Showing Up For Yourself

The past week, the hubby and I flew down to Las Vegas for a billiards tournament (needless to say Tanner did swimmingly). During this trip, something kept showing up for me on a daily basis; something I already knew, but had forgotten about. I LOVE BIG CITIES! Does this get you thinking, "Then why do you live in such a small town?". It should. Let's talk about showing up for yourself regardless of where you may be or what you may be doing.

A few things to consider before you take on the task of showing up for yourself are- who are you (what makes you YOU), what are your priorities (what is important to you), and what do you do with the leftovers?

WHO ARE YOU?
The biggest thing for you to sort out is WHO YOU ARE. Take some time, put pen to paper, and define what makes you so uniquely you. For me this may look something like- I am a Christian woman who prides herself on being the best wife I can be, who values family and close friendships, and embraces deep conversations around a delicious meal. My description may also include the fact that I do love big cities for the culture and the ease of public transportation, I am a creative at my core, and I need "me" time to restore because I am, my friends, a complete introvert. I am a foodie, a mover and shaker (literally, I am obsessed with movement), a writer, and I can be a bit heady. Alas, the list goes on. The important piece here is you take the time to define and "know thyself." Got it?

WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES?
It's ok lovely lady, life happens, and somewhere down the line you may have forgotten what is most important to you. Next on your to-do list is to write down your priorities. What are the BIG things that matter to your soul? If this is too difficult for you to sort out right now, that's o.k. This task can be BIG and SCARY if you have not focused on what matters most to YOU in awhile. If you need help, let's connect! (I mean it, I am here to help you sort through the muck!)

But if you clearly know what is most important, write them out, number them, and pick your top four-ish. These priorities are what should define your life, where you put your energy, and what consumes most of your time. They are what allow you to be YOU most easily. My life example- My faith is my top priority! Thus, everything I do should be a direct reflection of my belief system and guide how I live. When I get off track, I know, because it is like a gut punch to my soul (literally). When you know your priorities, you know when your life matches up to them, I promise.
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WHAT DO YOU DO WITH THE LEFTOVERS?
The leftovers are the items in your life that you choose based on your priorities, but they do not necessarily match perfectly with who you are or what you enjoy. Once you have established your priorities, hopefully you have begun the process of aligning your life with them. They are too precious to be neglected girly. They are your priorities after all. (Again if you need help with sorting through the crap, I'm your girl.)

Once you are done with creating a life that is in line with who you are and your unique set of talents and priorities, there will be bits and pieces that match your lifestyle, but require you bring yourself into them. What does this mean?

Let's go back to where we started. One of my priorities is family- I embrace the moments gathered around a family dinner, creating subtle memories of running errands and going for evening walks, and seeking advice from those who saw me grow up. Family and my closest friends are important to me, and they are important to Tanner. The fact that family is a priority for the both of us impacted our decision to stay in the Black Hills rather than move to a larger city that would have made it easier for us to embrace what we love so much about city life.

The beauty is, my friends, that it is easy to bring everything you love and everything that makes you, you, into the aspects of your life that you have chosen to create.

​Knowing Rapid City is my home, I actively seek out creative opportunities. I walk to and from sessions, the grocery store, and events whenever possible. I create moments of "good eats" and dinner parties, and I never forget that I can do A LOT in creating a "big city life" in this place I call home. It is simply a matter of perspective and knowing I can make active choices in my life.

So there you have it! Phew! A bit lengthy, but I truly don't know how to do it any other way! No matter where you are today, lovely lady, you can CHOOSE to SHOW UP FOR YOURSELF. It is simply a matter of knowing who you are, what your priorities are, and bringing yourself into the leftovers!

What are you waiting for? Go SHOW UP!

Britany Pruess