Self Care at a time like this?
Self care is not a luxury only afforded to the most privileged. It’s a necessity for every human being on the planet. Self care doesn’t require any particular resources other than listening to you own heart. Why does one version of self care seem indulgent and another seems impossible, but we tend to ignore what we really need?
We all seek to be understood - to be truly seen and heard. We all want to feel supported, respected and loved. What most don’t realize is we can provide that feeling for ourselves. We can create the emotions we want, we can create the feelings we desire. A simple way to do that is through self care. Often, it is the way we learn to love ourselves. With that knowledge, we are better prepared to love others and give to those around us.
If we look to our love languages, it will open the door to the type of self care that will most impactful. In what ways do you feel most loved? If you have no idea, take this quiz here to discover what your your love language is. Is it Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, or Physical Touch? Is it Acts of Service or Gifts? It’s likely not just one, but a combination unique to you. It’s so enlightening to become self aware to this level. You’ll be able to see how it’s impacted your relationships and how you engage with the world around you. It can be just the insight you need to know what type of self care will provide what you need the most - especially in times of strife.
Ask yourself: What feeds my soul? How do I strengthen my mind? How do I fuel my body? When you dive into these questions and uncover the answers you’ll find the path to the perfect self care for you. For one person, it may be getting lost in a book and taking time to read quietly. For another person, it might be exercise and feeling physical. For someone else, it might be spending time with loved ones. For the next person, it might some retail therapy. That can be spending time shopping for others or yourself. There’s no wrong or right way to “do” self care. The feeling it generates is what matters. Your state of mind and how prepared you feel to face your life is the key.
In times of uncertainty and unrest or when fears and anxiety are at an all-time high, that’s when self care matters SO MUCH. Taking care of yourself feeds your spirit. It fuels your strength. It lets you lead from a place of love and compassion. A well rested mind is clear and sharp. An educated mind is more powerful. A cared for body will take you further.
To the weak and tired, your inner being is calling you to rest. Let those who feel stronger lead for a bit. To those feeling helpless, feed your mind and strengthen your resolve with information and knowledge. To those who are scared and feel fear taking over, retreat and build your sense of security through self care that feels safe. To those who are feeling strong but angry, tend to you heart. Lead from a place of duty, responsibility and power, but do so with love and compassion.
We all have the power to change the world, but each in a variety of ways. Our skills and strengths are different. We are unique and beautiful individuals. We are all so different. Why should our self care be the same? The way we care for ourselves doesn’t matter as much as being sure that we do. It allows us to show up as our best selves in a world that so desperately needs us to do just that.