As I told you guys last week, I’ve been going through a bit of personal struggles, mainly at my Kindergarten teaching job. I can’t deny that it has taken a toll on me. But as a Holistic Health Counselor, I know that if one part of your life is out of whack, then all the others will be affected too. In the same respect, if one part of your life is out of whack, there are other parts that, when properly attended to, can help to realign you and get you back on track.
At the Institute of Integrative Nutrition where I became certified in Holistic Health Counseling/Coaching, founder Joshua Rosenthal calls the parts that really feed your soul your Primary Foods. Those are the things like your relationships, career (as in meaningful work), spirituality, and physical fitness. All of these aspects pay a huge factor into the quality of your life and feed you in a way that food alone can’t. This really is the key way that Holistic Health Counseling is so different from standard nutritional counseling- it challenges you to look at so much more than your diet, which in turn will help your whole life be happier and healthier.
I decided to reach for one of favorite Primary Foods, relationships, to help get me feeling like me again. There all kinds of relationships in my life that are important to me and one of the most important ones are my friendships. That’s why I was thrilled beyond belief when one of my closest and oldest friends, Blamoh, told me she was going to be in town and wanted to do brunch, catch up, and meet my main man. As if that wasn’t awesome enough, she also told me that our other college friend, Kari, would be coming too! Just thinking about how those 2 girls always made me laugh and made me feel understood was like an instant blanket on my soul.
Well, I have to say the reunion was even better in reality! Although we have seen each other separately over the years, it had been 10 years since we had all been together like that. Laughing, reminiscing, and catching up over a tasty brunch at Real Food Daily in Santa Monica was just what I had been needing. Instantly, I was reminded what was really important (people you love!) and brought me back to my roots (a simple girl with a big heart who’s not afraid to get silly..and work hard!). So even though our lives have all changed and gotten a bit more complex since our days in the UCLA college dorms, it was great to be reminded off all that existed before our careers and be reconnected to my true spirit, to a more innocent part of myself. Mostly, I just felt so much love and happiness, which can pay huge dividends to all the parts of my life.
Taking time to nurture your friendships can truly feed your soul. Most people just want to be heard, to feel understood. Supportive, loving, and truly caring friends can help make that happen. I think there is also something extra special about reconnecting with your older friends who have seen you evolve over the years. It is truly powerful when, after all those years, you still can relate to each other, still give each other positivity. Those friendships are rare and should be treasured. I have to say I am blessed with amazing friends, old and new!
After brunch was over, I was filled with joy in my heart. I felt like a got a little bit of the old me back. It was laughter therapy at its finest. I’m not sure what took us so long to all get together at the same time, but we all decided to not let so much time pass again before the next reunion. Sure, the vegan/gluten free pancakes were yum, but they were a mere second to the fantastic company!
How do your friendships feed your soul? Do your oldest friends help you reconnect to your roots and how?
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