You deserve self care
Years ago, my husband and I found a self-help book on CD called
by Cheryl Richardson. She talked about what life coaching was, and how she helps people get out of their own way to move forward. One topic she talked about that has stuck with me is the idea of self-care. She talked about being more mindful in how you go about your day. To walk slower. Write slower. Talk slower. To slow down and be intentional. To notice your thoughts and actions throughout the day. To buy yourself flowers. Light a candle and take a soak in the tub. All things to take better care of yourself. For me this is not a natural practice and it takes effort and awareness. Most of the things she talks about don’t take that much extra time. I think I sometimes get in a mindset that I need to put others first. They are more deserving. I put myself last, and then I end up burning out and feeling resentful and exhausted.
We are told, don’t be selfish. We are told to serve and be kind. We are told to get out of ourselves and help others. Yet it seems backwards if it comes at the price of self-neglect. We forget we are also deserving of service, love, support, and kindness. We are expecting it from our external world, when it is our personal job to take really good care of ourselves. Self-care is not selfish. It is empowering ourselves to be better not only for us, but also so we can show up for others in our most present and full selves. It allows us to be more intentional, centered, and calm. We can not be our best selves if we are last on our list. I would encourage you to take the time to find a place each day that is your own space to reconnect with yourself. Find out again what you love. What lights you up. What is it you like to do? And what would put a smile on your face? As you go about your day, find space to just be and notice what is happening, your thoughts, and reactions. Look for ways to slow down. As a gift to yourself, breathe and find space. Ground down into what is real. You are loved, you are whole, and you are supported on all sides. Take really good care of you. You are deserving of love and care.
Here are some ideas to get you started. In taking better care of you, you are also able to be more for those who need you and love you.
Nourish your body with good healthy food
Walk slower
Talk slower
Write slower
Drive slower
Eat slower
Take a bubble bath and light a candle
Use a diffuser with your favorite sent
Go for a walk outside and enjoy nature
Make your favorite cup of tea or coffee
Meditate
Breathe in and out slowly
Exercise and move your body
Take a nap
Buy flowers for yourself
Get a massage
Say 'no' when you need to
Make good sleep a priority
Get a haircut
Take a break from social media
Connect with a friend with a text of appreciation
Have a lunch date with an uplifting friend
Read a good book
Listen to an uplifting podcast
Calendar out large tasks
Keep agreements with yourself and others
Have a morning routine
Smile more (try it!)
Learn something new
Ask for help
There are many more things you could do to take care of yourself. If you need more ideas, there are many websites on the topic. Just know you are not alone and you can do it. Having a daily self-care routine will put you in the right mindset to tackle any problem that comes your way in a centered, more focused and generous way. And who doesn’t want that?