TRUST YOUR GUT AND BE KIND TO YOURSELF

These are some inspiring and insightful passages in “Gut Driven: Jump-Start Digestive Health to Nourish Body, Mind, and Spirit.” by Ellen Postolowski  

  

— Brené Brown defines vulnerability as “uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure. But vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our most accurate measure of courage.” In a healthy relationship, we must make ourselves vulnerable in order to trust, openly communicate, listen, be intimate, and work through disagreements. Having thriving relationships is also a big part of your circle of life because all these little pieces of well- being are essential for balance.

Strategic Decisions When Can You Trust Your Gut

In any relationship we welcome into our lives, we courageously hope for the best and make ourselves vulnerable for the most favorable outcome. We want supportive and sustainable friendships, marriages, and work relationships that thrive from the effort and compromise it takes to make them work.

Knowing when to show up is a supportive measure that gives value to any relationship, but if you are always the one who is present and you often feel as though you are on this path alone, it may be time to reevaluate the strength of that bond. Toxic bonds show a pattern of disrespect, controlling behaviors, resentment, jealousy, violence, un- pleasant communication, and lack of support. We cannot get along with everyone and must pick our battles and be aware of our own defensiveness in times of conflict. But if you feel drained, intimidated, exhausted, and afraid in any relationship, determine if that is supporting you or drowning your efforts.

A very dear friend of mine often says, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” As I get older, I look for quality above quantity when it comes to relationships. Trust your gut on this one and believe in yourself first. When you are a good friend, listener, and companion, you deserve to get what you give.

There are two kinds of clutter: physical and mental. Beginning with physical clutter, think about things you may have put on the back burner. That project may be starting a vegetable garden or flower bed, painting a room, or donating or getting rid of stuff you no longer need or are tired of looking at. Decluttering offers health related benefits. Chances are, when you clean your home, you will be removing potential environmental allergens, alleviating the stress and anxiety clutter causes, and hopefully sleeping better because you have physically and mentally accomplished something.

In considering mental clutter, go back to your Circle of Life diagram and track your progress. Determine what needs work and commit to the growth process in every way that offers value. For example, if your spirituality needs work, figure out how that aspect of your life could use improvements. When we choose the path that holds the most faith, gratitude, and love, incorporating those practices into our daily lives is often hindered by events such as a global pandemic. Detours from those core values happen to the best of us. Getting back on track to enhance that part of your life could involve spiritual readings, going back to church, or attending synagogue. Spending time in nature, meditation, finding free networks of support, and even mindful breathing practices are other ways to invite spirituality back into your life for more balance.

Disorder affects everyone, and undue stress can strain relation- ships. Figure out a project that can cultivate a cleaner, clutter-free environment and strengthen your mind and spirit.

ON AMAZON!