Life Balance- Self Care
By Robyn Wright/ Personal & Relationship Life Coach
Does it seem that you have so many responsibilities in your life you forget or neglect to take care of yourself? Maybe it’s not a matter of so many responsibilities, but just a few BIG responsibilities that leave you believing you have too little time…or too little energy…for You. Or maybe you believe that with your busy schedule, taking time out for just You would be selfish when so many other people or things require your attention. Maybe it’s all of the above?
In an attempt to make our lives richer, fuller or more meaningful we often take on more and more and work ourselves into oblivion trying to wear too many hats, sometimes all at once. The danger in continually looking outward for the joy we desire is realized when we fail to nourish the essence of where the joy will be found…inside. You….yourSelf.
Prioritizing the nourishment of Self is the act of cherishing oneself.
When we begin to feel burned-out, overwhelmed, irritable, or on-the-edge, what do we hear calling from deep within? A call for rest? A call for a time out? A call to re-group? A call for quiet? A call for peace? What is it about our conditioning that drives us to the brink before we will listen to that still small voice?
What would happen if we listened to that still small voice before it became the scream of a hysterical, out-of-control woman? Hmmmm. What if?
What if caring for yourself became as natural as breathing for you?
Your breathing is your greatest friend. Return to it in all your troubles and you will find comfort and guidance. – The Teaching of Buddhist Master
What if you adopted the practice of self-care, even if by baby steps, and began to experience the glow that comes from finding even a moment’s inner peace on a daily basis? What if by practicing self-care you found you actually had more energy? What if by becoming aware of your inner needs, your authentic creativity and cheerful attitude began to flow more freely?
What if by loving yourself first, you found it easier to welcome love (in all its forms) into your life? What if you chose to let go of the continual series of events and dramas that deplete your energy and traded them in for passion and personal empowerment? What if you found that by loving yourself first, your love for others was more authentic?
When you can lovingly be present to yourself, your presence to others takes on a deeper quality also. –MacRin A Wiederkehr
Sounds good doesn’t it? Key is…are you worth being cherished? In a quiet place, I invite you to delve into your heart of hearts and find the “yes” longing to be embraced. When that happens, you will find the practice of self-care an essential part of your Being.
To begin, you may want to make a list of ways to cherish yourself. Think of the things in life that bring joy and pleasure to your soul. Keep it ongoing and place it in a spot where the list will remind you to do something nice for yourself on a regular basis. (If you need a jumpstart for ideas, see the list I started below.)
And then the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.- Anais Nin
Blossom away!
I Cherish Me List:
1. Take time to breathe and breathe deeply.
2. Drink lots of pure clean water.
3. Smile when you talk on the phone.
4. Stretch when you feel tense.
5. Pick a flower.
6. Curl up in a comfy chair.
7. Take some quiet time during the day just for you.
8. Put on your favorite music and open up your ears and heart.
9. Go for a walk, a jog, or a run by yourself.
10. Clean out a closet or a drawer.
11. Get complete about one thing you have left undone.
12. Read something wonderful.
13. Slip into a bubble bath and stay there as long as you like.
14. Speak with complete honesty.
15. Learn something fun and new.
16. Tell someone just how much they mean to you.
17. Create a special “getaway spot” – your self-care sanctuary.
18. Make a “Do not disturb” sign for your door to hang up when you want time just for you.
19. Make a Self-Care Calendar and mark out times just for you.
20. Write a “Let it go” letter about something it is time to let go of.
21. Explore ways to really relax.
22. Write a list of things that make you smile and post it where you can see it daily.
23. Create a self-care network (friend or family member) that supports you as you learn how to take better care of you.
24. Sit outdoors and listen to birdsong.
25. Make a date with a star-filled sky.
26. Get rid of a piece of clothing that no longer flatters you.
27. Turn off the TV.
28. Give a genuine compliment…to yourself.
29. Be aware of disempowering thoughts or words you use. Replace with something affirming.
30. Deep condition your hair.
31. Plan your next vacation…or simply your next day off.
32. Feel gratitude. What are you thankful for in this moment?
33. Laugh at your humanity. Mistakes are opportunities for new creation.
34. Exercise in a way that makes you feel like you just did something marvelous.
35. Practice getting really good at saying yes when you mean yes and no when you mean no.
36. Go on a picnic.
37. Invite your creativity out to play – draw, paint, dance, sing, write, weave, stitch, garden…
38. Be willing to receive.
39. Invite yourself into awareness of those things that prevent you from being all you Are.
40. Tend to your body with loving care. Use lotion you love, brush your hair, floss your teeth.
41. Nurture yourself with simple aromatherapy … smell something delightful.
42. Develop a meditation practice.
43. Get a good night’s sleep.
44. Watch the sunrise…or sunset.
45. Practice forgiveness, for yourself and others.
46. Eat something truly nourishing.
47. Laugh out loud every chance you get.
48. Write a love letter to yourself.
49. Write about one of your gifts.
50. Look in the mirror and say “I love you.”
Robyn Wright/ Personal & Relationship Life Coach/www.something-more.com
© Copyright October 12, 2010 by Robyn Wright
