Sometimes deciding to detox and refresh is a challenge in choosing to give ourselves grace. At least that’s what I’m experiencing only a few weeks into #SummerRefresh.

It’s easy for me to minimize the need to detox as a part of self-care. The temptation to go back to what is more comfortable pulls strong. My imagination and creativity comes up short with the distraction of responsibilities. And I’ve had to give myself a few pep talks along the way.

How about you?

Have you battled guilt?

Are you struggling with separation anxiety when it comes to your To-Do list?

Does the thought of losing time cause you stress?

Have you found yourself distracted by chaos while attempting to invest in you?

In letting go, are you realizing the pressure you’re under to be “more-than” or “just-as-good” as someone else?

If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, start detoxing now by simply acknowledging where you are and embracing an authentic choice. Free of guilt or scolding. Void of expectations or shame.

Soul-deep detox begins with the choice to extend grace.

It’s a lesson I’m pouring over this week with a little help from Emily Ley in her book, Grace, Not Perfection: Embracing Simplicity, Celebrating Joy.

I’m realizing there’s often a disconnect in my ability to give myself the same kind of grace I offer others. Although I would never expect others to do it all, and I would think it completely unfair to place unrealistic standards on anybody else…I do these very things to myself.

Trying to burn the candle at both ends to avoid failure and disappointment

Expecting an impossible standard of perfection

Comparing myself to those who seem to have it all together and are well on their way to living their dreams

Compromising my heart to chase false happiness

I’ve not been very successful at self-care for my soul. And it often leaves me exhausted, anxious and unfulfilled. Feeling like Emily – “I have to make life happen in order for it to be good.”

Maybe you feel the same.

And maybe the answer lies in understanding the true nature of grace. How it to releases us instead of binds us to perfection. And how it offers a safe place to exhale beyond the constraints of failure and unmet expectations. How it gives us permission to be real and vulnerable and true to our own heart.

In the midst of all of this humanness, grace steps in to fill the gaps and calls us back to truth.

To a slow and authentic rhythm of life lived out in unconditional love and freedom.

Soul-deep detox begins with the choice to extend grace. Share on X

So I’m slowing down. I’m simplifying. Offering myself grace and letting it seep into the places which have been depleted for so long. I’m breathing deeply and with each exhale, I’m discovering a little bit more of who I am – my passions, limitations and deepest desires.

I’m intentionally choosing life. A more authentic life.

Because a life drenched in grace is a life at rest.

A life at rest is a life fulfilled.

A life fulfilled is a life of joy.