Granny’s porch swing & summer sabbatical (pics & all) …

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Subject: Granny’s porch swing & summer sabbatical (pics & all) …

Hey Friend!

Today, I’m dipping a toe back into work life after a summer sabbatical. My 6 weeks off can be summed up in one quote I saw on Instagram.

“I just want a covered porch so I can sit outside in thunderstorms like an old lady with my coffee and mumble ‘We needed this.’ "

I learned to enjoy thunderstorms as a child, living in Florida. The humidity would swell up into angry clouds and pour down on us like a fury every day at noon and again at dawn.

I would sit nuzzled up next to my Granny on her porch swing, holding her hand and dangling my bare feet.

Our coffee of choice was Folgers Instant, heated to a hiss in the microwave. Granny always thanked the Lord for blessing her flowers with a big drink of water.

It was the best feeling in the world!

It’s a thing I do very frequently still: sit on my balcony, a warm cup of coffee with frothy coconut milk in my hands, looking out into nature and the sky.

Deeper than that, it’s a state of
being I’m always coming back to ...

That’s how I found myself on a
summer sabbatical …

My heart led me "to the porch swing" - to disconnect from the outside world, to let go of all forms of hustle and productive activity, and to slow my busy mind down to the actual speed of life.

To just BE for a while.

(Like Caine is doing below. Look at those legs! 😙)

Not that it was easy at first ...

In the beginning, I was unconsciously attempting to fill the void of work with all kinds of busyness - taking online college courses, helping neighbors in need, doing pro bono coaching, etc.

After 9 months (prior) of going 150 miles an hour, I was so sped up on the inside that it took me a bit to shift down my gears.

But day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute, I finally got there - to the point of deceleration.

And then I could just go swimming (every day) …

Bake oatmeal raisin cookies …

Walk around for hours, enjoying our medieval village (Eppstein, Germany) …

Work in my garden …

To me, this felt like a bit of a miracle!

Because in almost thirty years as a ‘working woman’, it’s not been often that I just stopped what I was pursuing - business or otherwise - to fully rest for 6 whole weeks.

It was a little terrifying. Maybe you can relate?

My monkey 🐒 mind was giving me a ton of reasons why this was not a good idea - one of which being that "my value as a human being depends on the pursuit of and achievement of meaningful (and monetary) goals."

A falsety, of course!

And not buying into these made-up reasons led me to a pretty interesting question …

Who am I really underneath all the doing and pursuing? What is left when it all falls away?

It turns out, the answer is simple: I’m just a girl, having a beer and enjoying a sunny summer day.

(OK … and, of course, a unique expression of the energy of all life, unfolding in the form of Shailia … but that’s another topic for another day 😉)

Ordinary and extraordinary!

So, as I get back to work as a ...

3 Principles Coach and "Soulopreneur" Business Mentor, I just want you to know, that you're worth the:

rest
reset
slower pace
quiet moment
time to just BE
connection back to self

You deserve to come back to the proverbial 'porch swing', whenever you need or want to.

(This is my Dalmatian DUKE. He’s so good at it!)

Hopefully, you'll also discover ...

that your value as a human being is not determined by constant, ongoing busyness or pursuit.

And, in fact, when you do come back to play (a.k.a work), I'm convinced that you too will be able to re-engage with a new level of calmness, clarity, and creativity …

… and be of greater service to yourself, those you care about, and humanity as a whole.

So, feel free to fuel your soul!

For 6 minutes, 6 days, 6 weeks ... or however long.

We'll be hearing more from each other soon.

Much love ❤️

Shailia

P.S.

If you’re interested in slowing down to the speed of life, reconnecting with yourself and your wisdom, and showing up in the world more powerfully …

Just hit reply and tell me a little bit about yourself, your current challenges, and what you want to achieve.

If it's a good fit, we’ll set up a day and time to chat about possibly working together in coaching (online).

P.P.S.

Do you want to share the "3 Principles with your family and friends? Simply send them this link:

http://www.mysecretlife-online.com

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Shailia Stephens
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Subject: Granny’s porch swing & summer sabbatical (pics & all) …