Always do your best……….practice extreme self-care every day. Self-care is an important commitment that we all need to make in our lives. It is a commitment that takes patience, and practice….and one that requires us at least initially to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. We will need to get over our fears of being judged and criticized by those closest to us. Our long held beliefs teach us that to make our own needs a priority is selfish and yet intellectually we know that to always place everyone else ahead of us, means that eventually we are left feeling empty and exhausted… and with those feelings we change the place the care comes from; people don’t get our best, they get what is left.
We are taught when we fly, in an emergency to place the mask over our own face first; so that we can help others to do the same…..what a beautiful metaphor to help govern our lives. Most of us are caught between the pain of something and the pleasure…..we make decisions to avoid pain, and take us closer to pleasure. But if we want to live an authentic life, then we need to master the art of disappointing or upsetting others and come to terms with the reality that some people just won’t like us. Our ability to do so allows us to have a life that truly reflects our deepest values. It allows us to teach those around us too. A mother or father who make their own needs a priority rather than only responding to the needs of their families – raises more confident and independent children. In our world…..we are always leading by example…..everything we do communicates. What do your examples teach those around you…..and what do they say about the vision you have for your life?
Cheryl Richardson said “Enjoying a life of extreme self-care means living and working in a soul nurturing environment. Developing a greater appreciation for, and connection with, nature; doing work that provides an opportunity to express your greatest gifts and talents; and caring for your emotional, physical, and spiritual health in a way that’s aligned with who you are and what you most need. I’ve learned that when we care for ourselves deeply and deliberately, we naturally begin to care for others, our families, our friends, and the world in a healthier and more effective way. We make choices from a place of love and compassion, instead of guilt and obligation.