posted on October 15, 2022

Friends, 

You have one life - please don't spend it breaking yourself to please others! It is a detriment to leading a vital and fulfilled life. When we put others and their expectations before ourselves, we stress our bodies and create unnecessary struggles and serious health conditions. You may not be surprised to know, so let this be a reminder. They work wonders... chronic stress tenses our bodies and makes our bodies and mind unwell and unfit to take care of ourselves and others. When we are stressed consistently, we spend a considerable amount of time holding our breaths, tightening our bellies and jaws, which creates intense blockages. When we care for ourselves first, we create or replenish energy to focus on supporting others in improving their lives. 

In my early 40's, I got a case of the shingles. It was then that I realized that I wasn't making myself a priority. My family, my friends, my job and helping others always came first. I didn't think twice about putting myself on hold to make sure everyone else got what they needed. The shingles forced me to push the pause button. During my time of pain, discomfort and deep reflection, I gained clarity, courage and empowerment to prioritize me. 

I devised a self-care plan of action that has helped me sustain a self-care first mindset every day.

My hope is that you will find these useful. if you do, please share with others you love. Thank you!

1. Really listen, be present and release behaviors that holds me back from being my true self.
2. Create sacred spaces & build habits to regenerate, retreat, recharge and revive my spirit. in these spaces, I feed my spirit with activities I enjoy and finds peace and happiness - deep connections with family & friends, meditation, prayer, yoga, nature walk/run, write, listen to music and dance, group fitness. These actions nurture my mind, body, soul and spirit. Find yours and make them sacred.
3. Learn to ask for help - Give people in my life the opportunity to support me in difficult times. Be vulnerable and accept support of others.
4. Trust my intuition always. A lesson I learned from my Mama at a young age. This is where your superpower is. Pay close attention, especially as it becomes louder and repetitive.
5. Change my relationship with time and create boundaries. Schedule downtime, affirm that I have as much time as I need to do the things that are important to me. Create time to do the things of my choosing. Be ruthless about this.
6. Strengthen my practice of daily gratitude - as it helps my mind and body feel safe. Feel grateful for the small things and reflect on the positive things amidst the inevitable chaos of life. as it helps my mind and body feel safe. Feel grateful for the small things and reflect on the positive things amidst the inevitable chaos of life.
7. Let it go! Nothing is permanent in life. Everything is evolving. Look at the things that are not working and decide to let them go. make space for new be beginnings.
8. Share my gifts. We all have gifts to share with the world. Mine is a gift of positivity, empathy, compassion and love of humanity. Human connection, presence and making a positive impact on others brings me and them great joy. A real win/win.