This idea of self-care has come up a lot for me recently. With COVID-19, Black Lives Matter, and the rollercoaster that has been 2020, it feels like now, more than ever the world is aching for space to think. To reconsider our values and how we treat those around us. All of this starts first with how we treat ourselves.
I challenge you to allow space for yourself to think today, to explore, and to look within and think about your values. What do you care about? What feels important to you? Where did your ideals and values come from? What and who around you helped to shape them? How open are you to expanding on old and exploring new values?
I encourage you to take time for self-care. This could look like anything from pausing to take a deep breath, to writing a short affirmation on a sticky note, to taking 15 minutes to read your favorite book.
It doesn't have to be long, only meaningful.
Next, express gratitude for yourself for taking those few moments to pause and check-in. Notice any changes you feel as you begin prioritizing acts of self-care and these actions become more normalized. Observe any judgements, any barriers that arise.
I understand, life gets busy. It is easy to put others before ourselves. It is easy to brush off 5 minutes and say "I don't have time for that, I have to _____". But what is really being avoided? - the chance to explore our values, our thoughts, and how our hearts align with our mind and actions.
Practice self-care. By doing so, you will cultivate more love for yourself, feel more energized and alive. All of which will flow naturally into your surroundings and the lives you come in contact with.
Below is one of my favorite quotes, one which I reflect on often. I encourage you to read it a couple times and think about what it means to you to allow space between a stimulus and a response. Space between an initial thought and resulting action, an assumption and a judgement. What do you notice when you take a moment of pause?
With Care and Respect,
NuWell Family
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