This season always brings me back to sweet times when my kids were young – the good old days when I’d get so excited for them to be out of school so “Summa-time” could officially start. I imagined laid-back summer days, not worrying about a schedule or having to be anywhere – it felt like freedom at last!
(Or so I thought.)
Let’s be real – those freedom days came with their own set of responsibilities. We did get to play and travel and slow down a lot, but bills still needed to be paid, clients still needed support, and life kept lifing no matter the month it was.
Funny how we romanticize summer (and, let’s be honest, life in general) – like we can just hit pause and float off into bliss on a unicorn raft. 🦄 I did turn off as much as possible, but life doesn’t really work that way. Even in the middle of “off-time,” we still have to balance it all. And that’s okay – I not only acquired some amazing juggling skills as a single-mom/business owner, but grew and healed so much of ME in the process.
So, what does that actually look like when life’s in full swing? I’m so glad you asked! 😉
The reality is, healing doesn’t take a break. It’s happening right now, in the middle of the mess, the magic, and everything in between. Whether you’re at the beach, on a hike, or binge-watching Netflix in the AC, your life is still unfolding and you’re still healing and growing.
There’s a misnomer out there about healing work – that it’s all painful and retraumatizing and we have to prepare ourselves or be in a “good place” to benefit, when in fact, it’s just the opposite.
It’s already happening – ALL. THE. TIME.
True healing is in the flow of life, not the pause. It doesn’t wait until you’re in a good place. It shows up uninvited – in sweatpants, mid-meltdown. The deepest, most profound (and easy) shifts happen in the moment – when we’re triggered, when we’re off-balance, when things aren’t going how we planned and we’re frustrated, sad, anxious, or just plain exhausted.
The key is learning how to not just move through these experiences (coping), but to actually use them to return to the Truth of Who We Are (thriving!) consistently and with ease.
This is integration work. It’s true freedom. And it’s life-changing.
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Here are some ways to keep your momentum going while still enjoying these lighter days:
1. Turn Toward Your Triggers, Not Away from Them Yes, I said it. Lean into those triggers. Don’t hide from them.
Ask yourself: 👉 “What’s really going on under the surface here?” 👉 “How old is this feeling?”
Listen for the answer, trust it, and ask what this part of you needs in that moment. It’s uncomfortable at first – but trust me – this is where the magic happens.This is where you heal.
2. Boundaries are Your Superpower Even when life feels relaxed and easy, protect your energy like the precious resource it is. Boundaries aren’t just for “serious” work – they’re for play, too.
Practice saying “no” without guilt and honor your time with intention.
3. Self-Care Doesn’t Need to Be Perfect Self-care isn’t about perfection – it’s about presence. Whether it’s a quick nap, a walk, or dancing in the kitchen, give yourself permission to recharge without all the self-imposed pressure.
You can take care of your Soul wherever you are, at any time.
4. Celebrate the Small Wins Big wins aren’t the only thing worth celebrating.
Maybe you didn’t have a meltdown today. Maybe you made it through a tough conversation without losing your cool.
That’s worth a high five, my friend! 🙌
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Here’s the deal – healing isn’t something that happens only when you’re at your best or when life is perfect. Healing happens in the messy moments, too. (Well, mostly in the messy moments, actually.)
So, yes! Let this summer be your time to recharge, but remember: No matter what season it is, keep showing up for yourself.🪞You’ve got this – and you’re worth it!
And if you find yourself needing deeper support, I’m here. Don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s make sure your growth keeps going, even when the sun’s shining and the drinks are cold. 😎
Here’s to summer adventures! 🪂
So much love, Kate ❤️
P.S. Ready to dive deeper? Just reply “READY” and let’s get you set up for a Breakthrough session. 🌻
Kate A. Bares | Soul Integration Guide | Codependency Coach
Helping you break free from emotional pain to finally live True to YOU!
“You’re not broken. You’re coming home to yourSelf.” ~kab
