In a world where we are constantly being asked to take care of others, we also need to take care of ourselves. This is where self-care comes in. Self-care is essential to being a whole person – and leads us to more authenticity. It is sad that we need to learn this at an older age – I wish it were taught to us back in elementary school. If I could go back and effect our primary school lessons, I would add classes about self-respect, self-care, and self-love. The idea behind this is that once we learn these it is easier to know how to provide others with the same thing. For example, when I respect myself enough to take downtime or time to rejuvenate, I will immediately recognize and respect others when they do the same. Additionally, when I know how to take care of myself (physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually), I will then encourage others to do the same. Finally, when I know what self-love feels like, I become a healthier version of myself. This all leads to more authenticity. Exercise...Let’s take a moment to do an exercise. With a paper and pen, or on your computer create four different sections: 1) Physically 2) Emotionally 3) Mentally 4) Spiritually These are the four main aspects of the self. Now, below each section write down action items that will promote self – respect, care, and love. What does it look like in action for you? This is a wonderful exercise to do individually, or in a group. Example of Exercise...Self-Respect, Self-Care, Self-Love 1) Physically
a. Self-Respect in Action i. Standing up straight ii. Holding my head up iii. Move in the world authentically b. Self-Care in Action i. Eat healthy foods ii. Exercise (even if it is taking a walk) iii. Take time to relax and rejuvenate c. Self-Love in Action i. Take time to do things that I enjoy – a hobby, reading, creating ii. Spend a little extra time grooming myself iii. Spend a little extra money on purchasing gifts for myself 2) Emotionally a. Self-Respect in Action i. Know that my emotions are valid – and are an authentic part of me ii. Express my emotions in a diary or to a trusted source iii. Listen to another person and how they are responding to their world b. Self-Care in Action i. Take time to feel my feelings ii. Draw a picture of how I am feeling in order to connect deeper iii. Take time out to process my feelings c. Self-Love in Action i. Do not judge my feelings ii. Understand that I am feeling what I am feeling for a reason iii. Accept my feelings 3) Mentally a. Self-Respect in Action i. Learn something new ii. Don’t put my mental state down iii. Know what I know b. Self-Care in Action i. Process my thoughts with a diary ii. Process my thoughts with another person iii. Listen to another person’s view and identify c. Self-Love in Action i. Positive affirmations ii. Read a good book iii. Watch a good movie 4) Spiritually a. Self-Respect in Action i. Stand tall within my being ii. Know that I do not have to believe everything that another believes iii. Give myself permission to believe what makes sense to me b. Self-Care in Action I. Take time to meditate ii. Take time to learn more about spiritually iii. Take time to rest spiritually c. Self-Love in Action i. Be grateful that I am who I am ii. Be happy that I am who I am iii. Be curious enough to continue to learn and grow in my authenticity Granddaughter Crow
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