A new tradition on Such Different Skies.
A new way for me to approach self-care and nourishment, and particularly, femininity (which I’ll talk about another time), while simultaneously celebrating all there is to adore about life. I really hope you’ll join me!
I’ve been hearing-more accurately, feeling- very strong calls lately to slow down. Fall into the flow. Ease back. Danielle LaPorte would call it ‘following the pull, rather than the push.’
No more ‘shoulds’.
No more mindless striving.
No more going against the grain.
And so, I listened- or, more accurately, felt. The irony is, when we quit it with the angst-y manipulation and control, and the aggressive persistence, we end up effortlessly creating/eating/doing exactly what is it that we think we ‘should’, anyway.
Instead of telling myself: ‘Tara, you need to get fit’, I’ve been feeling: ‘Go to yoga class. You’ll fall in love with it.’
Instead of: ‘Right! It’s time to detox!’, I’ve been feeling: ‘Hey honey, wake up! It’s Sunday morning market time!’
In the past, my mind would scoff at the idea of a work-free Sunday. She’d say ‘Clear your to-do list. You can work till 11pm, it’s no big deal’. But instead yesterday, a different little creature came out of the wood works, and she had this to say: ‘Babes, why don’t you totally clear your schedule and catch up on your crystal healing homework that you’ve been itching to sink your teeth into?’
And so, gorgeous, that’s what my Sunday looked like. A day of responding to a deep knowing, rather than reacting to mindless chatter. A day of romance at the organic markets, Pilates, beautiful chats, fresh, vibrant food, of immersing myself in my love of crystals (it’s been far, far too long), and… my first bath. Ever. Self-Centred Sundays has gone off with a bang!
Self-Centred Sundays is a mini revolution, and like I said above, why don’t you jump on board and make Sunday the sacred day in which you let Life sort out your to-do list, while you let go, and sort out you.
Looking Forward
This week is all about standing out. I’m being guided to a play bigger game. Much, much bigger, and I’m not entirely sure what that means, or what it requires; all I know is that it started today with a trip to the hairdressers, after a teary session with one of my mentors who cried along with me as if to say ‘it’s time to step up Tara. It is not okay to play safe anymore.’
I’ve never been more afraid and ready in my life. And while I can’t predict what this week will bring, my eyes and ears are open, and so is my heart, and that’s the absolute best I can do. It just goes to show; coaches need coaching and fear-busters (a la yours truly) need fears to bust…
Birthdays also need celebrating, so you can bet your bottom dollar that this Sunday, I’ll be smiled up, loved up and yes, lipstick-ed up to the nines. Last year, I celebrated with a birthday juice fast (remember that?), and while I had originally intended to make the fast a yearly tradition, this year, I’m prioritising cuddles with my man, a sunrise run along the beach (if the weather decides to play nice), and lots of laughter (preferably with this babe). Yep, that’ll do me just fine.
Okay, let’s nut this thing out. I want to know two things from you.
1. Self-Centred Sundays: are you in? What are you already looking forward to indulging in this weekend?
and
2. Where in life are you playing small? You might have to dig for it. Like, really dig. I’ll go first if you like?
I haven’t been embracing the woman I am. I rarely try to look beautiful. I hide behind pony tails and my man’s singlets and fly the ‘safe’ flag by calling myself a tomboy. ‘You have a tsunami soul that is trying to come out!’ is what was said about my feminine essence in this morning’s conversation. Guess what my homework is? Orgasms. Right on.
Back to you. I know you can find it. What is it? What’s the shield you use to cover up your brillance? Share below honey, because when you do, you breathe life into the solution.
Definitely on board with the self care, Tara. Been a big message coming at me lately and one I am taking small steps everyday to make sure I act on. With a little bubba, and running a business, any time for self nurturing is precious! But this coming weekend is my daughter’s first sleep over away…. So self care here I come!
Xx
Oh babe, enjoy your weekend! I’d love to hear all about it x
I love this, Tara!
I’ve been much better lately at stopping and taking notice of where I’m being guided. Trusting that I’ll be guided to connect with the people I need to connect with and create what needs to be created is such a more loving approach for me.
I love the pace of my days at the moment.
Vari x
Oh tara, nailed it again! It sounds like this is exactly what you needed. I too am feeling a big call to step up to something/s bigger. I am redoing my vision boards and refocusing. It feels great.
I have recently been having ‘Social-media free Sundays’ but love your ideas to take this to the next level.
P.S are you for reals that is your first bath ever?? Are you hooked now?
BIG LOVE
xox
I love it all!
Self-centered Sundays sound FAB! Working through fatigue and a host of other issues I often feel the need to just rest, without any yummy me bits added in. That at times is hard enough for me as I’ve always been a do-er. Learning to do less; be more. Tough one.
As for playing small – I sound exactly like you. I live in shorts and t-shirts with my beautiful long hair always in a bun. Make up – zilch. Ooh I have begun wearing earrings! I would have also said in my beliefs about my abilities. Thanks for bringing these up. Great post x
Oh Tara, I love this concept! We all know self care is something we should try to do everyday in some way or another, but it often doesn’t happen. By creating a whole day dedicated to self-care, we can really zone in on what we are feeling and listen to what we really need. Count me in babe!
As for playing small, I too have been feeling the urge for a bit more “feminine beautiful-ness” in my life. I feel like it’s something I’ve let slip over the past year. Maybe a trip to the hairdressers is in store for me too. And the orgasms sound pretty swell too ;-)
xx.
I have been practicing Self Centered Sundays for a few years now, and YES! EMBRACE them! Glad you are!
What am I playing small? Well, I am in the “early feeling” stages on that one. I know it’s big but not sure yet. So while waiting patiently for that to come out, I continue to grow. Thanks for the guidance!
Tara you are truly a soul-full goddess! Self-centered Sundays = brilliant.
I’ve learnt the hard way that self care and listening to and acting on that voice inside is ultimately non-negotiable if you’re looking for life-long vibrant, holistic health and happiness.
For so long I carried on, completely ignoring my own needs, completely ignoring my pain. Literally. There was no self-centered Sundays. Nothing even close. Work and trying to clear a never-ending-to-do-list always came first. Finally my fed-up body took control and utterly smacked me down. Now I have a serious debilitating and painful spinal problem. I haven’t been able to work for more than a year. I can’t sit, stand or walk for more than a minute or two. Last year I spent more than 4 months in bed – and sadly not in any fun, sexy way. These days I spend most of my time lying down.
In sharing my story I’m not looking for sympathy. I’m sharing because I really want to emphasise how incredibly important self care is. How right you are Tara. These days my life has changed COMPLETELY. Listening to my body and responding with love is at the centre of everything I do. I’m dedicated to radical self care, slowing down, listening to and respecting my body’s ebb and flow. It’ll be my path to healing. And I really hope that everyone reading your post is inspired to prioritise self care in their lives.
And PS just a few days ago somehow I was called to play a bigger game too. I’m scared but know it’s time to put myself out there in a much bigger way and step out of my comfort zone.
xo
Hey lovely!
I love this concept on any day! We are in a time where the energy is shifting and the energy of the divine feminine is emerging and we are effected in so many ways!
We can choose to ride this wave of energy or resist it~ always our choice!
It’s big and all that is transpiring right now with the energy on this earth is for US!
What you write about is ringing so loud and proud in my big heart right now-
I have been playing small and dumbing down- for a long ass time now- my body is tired of trying to communicate that it’s not a fit for me and no longer looks HOT on me when when I do that! :)
I am creating the possibility right now that I AM my word, my word has permission to shine, to share and to be heard- not in a belligerent, cocky ass fashion but in a confident, identifying, representing way –
I AM here to make a huge ass difference in the lives of many women (and men to as a result of the women ) I AM powerful in so many ways that I have yet to discover!
We all are- when we see it and trust it that’s when our lives transform on purpose!
So YES, YES, YES to self centered-ness and YES to the almighty orgasm because that is a light of mega power that is there for the taking, always!
I love you, I love you all and may we all live like our hairs on FIRE!
Beautiful, beautiful beings!
YESSSSS!
xooxox
Rock on!
Beth
I’m so glad you came into my life Beth- I absolutely dig you!
You know what my mentor said to me yesterday? Tara, your pussy is your lifeline.
Right. Got it. Pussy=lifeline. Got it ;)
I love you, I love you right back honey beetle! Go rock on out in your damn fine way x
Tara, this is awesome! I love the fact that this is how you strive to spend your Sundays. I tend to do the same thing but when I’m home, I do it after 4pm and it makes my day. As soon as 4 comes along, I stop all work and follow what my body is telling me I need.
I try to indulge in long walks, yoga or meditation and it works like a charm!
I was playing small with my online business but recently discovered my negative patterns and am breaking through. Exciting stuff! Thanks for the great post, gorgeous and can’t wait to read more of your work! xo
I’m so with you Tara. I’ve been ignoring different parts of myself for so long I had forgotten they were there! A new friend of mine had some wise words for me…you have to look after all the parts of you, ask them what they need and honor them. If one or two pieces are running the show you will be out of balance and out of your success zone. Not to mention that the others will rebel and revolt and wreck havoc on your life. ON a girly note…I bought sexy, pretty colorful new undies this weekend (I’m ashamed to say how long it has been and of the condition of what I was wearing) and threw out all the old ones. It felt really good.
Radical self-care is part of my everyday journey – a whole day would be bliss!
As for playing small. I’ve had half of lifetime of doing just that.
For me, it has always been centred around approval addiction – being so immersed in my good girl image and seeking gold stars. I knew no other way of being…I’ve come a LONG way in the past few years though and am enjoying the process of peeling back the layers and discovering my authenticity.
I am in!!! I’m feeling everything in this post. I’ve been living too many “shoulds” lately – many with work, and some socially too. I’ve been sacrificing all my free time to do things for other people and I’m feeling tired. So a big yes to some “self-centredness”! Your Sunday sounds like it was a delight, and I hope your birthday is just as beautiful!! Love this and love YOU x
Oh, gorgeous woman, you nailed it again.
GREAT homework. I’m off to the hairdressers tomorrow to see my long lost scissor friends. we shall see what comes of it. And about to embark on a massive solo journey – self care sundays is the perfect reminder. From the bottom of my heart, thankyou. <3
Tara, you are such an amazing bundle of loveliness and awesomeness (Is that a word?! It is now!) I can feel your energy bouncing around on every word- I think you’re about to hit on something huge, I just know it! Maybe it’s all those crystals!
I am definitely in for the Self-Centered Sundays. I always said I would prioritise self-care on Sundays, but it hasn’t truly happened, if I’m honest.
Thanks so much Tara- you’re bloomin’ marvellous! x
This sounds like exactly what I need and I am going to try and cherish them in the time I have before baby comes. I’m exhausted – physically and mentally and know all too well that feeling of playing small and feeling afraid. I feel like there is a much bigger potential out there for me, but feel trapped in a clear bubble of some sort.
For me, it’s going to be about nourishing my body and soul. Taking the time to really think about what I want. :)
Hi beautiful. Try a daily chakra cleanse meditation (you can do one for your baby too)- it might help reenergise you! x
Oh Tara how I needed to read this.
I have been playing small for so long and just trudging along. But over that last few months I have worked out that I want to skip goddamit! I’m only starting but the commitment to start is a major thing for me.
You’re energy is so catching, and I know now that I am definitely on the right track and I look forward to many Self Centred Sundays in my future.
Love and sparkles to you girl!
I love this so much.
Nourishment + crystals + divine femininity + orgasms = oh-hell-YES!
You speak right to my soul.
Love you, sister girl.
xox
Totally on board! We so need this… Hope your homework goes well ;)