Hello Beautiful Souls- Today I am thinking of the importance of self-care.
Self-care comes in all different forms and carries different meanings from person to person. Do you take time to for you? Do you intentionally offer yourself the gift of unlimited, unselfish acts of love that offer internal balance for improved health and well- being?
Recently I made a commitment to do just that. This is my testimony of the last three weeks spent on a Me Retreat. I recently decided to devote some time to personal projects, intentions and goal setting. I decided that a carb and sugar detox would help to boost creativity and provide optimal clarity and focus (and besides I was in need of kicking my sugar addiction to the curb…Again!) I continued all of my daily well-being practices, the rituals that bring balance, joy and peace to my life. I felt more relaxed and more in tune to me. I meditated each morning which offered more intense, profound and magical discoveries. I practiced yoga, keeping me mindful of my breath and movement. When the weather cooperated, I spent some time outdoors listening to nature and felt more connected. I paid attention to my energy centers and my body, raising my intuition and self-awareness to a greater level.
Personally, I find that I accomplish more if I set small goals over long term projects or intentions. I am able to hold myself accountable and this proves to be beneficial in attaining a desired outcome. If I have learned nothing else through this self-care process, it definitely has taught me patience.
Self-patience is Self-care.
Time away, time for ourselves shouldn’t feel selfish. In fact it is one of the most selfless acts you can do to promote well-being in your self-care arsenal. You know how much better you feel after a good rest, after a relaxation period? Whether that’s sitting quietly for 10 minutes, adopting a meditation practice, flowing with your breath in an hour long yoga class, relaxing in a 45 minute bubble bath, indulging in a massage, pampering yourself with a manicure, or spoiling yourself with a spa day. It can be affordable, costing nothing or perhaps a few bucks. Self-care does not have to cost anything. Do what works for you. Whatever or whenever you can give yourself the gift of time, take it. You deserve it. Your family deserves it. Make it a priority. Make you a priority. Before my Me Retreat, my blood pressure was not at the best it’s been lately and because I took the time to pay attention to my body and its behavior, I knew it was higher than normal. Two days into my Me Retreat, my numbers had improved and by this morning, my blood pressure was back to a lovely 116 over 74. Amazing what some self-love can do for the heart.
I know what it feels like to be overwhelmed by life. I have a family, a husband and children, a house to take care of, and a full-time job. Our kids have moved out on their own, but I have replaced their interests with my own, which keeps me incredibly busy. I no longer need to keep track of their social calendars or their daily activities but clearing the way to recognize some of my own interests has offered extra time to dedicate to some creative freedoms too. I am responsible for creating some me time and I am happy to be healthy and strong enough to embrace all of my interests. Please don’t subscribe to the notion that you don’t have time because you do. Excuses are easy. Excuses help feed your negative self-talk. If self-care has not been a priority for you, I implore you to make it a priority.
Intention set. Goals reached. Self-love plus self-care equals balance in mind, body, and spirit.
Pay attention to you and your needs. Fill yourself up. Don’t rely on someone else to do that for you. Be realistic and set attainable goals. Everything you want can be yours.
Reset and reclaim.
It’s amazing what some self-care can do for your soul.
Create your own internal balance.
Micki xo