Soul Searching Sunday

How balanced are you in the different areas of your life?

I go through so many phases in my life. I'm an all or nothing type of person in these phases too. Normally, it's all work and no play. But, I end up hitting a wall a couple times a year because of this and realize I have been neglecting other important areas in my life like relationships, health and fitness, spirituality and FUN! As a creative person, this is not conducive to the utmost in inspiration either. You need balance in order to give your best in all areas! So, once again I am trying to feed my soul and body for the sake of ME and not just my business. Because in the end, I need to care for my spirit and body just as much as I care for my amazing clients, right? Do you have to remind yourself of this too? It's crazy how hard it is to take care of yourself even though you give so much to others on a daily basis, isn't it? But, if we aren't tending to ourselves properly, we risk burning out to the point of having nothing left to give!

Last weekend, I went on a quick trip to Zion National Park in an effort to jumpstart finding more balance with not only fitness but camaraderie with good friends. I desperately needed to get out of my own head and spend time with people I love, all while pushing my body to it's limits. And, wow, did I ever push beyond my limits! Hiking seems so easy on the surface, but I realized my inadequacies rather quickly on those steep trails. But, it motivated me to do more, to push myself harder for when I returned from this majestic place.

I actually ended up being alone for the majority of this trip due to my being so out of shape compared to my friends. And, while I was disappointed that I didn't get the group experience I had so hoped for and horrified over my inability to keep up, I was still immensely grateful to be surrounded by the beauty of Zion and for the realization that I need more of this beauty and healthy activity in my life.

While in Zion we not only hiked but stayed in the most amazing cabin at Zion Mountain Ranch and dined in their incredible Farm to Table restaurant, The Buffalo Grill. We ended the night by relaxing around their campfire with other guests of this unique destination. This place would be PERFECT for a group of women for a Boudoir retreat. My team and I will definitely be planning an event there for either this Fall or next Spring, so stay tuned for that announcement!

Throughout the week I stayed true to my promise to myself while in Zion that I would be more active upon my return home. I made sure to ramp up my fitness by going on nightly bike rides and then finished the week off yesterday by hiking at Mt. Charleston. Can't believe I haven't taken advantage of the trails in this gorgeous spot before! We started our hike at an elevation of 8500 feet and ended at 9500 feet after 1.5 miles. So, we did a roundtrip hike of 3 miles! It was a hard hike for all of us, but it felt so good to push through it! We finished the hike with what was supposed to be a lovely French style picnic, but ended up as a picnic in the car since all of the picnic spots were already full. Oh well, the food and company were still awesome, at least!

I really hope that I can make a healthy habit with all of these things. Because of that, it may be time to start up round 2 of our Boudoir Body Challenge. So, if you are like me and have a hard time finding motivation for yourself when it comes to nourishing your own body and soul, this might be a perfect challenge for you too! Keep an eye out for an announcement soon!

What are you doing this weekend to honor your spirit and find more balance?

Hope you are having a beautiful Sunday everyone!