Get Ready to Shift: Your Ultimate Guide to Rest, Reset, and Renewal

It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and overwhelm of daily life. No one feels like they have been duped more by “wanting to be an adult” than me 😅. Running from one thing to the next, trying to keep up, secretly just wanting everything on the to-do list to be done so I can sit on my couch, in my clean home, in silence, with a soft breeze caressing me, my glowing skin and freshly manicured toes, while reading that book I’ve brought on three vacations. Yup that book has been to 3 countries😩

Well, I am here to tell you that’s never gonna happen unless you hit pause on this movie that is your life, and make some room for you in the chaos of this dumpsterfire we are in. Now I’m not talking as “Nurse Donna” right now (though I can go on about how all this impacts your health)… I’m speaking as “Donna The Real Life Person” who has had more than her fair share of burnout and is COMMITTED in 2024 to keeping it out of her life like a bad ex.

The "Shift" is more than just a series of sessions—it's a commitment to yourself, a reminder that you are worthy of care and attention.

I know personally that I only keep committed to something when there are other people involved. I know that I have to consciously set out time for self-care and reflection. I also know things don’t happen overnight and small acts create larger shifts in our lives through compounding effects. I have spent a lot of time “working on myself” only to find out that the work just doesn’t end. I’m a constant work in progress and sort of like my city of NY always under construction.

I will be honest this sort of got me super down at one point - I’m like where’s the trophy? How come there aren’t more commas in my checking account? Why don’t I have a Rolex? But there is no end game in this…well until you die…so I gotta “play” the game of life. Instead of waiting for the final win, I have to enjoy the moments and the process in all of it. Just like someone who has a garden..they enjoy their beautiful flowers, plants, and even the actual fruits of their labor…but they enjoy the process more. The shifting of seasons, planting seeds, tending to their work, the harvest, and even the repetition of it all. A lot of them will even say gardening “Relaxes Them”…How does all that work relax you? Because it lightens mood, and lowers cortisol, and stress levels. It’s very gratifying to plant, tend to, harvest, and share your own food. Once relaxed, you're present and intentional in the entire process. Honestly, that’s what I need to do with my life.

The truth is that myself and my friends are in a shift…. physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. While I have no “instruction manual” for this shift, I spent the better part of last year creating routines for it. I saw firsthand how doing this previously in my life with my Moon Circles added to my overall well-being. By having a little moment of sanctuary for rest, reset, and renewal in my own living room kept me more grounded and focused. I need something I could do every month to prioritize my well—being and support myself on my journey of self—discovery. I also needed like-minded people - And I’m encouraging you to do the same, regardless of whether you want to join us or not.

**What to Expect**

"The Shift" is a monthly gathering for you to be with you. A little oasis where you can kick back, relax, and dive deep into some serious self-care. A safe and nurturing space where you can pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself. Each session will feature a carefully curated blend of activities, including guided meditation, intention-setting exercises, and transformative discussions. Drawing inspiration from the rhythms of nature and honoring celestial monthly themes we'll explore rituals of self-care, personal growth, and intentional living. Whether you're seeking clarity, inspiration, or simply a moment of pause this is the space…you might even have a breakthrough or two along the way.

**Don’t Stress**

You can join us live or catch up on your own time. These monthly sessions will be a unique blend of collective experience with individual focus. While we gather as a community to support each other, the focus remains on your personal journey. It's all about you, babe—your journey, your growth, you being the main character of your movie.

**Why "The Shift" Matters**

Whether you're craving clarity, peace, or just a little TLC - "The Shift" sessions offer a gentle reminder of the importance of slowing down and tuning into ourselves. It’s a moment where you can just BE. By taking intentional time for rest, reset, and renewal, we can cultivate greater resilience, clarity, and joy in our lives. Each session is an opportunity to honor your inner wisdom and release what no longer serves you. It's your permission slip to slow down, tune in, and be a friend to yourself for once.

**Ready to Shift?**

Registration is now open for upcoming sessions. Simply visit this link to snag your spot today. Sessions will be held monthly with limited spaces , but recordings will be available in case you miss it. I cannot wait to join you in this space.

**Or Take The First Step on Your Terms**

As we navigate these times together, it's essential to prioritize our inner well-being. "The Shift" offers a unique opportunity to slow down, tune in, and befriend ourselves. However, if you're not ready to join us just yet, I encourage you to start incorporating regular routines and rituals into your life that prioritize your overall well-being. In case you need some ideas on how to start creating wellness rituals for yourself, you can check out “Monthly Self-Care Crash Course: A Step-by-Step Guide to Prioritizing You”.

As always thank you for being a part of this community ❤❤ Donna

Self-Care Crash Course: A Guide to Prioritizing You

Sometimes things need to go beyond skincare routines and bubble baths to embrace the essence of who you are and who you aspire to be. I have learned that the journey of self-love, self-discovery, and self-empowerment is sacred and personal. It should honor your truth, celebrate your worth, and nourish your soul from within. Sure no one is going to turn down glowing skin, a warm bath, and a glass of natural wine but if you’re here you know this is all much deeper than that.

We all love thriving and living in abundance - but the moments of life are like a wave - you catch a good one for a minute or maybe a little longer and other times you’re crashing, trying to come up for air, and feeling like you’re in a rip tide. It ebbs and it flows. Somedays are great and other days I don’t want to get out of bed. One thing is for sure though - if I stick to some type of loose routine, even when it gets rough…I can navigate a bit better.

This share is for those who have fallen off from their regular routines, have gotten too caught up in the responsibilities of adulting, and need some quick simple steps they can take to feel present and start to get back on track. These are some of the points we address in The Shift sessions but in case you cannot make it or want to do things on your own, or are too overwhelmed, I thought I’d lay out a foundation of steps you can build on. The entire aspect of self-care that I think is lost upon us is the word SELF…you gotta figure out what works for YOU.

Setting An Intention

When things seem out of control, it's essential to start with intention. Setting clear intentions allows us to align our actions with our values and aspirations, guiding us toward a life filled with purpose and meaning. The intention can be around self-care, taking a break, having some fun, getting rest, or just dumping out all the thoughts swirling in your brain. Regardless, it’s the first step in action and tells your brain, we are moving out of this current mindset so pay attention.

Creating Ritual

It’s best to start with one or two that you can do for the next thirty days. I’m not telling you to overhaul your entire life that honestly is the worst idea when you’re overwhelmed or have fallen off. I’m saying start small. Honestly, go and do something fun. Stop doing. Create a ritual around a daily break - even if it’s 10 minutes. Start with little rituals that make you feel good - maybe sitting and being present when you drink your morning coffee and not scrolling on your phone, or a break from social media, even reading 15 minutes a day. Rituals are the cornerstone of wellness, providing us with moments of pause, reflection, and rejuvenation in our busy lives. From morning routines to bedtime rituals, you need to set a foundation for creating personalized self-care rituals that align with your needs and preferences.

Ask yourself are you craving stillness or seeking adventure? What do you do for yourself that makes you feel amazing? Is it a10-minute morning dance party with yourself or the children before school (if you have them) or bedtime affirmations, or laying out your clothes for the next day?

Further Reading & Watching → How To Date Yourself

Nurturing Mind, Body, and Soul

We need to nurture our entire being, mind, body, and soul. What practices support your overall well-being? Is it mindfulness meditation, intentional movement, or nourishing food? By prioritizing well-rounded care, we can cultivate resilience, vitality, and joy in our lives. It also helps us move out of “crisis self-care” and into preventative self-care…so when a crisis does hit we know how to move through it and have systems of support. True wellness and health starts from within.

Watch ↘ Questions for Becoming The Best Version of You

Cultivating Gratitude

I am the first person to tell you that when the shit hits the fan the hardest thing to do is be grateful. When you’re feeling down, brokenhearted, or stressed this is probably the last thing you want to do. However, studies have shown that it is essential to find gratitude in moments of crisis and not after so we do not “hardwire the brain for bad”. Gratitude doesn’t ask you to ignore the serious issues and tragedies - instead, it tells you that too much attention to what’s bad, is bad for you. Taking a moment to pause for gratitude in other areas of your life can bring your awareness to difficulties you have overcome previously and it can help identify your support systems in the moment.

Wellness & Self Care Are Not A Destination

Remember that self-care is not a destination or outcome, but a process and journey. If you take this approach it becomes a series of events in self-discovery, self-love, and self-compassion. Prioritizing your well-being is essential now in our collective shift - you will only be able to show up for community and family if you show up for yourself. No one can pour from an empty cup. I am continuing to explore additional resources, routines, modalities, and support - I encourage you to do the same. I will continue to share what I learn and collect on this site, my YouTube, and my social channels. Whether you choose to join us for "The Shift" sessions or embark on your journey independently, know that you are worthy of care and deserving of love. If you have any additional ideas for moving through please reach out.

→ Futher Reading : Donna’s Journal - Living with Intention in 2024 & Embracing Purpose