5 Useful Tools for the Soul!
as someone who previously struggled in many aspects of my life, anytime i get my hands on something that works and continues to work, i feel a duty to share it! if it helps one person feel slightly better, i count it as a win!
today i am sharing 5 useful tools for the soul, specifically! these are all things i personally use to help get my mind in the right spot so i can accomplish the things i want out of life.
1) a touchy-feely journal!
some people love bullet journaling, some people want the cut and dry planner and this year i have opted to dig deeper. this is new to my life but i am super into it. it’s by the ever brilliant and soul-searchy danielle laporte. i opted for the daily planner (seasonal) but she also has a weekly planner and a journal for those of you who want to be free from the structure! you can tell by my selection that i am quite type A.
i especially love that when i close it, the cover holds the promise of what is inside (based upon my writing and actions). it’s a bit spendy compared to others but it also gives you a lot more than others too. the only draw back is that the paper-type used doesn’t work great with all pens because it’s shiny-ish but i still dig it and use a fine-tip sharpie.
2) “big magic!”
i am sure you have seen big magic floating around the interweb and on instagram. it’s the newest book from elizabeth gilbert and holy smokes is it speaking directly to me right now. i never considered myself a “creative” but really that is fear/self-doubt/lack of confidence kicking in. we are all creative and she shows you how to live courageously beyond fear. super good for the soul and helps move you towards what you want to be doing but sometimes fear gets in the way.
3) headspace mediation
while the headspace meditation app is eventually a paid product, you get an excellent (and free) 10-day introduction to meditation. this is what i used when i first started using meditation to manage my anxiety and it was so helpful to understand the basics. plus, each meditation is only 10 minutes so it feels very doable.
4) #truthbomb deck
this #truthbomb card deck is also by the fab danielle laporte and my sister-in-law got it for me this christmas! they are little white cards with positive and honest affirmations unlike any i’ve seen before! 
some of my top favorites include:
- “risk being disliked (actually, if yourself, it’s inevitable)“
- “your self-expression is a great service to the world“
- “do the f*cking work!“
she shakes you and has a way with words that speak directly into your soul. i sometimes read a few in a day when i needing serious inspiration. i am also pulling the ones out that really speak to me and placing them around my office/home!
5) coloring
ah adult coloring. it’s totally catching on and i am into it (as you can see, my family knows i love it so they have all given me various books). why is coloring a great tool for the soul? i find that when my mind is engaged in something relaxing but still semi-focused, it allows thoughts and ideas to surface in ways that are different than if i simply sat at my desk and said “come forth, genius ideas!” coloring is engaging one part of your brain while allowing other areas to move more freely and it’s awesome.
my favorite coloring book is still THIS one and the vibrant, fine tip markers i love are by staedtler (thanks for the surprise gift, molly!)
i have found that it’s so important that you get your mind right so that you can accomplish the goals and aspirations you have in life! i hope at least one of these tools for the soul helps you in the magical and needed goal you have set for yourself!
what other tools to you use to get in that healthy space?
Elyse
January 6, 2016 at 9:35 am
I jumped on the adult colouring book bandwagon in the spring when work was being particularly crazy and I wanted an alternative to reading but I had no idea that Elizabeth Gilbert had a new book and it looks like something I NEED to read and I absolutely love that card idea! I feel like it would be a great high school or college graduation present for women.
Elyse recently posted…2016 Is All About Service
chelsea
January 6, 2016 at 2:49 pm
oh i think you are really going to LOVE her new book, elyse! i find myself nodding constantly in agreement with what she is writing. and the turthbombs would be an awesome gift for anyone woman! good thinking!
Kate
January 6, 2016 at 1:10 pm
I like those inspirational cards! I am not really into the coloring trend–I actually find that organizing things in my house and cleaning out clutter makes me feel good! If I’m feeling particularly emotional, I like to play some moody music that will make me cry and journal out my feelings. My husband doesn’t understand my need to listen/watch things that make me cry, but it’s such a release to do that!
Kate recently posted…2016 Goals
chelsea
January 6, 2016 at 2:52 pm
they are pretty great and the sayings range from sassy/honest/whoa/perfect 🙂 oh how i wish i could find cleaning out clutter to feel good, kate! my husband says that works for him too but i am rarely motivated to do so.
i am SO glad you understand the need to play moody music that makes you cry!!! THANK YOU! my husband thinks i’m the only one who does this and that it’s super weird “why would you waaant to cry?!” answer: because sometimes you just need to!
Charlene
January 6, 2016 at 1:15 pm
I just bought a Harry Potter coloring book with Christmas money and I already love it!!!
Charlene recently posted…5 Reasons you Struggle to find Time for your Spouse
chelsea
January 6, 2016 at 2:53 pm
ahhhhhh! YES! totally jealous that you got that charlene! glad to hear you are loving it – too cool!
Audrey
January 7, 2016 at 5:57 am
I was just about to suggest the HP coloring book to you! (I have it, but I’m too afraid to put a pen to the pages… HA! Maybe it might cause you more anxiety… oops!) I LOVE THOSE #Truthbomb CARDS! I secretly hoped that I’d scroll down and you’d be doing a give away, hahaha! I’m going to add them to my continuous wishlist that I’ve created for my family & K. (They asked me to make one on Google Drive… I swear I’m not spoiled, haha!)
Audrey recently posted…December Amazon Purchases 2015
chelsea
January 8, 2016 at 10:58 am
oh man, i think i would feel exactly as you do about putting pen to paper on the glorious HP coloring book. yeah, way too much anxiety for me! haha!
i didn’t even think about a giveaway on those #truthbomb cards! that is such a good idea! perhaps i will have to consider a fun way to do that because they really the bomb!