Almost every day I turn on quiet, soothing music. I read a few pages of an inspiring book to uplift me, to calm and soothe my mind from the daily chaos. I say a quick prayer, followed by 10 minutes of meditation. That is my time to really check in with myself, to connect with my own heart. After my meditation practice I write. This process is an incredibly healing one.

Most of the time I don’t believe I carry much negativity or pain forward with me, and I think it is because of the clarity the meditation and writing ritual provides. So much of what stresses us out in life can be washed away by connecting with the big picture. When I take time to remember what is truly important to me, what really matters in my life, all the little things seem to float away. Taking time each day for self-love and clarity helps keep the pebbles of daily life from building into a wall or blockage.

Life can feel so busy and repetitive sometimes, that without checking in I might not know what my pebbles are, let alone clear them away. Connecting with myself also gives me guidance when I am not sure whether or not to do something, to say yes or no. Clearing my mind of distractions through meditation often reveals the answers I am searching for.

In addition, writing and meditation help to reveal the changes I need to make in my life to stay on course. Through the quiet I can’t escape knowing whether or not my actions are in line with my soul. Am I coming from a place of love or ego? It is all so clear in the silence.

Now that I know how to set aside the distractions, to be still and listen to my heart, I wouldn’t be able to live any other way and feel authentic. Instead of hiding from what lies within I allow it to flow through me. It has proven to be the best gift I could ever give myself.

My intuition is always there; ready to speak, when I am willing to listen.