Is it Time to Reset Your Compass?

Are you feeling off course but unsure how to get back on track?

Have you lost your way on the path and trying to figure out which way to go, to get where you need to be?

The direction may appear unclear, and the next steps may be a bit blurry, maybe a little scary…

We all veer off track sometimes. It’s pretty normal. Please know that you are not alone; it’s all part of the human experience. Yet being off track can be uncomfortable, it takes us out of our comfort zone and can even trigger our stress response.

Despite what we are told and what we see and hear around us in the carefully curated media images and messages and flashy social feeds we consume, not everyone is ‘living their best life 24/7”. Imagine, it would be pretty impossible! Our lives are a rich tapestry of contrasts intricately woven with light and dark, sorrow and joy, fog and clarity, success and failure, night and day.

Sometimes, life is difficult. Events and experiences beyond our control can mean we find ourselves in the ups and downs; we may find ourselves depleted in energy and focus. It is perfectly normal. Amidst the happiness surrounding us, we may experience struggle and difficulties, even a loss of faith in ourselves or low confidence. The motivation to achieve a healthier or calmer lifestyle, a more satisfying job, or richer, fulfilling relationships may be too hard to ignite . Or being able to follow-through alone may be too hard to maintain.

All the While (Lyrics by The Pines)

“I was lost at sea, all the waves crash over me, I was lost, 
I was lost, but I was free”  

Sometimes being aware; knowing where we are and experiencing thoughts or feelings of being a little lost, low or depleted, whilst hard means we are in a good place to rest, restart, re-focus, and get back on track. We can more be open to new opportunities and directions.

Sometimes, we need a little helping hand and support and that’s ok. We may need a “leg up” to get us back on track, to shift our perspective to what will bring us more hope, joy and purpose in our days. If we are lucky, this can come from talking to a wise teacher, a friend, a colleague, or a family member.

Here are five tried-and-tested tips that help me reset my inner compass and get back on track quicker with kindness and self-care! 

1. Enjoy what energises you (and do more of this). For example, spending time with people or animals that love you can help us feel more connected generating “the love hormone” oxytocin. Have hobbies or places that nourish you. Be aware of people, places, and activities that deplete you (and avoid or do less), e.g., spending too much time in toxic situations, excessive unhealthy eating or drinking. Pay attention to your core needs.
2. Practice mindful appreciation for what is good right now, also known as gratitude. Counting the little glimmers of good really does adds up,. Simply take a moment to notice them, to be present, breath and savour them, be that a warm drink, a refreshing shower, a peaceful sunset, and a reassuring smile.
3. Consider cultivating Self-compassion and kindness as a powerful inner resource. The Lotus flower is often used as a metaphor to understand compassion how strength, and resilience is unearthed in difficult situations; the Lotus flower needs the mud to grow (difficulty) and with self-care emerges beautiful, crisp, and clear. Reminding us to “keep heart” when life is tricky.
4. Get out in Nature and enjoy the fresh air, whatever the weather. Notice that even the rain can be pleasurable when you step out and dressed are for it. Nature is an abundant, magical tonic that helps us activate our natural occurring mood-lifting chemicals like serotonin and endorphins in physical activity.  Narina Riskowitz is a fellow professional and friend who has researched the powerful benefits of mindfulness and nature.
5. Gently set your direction and intention (the what) daily and your reason/motivation (the why). For example, “today, I will try to eat well (the what) to help maintain healthy digestion because I feel better (the why).” Start small, notice and savour your achievements – “I choose vegetables and they were yummy”, “I’m proud I went for an energising swim, even when I couldn’t be bothered”, or “I was sad, I called a friend for a chat. It felt good”. Remember, energy follows focus; what we pay attention to gets stronger.

Dan J Siegal MD (Aware -The Science of Practice of Presence, 2018) 

“where attention goes, neural firing flows and neural connections grow”

If you need that extra bit of help check out my previous wellness blogs or get in touch Lou (link) for a discovery call to learn about how coaching could help you reset your compass, building your self-leadership getting you back on track quicker with kindness.