The ONE thing keeping you from SELF-CARE!

There is quite a buzz around the conversation of self-care. In these unsettled times, it isn’t a surprise. 

When life is rocky most of us will ask - how are you? How are you doing? How are you managing?

I recently wrote a blog around - the meaning of self-care? ​

Everyone has their definition of self-care:

• Setting aside time just for you. 

 

• Making sure your own needs become a priority.

 

• Implementing good self-care practices to support your mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing when times are chaotic.

 

• Choosing between fries or exercise.

Is your inner critic whispering judgments in your ear? 

How can you put yourself first? That is being selfish.
 
To be a good person you have to let others go ahead of you. Remember having to give the bigger piece of cake to someone else? Was it good manners or maybe they didn’t want a big piece but they didn’t want to look ungrateful. Everyone loses in this scenario.

When you are clear about your needs, and confidently state them then everyone wins. This allows open dialogue and others feel safe and comfortable in responding to what their needs are. Everyone succeeds in this scenario.

There is an analogy of traveling on an airplane and having to put an oxygen mask on first before you assist your neighbour. It is a good piece of advice.

Having a self-care practice is making sure you have the energy and wellness for yourself before you extend help to others.

This is not putting others last. 

This is not being selfish. 

This is being proactive so you are prepared when called upon.

We may confuse self-care with being luxurious. We may even feel self-care is too expensive. We may even believe self-care is a luxury for the very wealthy. 

Luxury has nothing to do with choosing foods which nourish us. 

It is not a luxury to have some sort of daily practice of exercise. It can be simply walking around the block. Participating in yoga, tai chi or stretching class that is offered via YouTube in the comfort of your living room is not necessarily a luxury. If it is not in your budget to have internet access, get a DVD or books from the library to learn these techniques. 

Daily meditation is free and can be helpful to your mental and emotional body. 

Sometimes we may include a luxury spa day or yoga retreat as part of a self-care experience. For some this is an occasional event, not a daily practice.

The last thing which may be holding you back from a self-care practice, is not being aware of when it is necessary. 

Daily self-care regimes ensure we are aware and notice quickly when we are out of alignment in areas of our body, mind, or spirit. 

And it provides processes to get back on track.

Having shared these reasons I ask again what is the one thing keeping you back from self-care? 

You have a clear sense of the definition of self-care. 

Is there some other reason? 

• Ask is this true? 
• Can you absolutely know it is true? 
• Can you make a different choice?​

It’s never too late to make a change! It’s time to remember and honour your own needs!

Are you looking to create more balance in your life?
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