Try Softer, Not Harder

note from jamie

I like to share things that light me up, fill me with joy, and make my life easier. Nothing is sponsored. These are just things that are helping me along my journey.

Try Softer, Not Harder

I recently came across a simple phrase that stopped me in my tracks:

Try softer, not harder.

It immediately resonated with me. I took a screenshot so I could come back to it, thinking there was something there I needed to understand. I wasn't exactly sure what it meant yet, but I had a feeling it was a lesson I needed in this season of life.

I'm someone who loves to move. I work out almost every day. Strength training. Walking. Biking. Jumping on my trampoline. I genuinely enjoy it, and during the summer, I feel like I could do it all. The days are longer, warmer, and somehow everything feels a little lighter.

Before our trip to Orlando, I decided to give myself permission to skip my traditional workouts. For nine days, I didn't lift a single weight.

Instead, we walked... a lot.

We swam... a lot.

We explored.

We laughed.

We made memories.

When I got home, I noticed something unexpected. I felt lighter. Yes, physically—but even more so emotionally.

That little phrase came back to me.

Try softer, not harder.

I've realized I spend a lot of time pushing. Even with things I love. I don't like taking rest days because movement makes me feel good... until I push so much that my foot hurts. Or my hip reminds me I've done enough.

Our bodies need recovery just as much as they need movement. That's where healing happens. That's where muscles rebuild. Sometimes doing less isn't falling behind—it's exactly what's needed.

It made me wonder where else I could try softer.

The way I eat.

My bedtime routine.

My work.

Even my chores.

This summer, instead of asking, "How do I fit in every workout?" I'm asking, "What sounds joyful today?"

A bike ride? Perfect.

Another bike ride tomorrow? Even better.

Jumping on my trampoline because it makes me feel like a kid? Absolutely.

I ate the ice cream in Orlando.

I'm eating watermelon because it's perfectly ripe right now.

As I write this, I'm sitting outside while Emma is at volleyball practice. (See above photo.) I could be inside in the air conditioning, but this beautiful summer evening feels too good to miss.

Yesterday I met a friend for breakfast. Today I met another for lunch. Afterward, instead of rushing back to work, I wandered through a nearby sculpture garden simply because I didn't feel like hurrying.

I'm relishing.

And maybe that's what "trying softer" means to me.

Not caring less.

Not doing less.

Just releasing the constant need to optimize every moment.

To linger.

To notice.

To enjoy.

To be fully present in this beautiful season before it slips away.

Summer has always been my favorite season. This year, I don't just want to get through it.

I want to savor it.

xoxo,

Jamie

Inspiration

Nourish Pick of the Week

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