I love to read – and love it when a book is recommended to me. I don’t always rush out and buy the book however – but tuck the information away – to maybe act on at a later time.

One such book – that was recommended to me a while ago – was called – ‘Try Softer’ – an intriguing title to be sure – and I was interested to read it.

In no way am I intending to write a ‘book review’ – or indeed – to particularly recommend it. Different books appeal – and are relevant to us as individuals – at different times in our lives. I’m simply sharing some thoughts – that I have found relevant – to me – on the journey I find myself on. In fact I have not yet read the whole book – but early on – my interest was piqued by the statement – “Learning to try softer – is not a one time event – but a way we learn – to be with ourselves”.

This is something that I have been aiming at – in recent months – a different way to – ‘do life’ – away from the stress and expectations – so often placed upon me – learning that I don’t have to take on board the notion – that I need to do more – try harder – there is a better way.

“In a world that keeps telling us to try harder – just keep going – keep pretending we’re fine – we’re left exhausted – overwhelmed – and so numb to our lives – – it doesn’t have to be that way”

A further quote from the book – emphasises this for me – ” it might sound like a good and noble thing to be acutely aware of others – but not of ourselves – it’s not. When we are not paying attention to our inner worlds – we are susceptible to emotional burnout – exhaustion – etc. It’s important that we become better and more effective at listening – and responding – to what our minds and bodies are telling us. This is the journey – of trying softer”

0r – put another way – “Trying softer is the path that leads to true connection and joy. It begins when we mindfully listen to what’s on the inside of us – and let that influence how we look and act – on the outside”

I love this ‘softer’ approach to life. As I have begun to listen more to what it is my mind – body – and spirit need – I have begun to feel far more relaxed – enjoying the slower rhythm of life – learning to be kinder to myself – and in turn – influencing the way I see others – helping me to ‘go softer’ – as a new way of living.

I am not there yet! This is ‘life’ – not a ‘quick fix’ – I continue to learn – to listen – to read – to seek to put into practice those things that speak to my soul – that through it all – my life may be richer – fuller – but most of all – softer.

Blessings Lois