I’ve taken myself to a hotel tonight.
I was coming back from a weekend in Devon and the bus comes into Heathrow, a few stops from one of my schools where I coach teachers, and where I’m working bright and early tomorrow.
One option was to travel back to East London and then get up at 6am tomorrow morning and travel all the way back (90 minutes).
The second option was to book a hotel near the school.
A few years ago I’d have done everything I could not to spend unnecessary money, but today I’m choosing the option that feels most calm and relaxed. The option that is better for my energy levels, and for the teachers that I’ll be working with tomorrow. This decision to treat myself to a good night’s sleep and less travel time feels like a huge gift to myself. A recognition of the work I’m doing and the stage I’m at with my business. I am my own boss, and the boss has decided to put me up in a hotel :) I notice that I’m feeling valued - by myself.
I’m aware that it’s not always financially possible to make decisions like this. But there’s a wider thing here, about tuning in to what feels best for our bodies. Making choices that contribute to a feeling of gentleness and extra capacity, rather than feeling rushed and stretched.
I’ve also noticed this with communication recently. When I’ve sensed that messages need a quick response, or I want to honour that I’ve seen them, but don’t have an answer yet, I’ll say ‘I’d like a bit of time to digest this.’
Adding breath to things.
S p a c e.
Our nervous systems are so wired for immediate reactivity: reply now, have an answer, decide today.
And slowly we can start changing this - so that there are more thought through answers, embodied decisions and slept-on-it replies.
I once went to a yoga class where the teacher said that ‘not rushing ourselves is one of the kindest things we can do’.
So my question to you:
How can you go a little slower today?
Where can you take some time back for yourself?
How can you make things gentler?
What are the things that will require your energy, that you want to save yourself for?
Big hug
Sarah x
ON MY CAROUSEL
🎙 I just launched Series 3 of my podcast! 🥳
Episode 1 is called ‘is it time to quit the dating apps?’ and it’s with the wonderful Shani Silver, author of ‘A Single Revolution - don’t look for a match, light one.’ We discuss the shame around being single, why dating apps are toxic and how to reclaim singledom.
🎙 We will be back at Boogaloo Radio on Friday 21st April from 8-10am. Listen live here
🏃🏽♂️I’m 5 weeks away from the Hackney Half. My brother in law reminded me that ‘training is not linear.’ I’m definitely feeling my fitness improve, but still have a way to go. I’m enjoying the challenge though (mental and physical).
☕️ If you’re enjoying this newsletter and want to support me, you can buy me a coffee here.
Good for you, so pleased you are looking after you. That way, your clients get the very best of you too. It is hard to take your time when work pressures for an instant response - but great you are recognising that.