Elevate Your Life: Why Everyone Needs a Spiritual Toolkit

“Everything changes when spirit leads the way.”

For 17 years, I've lived with degenerative spinal stenosis, refusing to let it define me. By tapping into spiritual wellness, I’m thriving with no prescription medication and no surgery - just an intentional practice that has carried me further than what any doctor said I'd go.

This same practice has guided me for nearly a decade as caregiver and wellness coach for Mia, a stroke warrior who is also thriving.  But none of this would happen without the right tools — what I call “a spiritual toolkit.”

What exactly is a spiritual toolkit? It’s a personal collection of practices, beliefs, and resources that does three things: 1) Nurtures your spiritual development; 2) transforms your life; and 3) helps you navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and joy.

Building a spiritual toolkit is a personal experience open to everyone, regardless of religious or spiritual tradition. Because each of our journeys is unique, customizing your kit to reflect your beliefs, preferences, and lifestyle is important. When building a kit, it’s critical to be open to change. As we grow, our needs and understanding of what supports us can shift, so a toolkit should evolve along with you.

I created my first toolkit 30 years ago, consisting of only three things:  a gratitude book, a pen, and a journal – what I now refer to as my “power tools.”  Listed below is what I currently have in my toolkit. As you can see, it’s grown over the years:

·     A Journal – the “power tool” that details my blessons.

·     A Pen – the “power tool” that captures my blessons and makes them real.

·     A Gratitude list – the “power tool” that keeps my blessons flowing.

·     Books/Guides/ Inspirational Reading –that align with my beliefs and values.

·     A Highlighter – to mark meaningful messages.

·     Index cards – to record and organize meaningful messages and writing ideas.

·     Sticky notes – my temporary reminders.

·     Breathing Techniques – to keep me calm.

·     Music – to lift my spirit.

·     Guardian Angels – A list of my “childhood champions.”

·     A small storage box or pouch - to keep everything together and organized.

The true power of your spiritual toolkit comes from using it regularly by weaving its practices into your morning and/or evening wind-down routine. You don’t have to use every tool every day, but not a day should pass that you don’t use the “power tools” - Gratitude, a Journal, and a Pen –tools that help create real solutions.

Just as every home needs trusted tools like a hammer and screwdriver to keep it operating smoothly, every individual needs a spiritual toolkit. It’s where the ongoing journey to wellness begins and grows, and unlike most tools, it costs less than $3 (small change) to buy the “power tools” - the ones you can always rely on.

Build your spiritual toolkit today; Be Well!

Not sure how to begin? Contact me at smallchange@myrtlerussell.com

For additional wellness tips, subscribe to my small change Weekly Wellness Tips at https://www.myrtlerussell.com/contact-us.