Soul food, and I don’t mean in the chicken and waffles kind of way, is super important. There are three basic parts of life: Body, Mind and Soul. I’ve touched a little on body, getting my exercise in and changing little things in my diet. I have also talked about mindset, feeding your mind with books and mottos, anything that you are interested in. But soul is a little different, there is not a specific thing to work on. It really requires you to think about what uniquely makes you happy.
Sometimes it is so hard to stop and take a minute to think about what genuinely makes you happy in the dopey smile, peaceful kind of way. Something that warms you from the inside out. And it doesn’t have to be over the top extravagant. For some it could be a certain type of music, having a foam latte in a chic bookstore, or maybe its sitting on that one quiet hillside with the killer view. The world is full of experiences and pleasures that we need to take advantage of.
It is almost spring. The time of year when everything is in bloom and my favorite color of green is on all the new leaves. Spring makes my soul happy but how can you put that into everyday? I am finding little ways. Every week I go to the flower section at a grocery store, and I find a bouquet that catches my eye. I love the smell and sight of fresh flowers on my table while I eat breakfast and try to wake up for the day. Getting in all the good vibes before I head off to work.
I have a green thumb that goes back generations to my great, great grandparents. I remember planting things with my grandpa and with my dad, they are such fond memories. Its all part of why being in nature and having green around feeds my soul. My apartment right now, sadly doesn’t have the right space or lighting to have plants. Other than a small basil plant that barely hangs on, my garden will have to wait. But think about how completely satisfying it is to cover a seed with dirt, water it daily and watch as it sprouts and buds. Not to mention the variety from flowers to herbs you can enjoy in cooking to snake plants and palms. For now, I spice up my home décor with artificial potted plants until one day I can grow the real ones. That pop of color though brings me a good amount of joy.
Maybe it’s the arts that call to you. I have recently been scrolling and saving art and artists on my Instagram account. I am no artist and I cant tell you what “style” of art or category any of them fall under. What I can tell you is I am immediately drawn to bright colors, chunky brush strokes, underlying concepts. This is one of my favorites at the moment. Leonid Afremov. Some of the paintings really make me feel like I am there in the scene. Personally, I enjoy rainy days over most and I love the spring strolls as the drops cascade off an umbrella. This painting is me.
Maybe it is because of the painting above but I had an opportunity to create one for myself. I have dabbled a little bit with acrylic painting. I would say I am short on talent but I do enjoy mixing the colors and watching a white canvas become a story or emotion. So this weekend I took 3 hours to join a Pinot’s Pallet class. If you haven’t heard of one of these, they are classes where you paint as a group and drink. What could go wrong? Just kidding. Keeping in mind that there are “never mistakes, just happy accidents”-Bob Ross.
I took the class solo because my sister was busy and she is normally my try new things buddy. Its always good to have a friend to join you. I sat down with the ladies and the instructor (Becca), grabbed our brushes and water, and a glass of peach sangria. Becca gave us the step by step instructions on how to create this beautiful lady. She had to follow the structure down to the paint colors but encouraged us to paint it how we saw it. I added a few details with the bow and hearts and I was called a rebel. LOL. Every one of us had a different painting in the end. The best part of art is that it is up to your interpretation.
Im not sure what brings you joy or what talks to the inner you. Maybe you aren’t even sure but it isn’t too late to find your thing. Find a quiet minute to think about the sights, sounds, taste and feels. Think about the activities that you want to do more. The one thing that if you had one free day to do anything that you want, what would it be? Go do that and have a fantastic time!!
The Distracted Damsel 