When your Emotional Fitness Needs Some TLC

Last Week I Became My Own Client

I was feeling flat, unmotivated, and, as I discovered, disillusioned.

It felt heavy, overwhelming, and extremely uncomfortable. I couldn't decide what to eat and was consuming too much sugar. I was mindlessly scrolling, going to bed later than normal, and waking up at the dreaded 3am. I was tired and struggling to focus.

I was dis-regulated with no sense of alignment.

I'd misplaced my wellbeing toolbelt and wandered into the swamp.

I could have ignored what was trying to be revealed, which I'd clearly been doing for some time. I was stuck in a disillusioned swamp, but I gave myself a choice: keep feeling this way or practice what I preach.

I allowed myself time to poke around this feeling of disillusionment. It was everywhere - from world events to how I was working, to my relationships.

Just connecting to the feeling of disillusionment was a step forward.

The RAIN Process: My Way Back to Alignment

Years ago, a kinesiologist taught me the RAIN process: Recognise, Allow, Investigate, and Nurture. Developed by Tara Brach as a radical act of compassion, it's a framework for working with difficult emotions. [Read more here]

I began moving through RAIN. Here's what that looked like over the past week:

Recognised and understood the what and why by asking myself some uncomfortable questions. What was I really feeling? Where was this disillusionment showing up?

Allowed myself time to poke around without judgment. I wrote down answers to probing questions, unaware of where it would lead me.

Investigated deeper by sharing with my husband what I was experiencing as I started making sense of it all. Saying it out loud helped me see patterns I'd been missing.

Nurtured myself by taking action on things I had been ignoring or simply couldn't be bothered doing—important things that would support my wellbeing.

The most significant nurturing act was a three-day water fast—a chance for a reset on multiple levels. A true way of clearing, letting go, and resetting my body, energy, hormones, and perspective. Bonus: no food prep, no cooking!

Day 1 was easier than I thought.

Day 2 kicked me around—I had to listen, adjust, and question if this was right for me.

Day 3 I felt like I was sailing on calm waters after navigating a storm. I had given my body—physically and energetically—a deep spring clean.

(To explore water fasting, please check with your GP. The resources I used: Dr Mindy Pelz and Dr Alan Goldhamer watch here listen here)

Once I supported my nervous system and made space for what was real, things started flowing again. The disillusionment I'd been feeling? It was actually wisdom trying to break through. I drained the swamp

Your Turn: Drain Your Own Swamp

When did you last check in with yourself—really check in?

If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, it might be time to drain your own swamp.

Start with these three questions:

1. What am I avoiding looking at right now?

2. Where in my life do I feel most out of alignment?

3. What one small action could I take today to support my wellbeing?

The RAIN process doesn't require dramatic gestures (though sometimes a water fast calls to you). It starts with recognition and allowing what's present to be present.

Sometimes we need support to see our own blind spots. If you're ready to uncover what's keeping you stuck and build your emotional fitness, I'd love to support you.

Book a session here and let's navigate your way back to alignment together.

What's one area of your life that's calling for attention? 

Share in the comments below or reach out - I'd love to hear about your own journey back to alignment.

Remember: You already have your wellbeing toolbelt; sometimes you just need to remember where you left it.

And if you've wandered into your own swamp....

That's not a problem. It's an invitation💚