Self Reflection in Spain

In addition to being fascinated by exploring new places, I enjoy travel because it gives me time for self-reflection. It is so easy when you are in the midst of your day to day routine to lose sight of the basic things that are necessary for a healthy existence. My self-reflection on this trip began in Barcelona but has kicked into high gear since being in Valencia. The sense of family and community and the stress free lifestyle that exists in Spain came at a time when I have begun to question so many things about my life back home. I believe being here at this moment was meant to reinforce some pretty big decisions I have made. Ironically, I planned this trip well before these decisions were made.

Before I share my big decisions, I will share one of my biggest aha moments since being in Spain. I share this because I hope wherever you are reading this, you will stop and take a moment to self-reflect about whether or not you are loving your body properly.

AHA

I am not being kind to my body. As an entrepreneur my health is the single most important thing to me. Without good health I cannot function which means I cannot generate income and we all know that some level of income is necessary for survival.

Around 2016 I realized I wasn’t very healthy and I needed to shed a few pounds. As a result, I switched to a plant based lifestyle and I began “jalking” on a daily basis. I felt wonderful! As time passed and I became busier with my practice, parenting, writing, blogging, etc. I carved out the extra time I felt I needed to get everything done by not exercising, consuming a lot of coffee, kind bars, pre-made meals, junk! I sacrificed sleep and moments of being present. Oftentimes, I felt like I was simply existing. My body was constantly letting me know that it was not very happy. Instead of taking time to recalibrate and reset, I found myself making deals with God. Just let me finish this task and I promise I will take better care of myself. Such a mindset can be extremely harmful, and, quite frankly, deadly.

Spain has been my opportunity to recalibrate and reset. Now, I am not sure why in the world I would come to Spain, a coffee lover’s heaven, and decide to give up coffee, but I did! I will admit my life without coffee has been like a bad breakup. I yearn for it daily and question my decision to completely walk away. But so far, so good! I am 4 days coffee clean! I guess the true test will come when I am reunited with my brand new coffee maker that is sitting in my kitchen just waiting for me to return. I will let you know how that goes! 🙂

In addition to giving up coffee, I have been consuming lots of water and walking every day. I have committed to consuming fresh fruits and vegetables in the place of pre-packaged plant based foods. And, I have been spending time practicing my breathing techniques and being present. So far, so good! My body seems to be pleased with me. My goal is to continue to show self-love when I return to the “rat race” called my life.

BIG AHAS/BIG DECISIONS

I guess in a sense before I headed to Spain I knew that something had to give in my life. But this trip helped to reinforce my decision. Sooooooooooo…After spending the past twenty years in Bertie Co. I have decided to close my law office and relocate to Chapel Hill, North Carolina! Am I scared? HELL YEAH! But, the thought of having an opportunity to begin a new journey and live in my purpose is SO EXCITING to me!

Of course I will be bringing you on this journey with me! In the meantime, tell me, are you walking in your purpose and living your best life? What leaps of faith have you taken in your life? Do you have any regrets? Please share!

Much Love,

Tonza