Where is Your Soul-full Place?

Where is Your Soul-Full Place?

I grew up in Oregon, along the Salem–Portland corridor (I-5). I spent my younger years in Salem and then my college time and medical training in Portland. I loved the environment (yes, even all the rain!) and all the things there were to do, see, and experience. It was fast-paced, engaging, and a wonderful place to grow up. The memories are fantastic.

Amid all that hustle and bustle, I found two places that became my sanctuaries: the coast — specifically Lincoln City — and Silver Falls State Park. (Can you tell I’ve always loved water?) As a teenager, I started going there often. Sometimes with close friends, but mostly on my own, when I needed to relax, unwind, re-center, and just be.

Looking back, I think the need to step away and “just be” came from deep inside me. I’m grateful I listened to that inner nudge. It built a habit of honoring myself enough to step back, listen, and create space when I needed it most.

🌸 Kindness Key: When the voice says, “I don’t have time for me,” reframe it with, “Time for me makes everything else possible.”

Oregon in My Heart, Balance in My Life

I haven’t lived in Oregon for more than 35 years, and I miss it. I haven’t yet found a single spot where I live now that gives me the same sense of peace and connection that the Coast and the Falls did. Those places will always hold my heart.

But here’s what I’ve learned: I can still go there in my mind. I can re-center myself by closing my eyes, picturing the waves, or remembering the smell of pine and waterfalls. It’s a powerful experience — and sometimes, I don’t want to leave.

Today, my life looks very different from it did back then. I’ve been a primary caregiver for both my parents, I’ve walked through breast cancer survivorship, and I’ve stepped into new roles as an advocate, businesswoman, and cheerleader for others. The demands are constant, and while I may not have the Oregon coast outside my door, I’ve learned to create my own places of peace right here, right now.

Some days, I journal in the morning and head to my favorite Pilates class, and other days, I take a slow walk, tend to plants, or even take a “pause” during my skincare routine. These small rituals have become my “Coast” and my “Falls” — touchpoints of calm that remind me to breathe, listen, and keep going.

Finding Your Place

Do you have a place where you go to relax, unwind, and just be? Maybe it’s a physical destination — the mountains, the lake, or even a favorite park. Or maybe it’s a simple moment — a cup of tea, a quiet prayer, or a few minutes with a good book.

Whatever it looks like, giving yourself permission to step into that place matters. Because the constant demand of others can be hard to live with over time. Stress, burnout, compassion fatigue, even withdrawal — they’re all signs of reaching maximum bandwidth. And that is never good for anyone. (trust me, I know!)

When you are centered within yourself, caring for others (and yourself) becomes much easier and more fulfilling. It comes from a place of wanting to help, not having to help.

🌿 Gentle Reminder: Pausing in your place of peace is not indulgence — it’s restoration.

The Gift of Permission

I may not always have the sand beneath my toes or the sound of waterfalls in my ears, but I’ve learned that balance isn’t about the exact place — it’s about the permission to pause. It’s about providing self-care to myself, so I can show up with energy, strength, care, compassion, and empathy.

So I’ll ask you: Where is your place? Can you get there today, one way or another? Will you give yourself the gift of going — even if only in your mind?

I’d love to hear about the places that matter most to you and why. Sometimes, just sharing them is enough to take you there. As for me? I’m feeling the beach sand between my toes right now.

🪞 Your soul-full place is where you feel grounded, seen, and at peace — a space that restores your energy and reminds you of who you are. Maybe it’s by the water, under the trees, in your garden, or curled up with a favorite book. Wherever it is, give yourself permission to go there often. Your soul deserves the same care and attention you give to everything else in your life.

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