Day 1: Breathing & decluttering

I recently turned the ripe old age of 30 last month. I thought I'd have a crisis, like many 30 year olds. Am I happy with my life? Have I accomplished what I wanted to by age 30? and so on. However I didn't. I barely took the time to reflect on what I've accomplished the past 30 years. My birthday was a whirlwind week of dinners, meetings, and a party. I guess I was just riding the wave.

So for Day 1, I took the time to reflect. Taking the time to slow down and breathe. I remember the plans I made in high school: degree in computer info systems, have a great career, and at 30, get married and start a family. I got a degree in costume design, married my college sweetheart at 23, and now have a 3 year old daughter. And I have a great career in Passion Parties. I never planned on being a stay at home mom, but I love it!

What I feel lacking is more creativity in my life. I read all of these great blogs, read great craft books and have all these fabulous ideas swirling around in my head. Then, I'm so overwhelmed, I create nothing. Sometimes when my brain is so cluttered with ideas, it keeps me awake at night. I'll have to put them to paper so my brain can rest.

Last week, while I was creating my daughter's princess dress, I felt so alive, so focused. It didn't matter that I was cutting and sewing until 6am. It was like calling a girlfriend you haven't spoken to in 6 months. Yet, as soon as you say "Hello" the conversation resumes like no time every came between us. That's how it felt with me and my sewing machine. Like putting back on leather gloves that have molded them around your hands--a perfect fit no matter how often you pull them on and off. So why don't I do it more? I don't know. I just have to get started. Once I start, I'm in the zone.

So this is where I am. Where will this Soul Coaching take me? Who knows. But this is what I've decided for the next 28 days:

I give myself permission to

• REST
• RELAX
• READ

I will treat my body the way it deserves to be treated. I will give myself permission to nap, read that frivolous book, and relax with a cup of hot tea. And breathe of course. I will remember to breathe deeply and fully.

What should you give yourself permission to do?