Find Your Version of the Barn

The barn is one of the places where I feel the calmest.

When I’m there, I rarely have my phone with me—except when I sneak it out for the occasional picture because Yates gives me a moment that is simply too good not to capture. 😂

The rest of the time, I’m present.

I’m not responding to notifications. I’m not thinking about the bell on the office door or wondering what needs to be done next. I’m not trying to keep up with everything happening around me.

I can slow down, breathe, and simply be.

I think my nervous system recognizes the barn as a place where it can exhale.

That realization made me wonder: Does everyone have a place like that?

Maybe your place isn’t a barn. It might be your garden, a walking trail, your favorite chair, the kitchen before everyone else wakes up, or your car for a few quiet minutes before you go inside.

It doesn’t need to be somewhere special or Instagram-worthy. It simply needs to be a place where you feel less rushed, less distracted, and more connected to yourself.

My challenge to you this month is to find your version of the barn.

Choose a place or a time each week when you can put your phone away, turn off the notifications, and allow yourself to be fully present—even if it’s only for 10 minutes.

You don’t need to listen to a podcast, complete a task, or use the time to become a better version of yourself. You don’t need to accomplish anything at all.

Simply notice what happens when you create a little quiet.

Does your breathing change? Do your shoulders relax? Does your mind become quieter? Do you feel less rushed or a little more like yourself?

Your nervous system deserves places where it doesn’t have to be on guard.

Once you find that place, protect it. Return to it regularly and allow it to become part of how you care for yourself.

Then let me know what you notice. I would genuinely love to hear where your nervous system goes to exhale. 💙