Mindful Musings by Jenni Ellsworth

Elevate Your Week!

Last week was Spring break, and we decided to venture out and make the most of it visiting family and exploring new cities and towns on a last-minute road trip. I’m so glad to have taken that time away, but sure am glad to be home! Hope you are having a nice Spring and remembering to spend some time connecting with your loved ones also. On that note, I have shared some of my latest insights in finding balance and harmony through your mind, body, and space. Thanks again for letting me join you on your journey, and as always, I hope you find some fulfillment and inspiration along the way! Here are my ruminations …

MIND

Traveling through the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, we quickly hit the breaks as we stumbled upon an old barn laced with beautiful hand carved figurines in cedar and cherry. We all got out and had the pleasure of meeting Peter Dietrich, the creator of these ‘wood spirits.’ After a lovely visit and choosing the perfect hanging to bring home with us, I was pulled aside and told that my spirit was telling me I needed to LET GO. Wow… was it that obvious?? Maybe this is just good advice for everyone (it most definitely is), but I have been fighting anxiety and some personal issues pretty hard lately, and searching for ways to get out of my routines and try to relax a little. This was just what I needed to hear, and truly made an impact the rest of my trip and beyond. Whether or not Peter was truly connecting on a deeper level, it goes to show how powerful words of encouragement really are. If there’s something you are battling internally, try finding a positive mantra to start off with each morning. In addition, the next time you notice someone else that seems to be struggling, try offering a few encouraging words; it may really make a difference in that person’s life.

BODY

When you are traveling or vacationing, it’s natural to splurge a little and want to “treat” yourself more than normal. This usually equates to high caloric intake (ice cream, fries, extra cocktails) and a lot of lying around. Seems like a nice break from a rigorous at-home routine, but I’m sure you can relate to the feeling of exhaustion and bloating when it’s all over, in addition to the frustration of a weight rebound and trying to get back to where you left off. Instead, we should treat ourselves and splurge a few extra dollars to make our bodies feel good! Go get that fancy green smoothie each morning, or have a huge bowl of fresh exotic fruit to add to your water bottle each day. Maybe you go for a spa detox, or use that extra time not in the office to try out some yoga in the park where you wont be embarrassed being around anyone you know! We need to stop thinking of treating as “cheating” and instead recognize that our bodies will thank us for the extra treats that make us feel nourished, hydrated, and energized.

SPACE

After being on the road for awhile, it felt amazing to walk in my front door and finally be home. It got me thinking a lot about what it means to be home… we are all familiar with the old adage “home is where the heart is,” but what does that look like? Our homes should bring us a sense of security, love, and happiness, which might look differently for each person. After spending some much needed time recently with parents, grandparents, and immediate family, I realized that it was the items around my home that reminded me of these people and our memories that made our house feel like home. I have a beautiful loom hanging from my grandmother that reminds me of years spent wandering her rooms and hallways filled with vibrant local art. My wall of international masks brings back memories from honeymooning in Mexico and visiting my sister in Australia. I always try to bring something back from my travels, or incorporate an heirloom item into my space (doesn’t have to be anything big or fancy), to bring happy reminders of a life well-lived and loved.

Take care!

Jenni Ellsworth
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