I have been struggling to get back into my daily rituals lately. Some of my regular activities fell by the way when I hurt my finger. It has healed well and improves daily, but it needed time for healing and a big dose of patience on my part. I don’t know about you, but I find it tough to return to a habit or ritual once I have broken it. This week I finally feel like I have got back into the swing of things.

I wondered about what makes it easier for me, because even if I may know the health benefits, feel my creative juices flowing again or have a deep desire to do something, I still procrastinate about taking the first step. These things help me to find my way again.

• Start right now. Today is as good as any day to start. Don’t wait for Monday, better weather or something to change.
• Find a positive mantra or affirmation and repeat it generously. This way you talk yourself into it and not out of it. Watch that self-talk, it can really put up a great argument! “I got this”, “Every step makes a difference” and “I want to …. (fill in the blank)” are some of mine. I like mixing it up a little and having fun with mantras.
• No reason to be hard on yourself for not starting sooner, not doing more or whatever else you tell yourself. Work that mantra (see the previous point).
• Take small bites at a time and be realistic. Better to do a little of something than a lot of nothing, right?
• Push yourself by setting a goal, taking part in a challenge or sharing it with a soulsister. This way you are accountable and your soulsister (or soulbrother) will support you, check in when it gets tough and say well done. And don’t forget to pat yourself on the back too.
• Set a timer / reminder / alarm on your smartphone or put a stick-it on the bathroom mirror, so you see it every day.
• Look for the simple joy in what you are doing, even if it is hard work, you are pushing your limits or trying a difficult yoga pose that you don’t like (yes, there are a few I don’t like), there is always a piece of joy in it. Just look for it. Maybe it is simply hidden in the outcome, the moment or the activity. This is a big one for me. If I can feel the joy, it makes it easier to continue.

These points are not new or rocket science, nor are they specific to a particular ritual, but they did help me to get going again, to stay on track and to remind me to stick to it.  And when I don’t keep at it, I know that I can start over again. There is nothing wrong with starting over again as many times as you need too. Or even every day!

What supports you to return to your rituals?

simply sharing, Delicia