FW 83 - The Oasis Effect - How to Pause, Recharge, and Propel Forward

“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." -Isaiah 40:30-31

Introduction:

Hey FIERCE Mama,

Welcome to the FIERCE Wednesdays newsletter, where I provide weekly tips and stories to help visionary moms fulfill their purpose and love life. I do this weekly through my FIERCE methodology, which you can read in four minutes or less. Each tip/story will fall into one of my six-step FIERCE methodology steps. Click here to learn more about the FIERCE methodology. 

Let's discuss something special this week—our version of finding an oasis in the desert.

This description from Thoughtco explains the concept of an oasis:

An oasis is a lush green area in the middle of a desert, centered around a natural spring or a well. It is almost a reverse island because it is a tiny area of water surrounded by a sea of sand or rock. For centuries, the sight of an oasis on the horizon has been a very welcome one for desert travelers. Caravans in desert areas such as Africa's Sahara or the dry regions of Central Asia have long depended on such oases for food and water, both for their camels and their drivers, during difficult desert crossings. Today, some pastoral peoples in western Africa still depend on oases to keep themselves and their livestock alive as they travel through deserts between different grazing areas. In addition, many kinds of desert-adapted wildlife will seek water and also take shelter from the blazing sun in local oases.

However, it is essential to note that an oasis is never the final destination for a weary traveler; it is a place to rest, refresh, and recharge before continuing the journey.

How does the concept of an oasis apply to our individual lives?

Mothers often juggle countless responsibilities, from managing households to nurturing their families and pursuing their careers or personal interests. It’s a demanding role, and burnout can sneak up quickly without proper breaks. This is why we should create our oasis amid all the busyness of life. A personal retreat is a great way to do this, and it provides us with a chance to recharge and refocus. 

Stepping away from daily routines provides mental space, helping to reduce stress and promote clearer thinking. Time off allows us to return to our daily lives with renewed patience and energy. Additionally, retreats can be powerful opportunities for self-reflection and personal growth.

A few budget-friendly, easy ways to create a retreat are:

1. Transform a part of your home into a retreat space. It could be as simple as a cozy corner with a comfortable chair, soft lighting, and your favorite books or music. Declare it a no-interruption zone for certain hours of the day.

2. A Nature Escape - Nature has a calming effect, and it costs nothing to visit a local park or take a quiet walk in the woods. The key is to disconnect from your phone and connect with the surroundings.

3. Digital Detox: Dedicate a weekend to a digital detox. Turn off your electronics and immerse yourself in activities you usually don’t have time for, like reading, prayer, sleep, or reflection.

4. Journaling - Buy a beautiful journal to express thoughts, dreams, and reflections. Sometimes, a quiet hour spent journaling can be as rejuvenating as a weekend away.

So what do you do when it’s time to leave your oasis? I get it—jumping back into the daily grind after catching a break can sometimes feel tougher than if we’d just kept going. 

So here are a few tips to help us get moving again after we've taken that much-needed pause:

Post-break, keep things light. Set tiny, doable goals to ease back into the flow. Maybe it’s tackling a small chore, doing a 10-minute workout, or setting aside a few minutes to sketch or write. Little wins make the transition smoother.

Keep Your Dreams in Sight. Why are we pushing forward? Hang up some photos, inspiring quotes, or anything else that reminds you of your ‘why.’

Rally Your Support Squad. Just like travelers in the desert find solace in numbers at an oasis, we thrive when we lean on each other. Touch base with your “FIERCE mom” squad, plan a quick catch-up, or just send a text to share a slice of your day. Connecting can give us that extra boost to keep going.

Remember, these breaks aren’t the finish line. They’re just a pause—a chance to soak up some strength for the next leg of our adventure. When you’re ready, you'll stand up, shake off the rest, and set off again, ready to tackle whatever comes next with a little more pep.

Hang in there, FIERCE Mama —you're doing great, and I'm right here with you.

I celebrate you, dear visionary mama, and would love to be a part of your journey and support you.

Stay FIERCE and relentless in your pursuit of significance!

Ugochi

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QUOTE OF THE DAY 

"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." - Isaiah 40:30-31

Szczepanski, Kallie. "What Is an Oasis in the Desert?" ThoughtCo, Feb. 16, 2021, thoughtco.com/what-is-an-oasis-195360.