which flavor do you choose?🫐🍒🍑 🍓

Today I picked out a cherry flavored Chobani yogurt for my lunch. 

Why?

I had a peach, strawberry, or blueberry also available.  Yet, today, cherry was most appealing.  

On a different day it would likely have been peach.  Or strawberry. (I rarely choose blueberry unless it's the only one remaining...despite loving blueberries!) 🤔

Moments like this remind me of a research paper I wrote in my high school physiology class.  I incorporated my passion for psychology by exploring physiological dimensions underlying human behavior - ranging from sexual orientation to eating.

Some of the research showed that the body would actually crave the foods that it needed - whether green leafy vegetables, or protein, or carbs.  

That is, if a person had learned to tune in, listen, and pay attention through the noise.

It's something I still strive to remember and listen to...what does my body need?  What is it asking for? 

Whether it's as simple as a flavor of yogurt, or as complex as what I need emotionally to maintain (or regain) internal harmony and equilibrium, it generally serves me well...when I listen and respond.

Lately, I've been especially grateful for this perspective.  

There's something about memorizing and delivering this message repeatedly that helps it stay present and front of mind. Lately that's been even more helpful as I navigate personal and professional setbacks and challenges.

If you're anything like my clients and I, you also benefit from reminders that your feelings, needs, and experiences matter too. 

What helps you remember to tend to your needs?

This week we had Juneteenth and International Refugee Day as we also continue through Pride month.  There's a lot going on to celebrate. There's a lot going on that still needs attention.  

As I watched the local Juneteenth lineup of musicians, speeches, and awards, the variety of voices, messages, and approaches stood out.  Each voice was important.  Each tone, emotion, and style had something to contribute that added to the whole.  

And I couldn't help wonder how each contributor takes care of their wellbeing as they continue to speak up and call others to take action toward eradicating racial injustice.

Whatever your voice, your emotion, or your style, you are an important contributor to the work of spreading compassion and justice.  And what you need along the way matters greatly so you can continue to sustain your greatest impact, without sacrificing your wellbeing.

So I ask you to honestly consider, if you tune into your body right now...what is it trying to tell you it needs?  

Can you trust it?  

Will you respond?  

My hope for you is that you can tune in, acknowledge your inner wisdom, tend to your needs with the same compassion you bring to others, and engage with people and spaces that continue to remind you that...

You matter.  You make a difference.  And, I'm so thankful...always...that you're here.