After the big hello to January, we seem to transition into February in a slower pace.
Often our body, mind and soul tend to feel a bit drained.
Yes, January in itself can take a lot out of us – the expectations of the new year, the grey, dark, colder weather, and the (at times unintentional) pressure we put onto ourselves.
But we go strong, we keep moving and pushing…
- Smiling when you’re tired?
- Holding together family logistics?
- Living abroad and adapting again?
- Saying yes to things that don’t feel quite right?
- Answering emails late at night?
…while at the same time the tiredness, the longing for something, the emotional weight somehow lingers too. And it’s hard to really name it, to put it into words. It’s this feeling that shows up…
– The quiet fatigue after holding everything together.
– The loneliness that creeps in.
– The pressure to be fine.
…the tears falling quietly under the shower.
How about we stop for a second and allow us to show more self-compassion, awareness and kindness when it comes ourselves!? That is something I really paid attention to this month…and I named it “Soften”.
Instead of
“You should be handling this better.”
“Just keep going.”
I told myself
“It’s been a lot.”
“It makes sense you feel this way.”
Before, when I needed space, I pushed through. After all, I’m new here. I want and need to meet people, build connections. But I am also an introvert. Showing up all the time (at home and outside) drained me. I need more quiet and time with myself.
Now, I take a step back (literally and figuratively) and remind myself it’s ok to not be at that many events, and that I can step away at home, too.
I am still showing up but with more intention.
When my body whispered “it’s enough”, I at times ignored it because the thoughts that “I have to show up” or “If not me, then who?” popped up. This month, I listened sooner.
Moved more gently.
Small changes, big impact.
I know from myself, though, how easy it is to say that we need to become more aware of ourselves and to notice when something feels off. But life happens, and to keep pushing and ignoring it at times just feels easier.
But, as you read this I am asking you…softly, gently:
- Where are your shoulders?
- Do you clench your jaw?
- Is your breathing forced or shallow?
- And what words are you using towards yourself?
Are there any areas you can soften into right now, this moment… any areas you feel tension and you can release into? Don’t skip over, even the smallest adjustment can have big impact!
You might remember that my word for 2026 is “release” and “soften” will play a big part in releasing. I can’t release if I hold tight and don’t become “softer” towards myself.
I know, I know we are strong women, we hold it all together, we keep going and softening can easily feel like weakness.
BUT what if we looked at it differently?
We are strong…we carry a lot..we do a lot…and we’re not giving up that strength. But when we gently soften here and there we’re easing the pressure we place on ourselves.
Softening helps to unclench the body, the mind and the soul to create space to show up more grounded, taller, stronger from within.
February is almost behind us, but “softening” isn’t. See this as an invitation to gently soften whenever you need it.
And as little sneak peak for March…my intention will be to “reconnect”.
Feel free to join me on this journey through the months.
With love,
and to Finding Your Ease🍃
AK
If this resonates and you’d like to stay connected, I invite you to join me on Instagram Finding Your Ease for little bits and pieces and (almost) daily food for thought and feel free to reach out to me!
