Good for the Soul

I have a photography web group I participate in. It's a small group of women who love photography and have come to it various different ways. It's a nice place to share and learn in a safe environment. We have weekly photo challenges as a way to challenge ourselves to look at things in a different way. Last week's challenge was "Good for the Soul." And that was a challenge that stuck with me this week - what's good for my soul?

I settled on this image, these books as good for my soul. I have 4 books and 2 journals in progress. This in itself is an amazing feat. I used to have "rules" that governed my reading. Unstated rules and limits like:
- You must read every book start to finish before you start the next one.
- You cannot have more than one book in progress.
- Non-fiction is boring.
- You do not re-read books.

For journals I had rules too:
- If you start one, you must start with a fresh book.
- You must write in your journal every day if you have one.
- You must have some topic to write about.
- Only one at a time.

I've broken all those "rules" that were limiting me, and that is good for my soul. I read what I feel like, when I feel like it. Sometimes I'm in the mood for my own development, sometimes I want to read about other's experiences, sometimes I'm in the mood for pure escape. I pick up what feels right at the moment. I re-read something if it strikes me. For my journals, sometimes they have a purpose and sometimes they don't. Sometimes I journal about what is going on in my life. Sometimes I journal about a word or a feeling. Sometimes I don't journal at all. It's all good.

Good for my soul.

A couple of little plugs for a couple of books -

- I started Simple Abundance: A Day Book of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach on January 1. A friend had gotten it for me so that she knew someone else would be doing it at the same time. I'm finding it fantastic. If you want to join along with this little journey - there are no "rules" or expectations of progress - buy the book and let's chat about what strikes you!

- I've started Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck at the recommendation of my friend Jenny, of Rising Sun Coaching. She also has a North Star Companion workbook and audio guide that she has created, which I'm really enjoying as I start to go through the book. I highly recommend it and would welcome any one else on this journey as well. Sometimes just knowing someone else is doing or reading the same thing helps keep you moving!

No matter where you are or what you are doing, I hope you are finding something good for your soul in your life.