Embracing the Heart of Self-Care

Pretty much everyone’s living in a state of overwhelm these days. Maybe you feel stuck, you’re navigating change, or there are just too many demands on you. In response, there are lots of services and products being offered that are connected to self-care, however, most focus on the symptoms and not the underlying cause. Although they might add momentary pleasure to your life, such as face masks and scented candles,  true self-care goes much deeper than that.

I want to take you on a journey to discover the heart of self-care.

It’s not an ‘add on’ to your life but a core foundation for daily living. And it begins with you. This inward focus helps you recognize what will best serve your mental, physical and spiritual health, both now and in the future.

Connecting with the heart of self-care is transformational.

You can begin right now by taking a few minutes to slow things down. Try watching the clouds go by, counting your inhalations and exhalations, or rubbing the palms of your hands together. The important part for any of these actions is to focus ALL of your attention on that one thing. In this way, you’re pushing the pause button on your busy life, even if only for a few minutes, and research shows that this calms your mind and body.

I’ve noticed in my life coaching practice, that when women take the time to pause and listen from this calm place, they often hear their inner voice. What’s your heart saying to you?

Maybe it’s nudging you to take a look at the boundaries you have or the new one’s you need. Or you might want to place more value on your “yes’s” and use them only for those things that are truly important. Are there things you need to stop doing? Is there a courageous conversation you need to have? Do you want to shift your focus?

Give yourself permission to embrace the heart of self-care.

What would truly make a difference for you? Don’t be influenced by others’ choices or your social media scroll.

And don’t let the “should” monsters take control. Your actions don’t have to be big grand gestures. Start small and build. Choosing every day to take the next small step is what will make the difference over time.

Whatever you choose, make sure to put structures and routines in place to support you.  Check-in regularly with yourself – what’re you noticing? What adjustments might you need to make? What new actions are you now ready to take?

There are plenty of proven approaches to assist you along the way, including journaling, walking in nature, practicing gratitude, praying, exercising, and sharing with someone you know and trust.

A thoughtfully crafted self-care journey is foundational to creating the life you want to live. It will support your goals and dreams, protect you from exhaustion and resentment, and keep you focused on what’s important.

If you’d like to talk with me about developing a self-care journey that is transformational please reach out.

I’m here for you,

Elizabeth