Develop your own life support toolkit
/A hot cuppa can solve (almost) anything.
It might sound like a strange thing to say, after all, how can a hot cuppa possibly make that much difference in your life! And while it’s true a hot cuppa can’t get up and solve (almost) anything - it can help you feel calmer, stronger and more sure about your next steps. Well, it does me.
How about you?
While a hot cuppa might not be your thing, there’ll be something that makes the world around you seem less crazy and you more grounded.
“Tea tempers the spirits and harmonises the mind, dispels lassitude and relieves fatigue, awakens thought and prevents drowsiness, lightens or refreshes the body, and clear the perceptive faculties.” - Confucius
And if your first thought was "I don't know" or "I don't have anything like that", have a think about it now. It might be something you do as part of your daily routine like a shower, the way you wash your face or put moisturiser on your body. It might be journaling, meditation or a workout. Perhaps it's a walk outside, time on your yoga mat, sitting and reading a book, knitting, cooking, gardening ... the possibilities are endless!
By thinking about what helps you, you're bringing it into your conscious awareness. And that’s important because sometimes we've done something for so long we don’t realise how much of an impact they have. Or perhaps they seem too small to matter, so you push it aside and think it’s insignificant.
Navigating the twists & turns of life
Life is full of twists & turns and sometimes it seems like one challenge after another challenge with no time to pause and catch a breath. It drives up stress levels and can leave people doubting and second-guessing not only themselves but what the best thing to do next is.
There can also be a lot of uncertainty. As a human being, you crave a level of certainty so when there’s so much happening around you, you might want to try and control things. But remember, you can’t control the uncontrollable, and trying to will just drive up those stress levels.
There is one thing you can be certain of and that’s what supports you well.
Develop your own life support toolkit
Imagine what a difference it would make if you got clear about what supported you well AND you prioritised it.
While it won’t make those twists & turns disappear (they’re part of life) you will better able to navigate your way through them without getting flattened every time.
Developing your own support 'toolkit' doesn't need to be hard or complicated. It's about knowing the things that help you feel calmer and stronger, and better able to navigate whatever comes along.
Grab your journal and a pen, sit comfortably and give yourself permission to dedicate some time to think about yourself and what you need (and yes, it is okay!). Then answer this question…
What belongs in your life support toolkit?
A hot cuppa is definitely in mine.
Let me know what you’d put in yours.
Oh and just in case you think you have to wait until someday in the future when something big happens to use what’s in your life support toolkit, let’s dispel that myth now!
While the things that help you feel calmer, stronger and more sure are definitely 100% useful when something big happens, they’re also ideal for everyday use too because they’ll help build your resilience.
So knowing what supports you well and making it a priority is going to help you live well now.