Good Morning!
How’s your week? What are you doing to take care of yourself? Have you made self-care a part of your daily life? Are you a priority to you? Do you squeeze in six minutes a day for self-care? (This is not the part where you list your excuses – it’s the part where you just begin).
How do you start? Let’s review where we’ve been so far:
- Attitude of Gratitude – Every day brings opportunity to be thankful. While miracles and life-altering experiences are wonderful, everyday occurrences are full of reasons for appreciation. Seek out gratitude every single day in a concrete way and your perspective will change. People are wishing for what you have today.
- Thank You is a Complete Sentence -Period. When we explain away a compliment, we dismiss the importance of the person giving it. You look beautiful and strong whether you are wearing black or any other color from the clearance or couture rack. Your hair is on point whether you just stepped out of the salon or it’s day 3 of dry shampoo. Just say thank you and accept the grace you have been given.
- The Practice of Letting Go – Easier said than done, of course, and a practice that requires practice. Arm yourself will weapons to defend against the anxiety beast. Take a breath. Find a release. Let go and hold on to something bigger than you. Stress will exist as long as there is breath in our lungs, but the beast can be put to rest when we practice letting go.
- A Simple Shuttle Launch -Connect! Are you feeling like you are on an island fighting the anxiety beast in a solo mission? Pick up the phone and reach out to a firehouse friend NOW! Taking care of yourself includes connecting to those who love you. Send a text. Make a call. Schedule a girls night. Just reach out and feel the power in the bond of friendship.
- What Are You About? – Don’t forget about the SELF part of self-care. Connect and find comfort in you. Stop being your harshest critic and practice accepting you – all of you. Stay in the moment and be mindful of your thoughts. It can be dangerous walking around in your mind alone, so practice managing your thoughts and be your own biggest fan.
- Practice Imperfectly – JUST DO IT! Journaling on the porch. Deep breathing at the red light. It doesn’t need to be post-worthy to be worth-while of your time. There is no right way to be kind to yourself.
- Expectations Are Pre-existing Resentments – Schedule time for nothingness. Sit still. Stop with the 20-item-To-Do-List. Your entire life doesn’t require an agenda. Let life create moments you can be present in.
Well, that’s a wrap! Here is your “self-care-cheat-sheet”. Please share how you practice! Let me know what works and what doesn’t.
Thanks for reading & have a great day!