I just flat out don’t want to. I know it always makes me feel better after the fact, but every once in a while I have to MAKE myself go. In situations like this I think it’s best to find work outs that resonate with you. For me, that’s pilates, light weight/body weight exercises, walking, hiking or yoga. Ask me to go to a HIIT class or on a run outside and I will more than likely say hell no. Those work outs make me feel awful afterwards. I have experienced adrenal fatigue before and being a sensitive person, my adrenals are more prone to burn out easier and faster than people who aren’t as sensitive.

This also goes for eating healthy foods. I know I feel best when I fuel my body with lots of plant based foods, healthy fats, and quality protein. On the other hand, sometimes (or a lot of times) I want garlic French fries, a really good burger with all the good toppings, or chocolate anything. Not that these foods are necessarily “bad” for you, they just aren’t as nutrient dense and if I over consume them, I don’t feel my best. What I like to do is fuel my body with lots of vegetables, healthy fats, and grass-fed meat or free range chicken/eggs most of the time, but the times when I’m at a restaurant and I know that ordering a salad is going to make me sad, then I’ll order that burger because I’m really craving it and it’s going to fuel my soul. Seriously. I also feel that I enjoy these “treats” (secretly think that word is so creepy) more when I have them every so often instead of whenever I want. I do eat gluten-free and *almost* dairy-free because at this point in time, my body can’t handle and digest those foods properly (although I love both of them so much). It’s important to know the difference between foods that don’t necessarily provide the greatest quality nutrition for your body and the foods that your body has a major reaction to.

 When it comes down to it, I think it’s most important to tune into and listen to your body and mind and figure out what feels best for you in that moment. Stop “shoulding” (I don’t think it’s a word, but right now it is) yourself and do what feels right and good in that moment, within reason of course. We put so much pressure on ourselves about so much and with how connected we are these days, there can be a lot of noise. So stay mindful, tune in, and do what feels right for you. Xo

With love,

Ashley Rose