Self Empowerment – Taking Care of You

Do you ever feel guilty about putting yourself first?  Or are you a person who is really able to give yourself the nurturing care you personally need to keep yourself optimistic, uplifted and aligned with the flow of well-being?

I am going to pretend I am the voice of the Universe (or perhaps the voice of REASON) and tell you that YOU are your priority. Your well being comes before all the other facets of your life.

Of course, if you are a mother of young children, you might be smirking and not agreeing with me. However, no matter what your life circumstances, you need to nurture YOU. For even if you have little children, how good a parent can you be if you are drained, depleted and needy?

When we feel a sense of peace and oneness with the world, then it is easier to be there to support others. We can more effectively cope with whatever demands are placed upon us.

And yet, it is my observation that many people tend to ignore their own needs, put them on the back burner, so to speak. And then wonder why they are overwhelmed, stressed out, and energetically drained and why symptoms of illness may begin to manifest.

So I ask you to get into the mindset of considering yourself the most important person in your world.

Many of us have grown up, being told that our well being perhaps doesn’t matter so much — that your mother, your father, your grandparent, your sibling, etc. is far more significant and you need to take a backseat. So as we become adults, we have a tough time realizing that yes, NOW we are the masters of our thoughts and feelings and we have the choice to put ourselves first.

That does not mean to be uncaring to others — it is always essential to be kind and compassionate to others. But kindness and compassion begins at home in your own skin and psyche.

Carve out even a small amount of time on a regular basis to just to pamper yourself in whatever way is pleasing to you personally. You need time to revitalize.

Here are some reminders (of course you know to do these, but do you actually DO them?)

1) Take some time to just breathe and put your feet up — relaxing for even 10 minutes can shift your mindset into a more positive one.
2) Spa Day — pamper yourself with some special luxuriating.
3) Spend time in silence or meditation, connecting to your inner guidance and wisdom. This can be so re-energizing and sublimely peaceful.
4) Fun things — whatever is joyful, uplifting — music, movies, sports, hobbies and lovely pastimes — indulge in these!
5) Spend time with those people you love and who love you.
6) Spend time in nature — connect to Mother Earth and/or the natural world in whatever way is easily accessible to you.
7) Spiritual peacefulness — in whichever way is right for you.

Affirmations:

• I make time to nurture myself on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level.
• By taking gentle and consistent loving care of myself, I am stronger and more able to care for others.
• I find time daily to do those things that rejuvenate and uplift me!