Rooting: 6 Steps Towards Your Authentic Self

Hello there! Welcome to Rooting with Ayessa, a blog dedicated to finding your most authentic self being.

In the hustle and bustle of modern-day life, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of constant distractions and obligations. As parents, we often find ourselves juggling the responsibilities of nurturing our children while trying to maintain our own well-being which can be exhausting day after day, after day! In this fast-paced world filled with to-do lists, quick solutions, and numerous distractions, it easy to get lost and overwhelmed. Through this journey we will develop tools, basic practices, and rooting to simple joys to find your authentic self. It's time to embark on this transformation of detoxification, letting go of what no longer serves us, and rediscovering our roots.

Recognizing the Need for Detox:

Modern life bombards us with an overwhelming influx of information, societal expectations, and mindless consumption. Take a moment to reflect on how these external factors might be affecting your well-being physically and emotionally. Have you every noticed how your body responds to news? Do tasks inundate your process of thinking? Can't focus on just one thing? Acknowledge the negative influences and reclaim your power to live authentically.

Unplugging from Distractions:

Start by disconnecting from the screens that dominate our lives. Reduce the time spent mindlessly scrolling through social media or binge-watching TV shows. Balance is key! Next time try to catch yourself mid-scroll and ask yourself, is this giving me any value? Could I be spending my time elsewhere? It also helps to create designated periods for digital detox, allowing yourself and your family to engage in activities that nourish the soul, such as outdoor adventures, story telling, or being in the moment during play time.

Nourishing Your Body:

Evaluate your food choices and consider reading the ingredients that are in the foods you regularly consume. I am not saying go throw away all your food and start with fresh foods! I know snacks are a big deal! But like everything, it is best in moderation. In our house we mostly stick to the stuff that is without high-fructose corn syrup, red 40, aspartame, and geo-engineered ingredients. It's alarming when you do a little research on all the items that are allowed on to our foods. Remember, you do have control on what comes into your home. Sometimes Oreo cookies, ritz crackers, and paint thinner cereal does make it past our door threshhold. We just make it a point not to eat it every day. Switch your focus on consuming not so processed foods. Incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and home made deserts into your life! Experiment with mindful eating practices. A good start is by making sure you chew your food up to 30 times before swelling. This allows you to savor each bite and cultivating a deeper connection with the nourishment that fuels your body. I promise it gets easier with practice.

Practicing Inner Stillness:

Carve out moments of silence and stillness amidst the chaos of parenthood. Practice meditation, listening to your breath, or mindfulness techniques to quiet the mind and connect with your inner self. In silence, even the smallest ripples can be heard. Sitting outside brings me joy, there are times when the boys are in bed and I will grab a bowl of delicious cereal, yes paint thinner cereal, and sit anywhere outside to give myself a moment to breathe. By grounding and doing something that brings you joy, you can release heavy stress, gain clarity, and cultivate a deeper sense of self importance. If you find yourself low on time, make the time or even a moment to acknowledge your feelings. You are being!

Reconnecting with Passions:

Rediscover the activities and passions that ignite your soul. Whether it's painting, dancing, or playing a game, make time to engage in creative pursuits that bring you joy.

Music is my life. I usually have a song playing in my head throughout the day. I remember meeting my husband and asking him if he liked music. He mentioned three artists, but never went beyond them as time went by. I would have never thought to think, maybe music just isn't his thing until one day I asked him what the one thing was that brought him joy? "Mine for example, is going to the beach. Or going to a music show. " He said, "Gaming". What?? I thought. How does sitting at a desk bring such joy? He is a whole different person before gaming and after an hour spent on gaming. It is a requirement to play online games after a rough and stressful day.

Think about what activities brought you joy as a kid. You are an adult now, you can invest in the things you couldn't before. Find what fires you up and nurture your own growth and self-expression, allowing yourself to flourish outside the role of a parent.

Connect with Community:

Through this blog I am hoping to create a supportive community of like-minded individuals who understand the challenges of being a parent while striving to maintain their authentic selves. I hope this becomes a social environment where we can all share our experiences through parenthood while returning to our authentic selves. Facing individuals in person is also worth a shot, meeting a new friend can encourage self esteem and sense of belonging. Find your people!

Detoxing from the distractions of modern life as a parent is a transformative journey toward embracing your most authentic self. By consciously stepping away from the noise, being mindful of what goes into your body, and reconnecting with your passions, you will discover a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment. Embrace the challenges with love and patience, for the journey toward authenticity is an ongoing process. Remember, by nurturing your own well-being and staying true to yourself, you are setting an inspiring example for your children, empowering them to live authentically as well. Embrace this journey, and let your authentic light shine brightly as you navigate the beautiful and complex dance of parenthood.

With deep gratitude and heartfelt blessings,

Ayessa