Speak Positive Sunday-Self-Care is Important

Speak Positive Sunday Message 35

(Self-Care)

“Love yourself first and everything else falls in line.  You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.” ~Lucille Ball~

Have you ever fallen out of love with yourself?  You may ask what I mean.  Have you stopped taking care of yourself? Stopped doing the things you love? Resting? Are you putting others before yourself constantly? Mental health, physical health, spiritual and emotional well-being are affected when we stop loving ourselves. 

This happens for many reasons:  work, family, stress, priorities, etc.  I know I stopped a few years back and more than once.  I would put others before me in previous relationships and then I became a mother. 

Being a single parent, we automatically do what we have to do to take care of our children.  We sacrifice willingly on a daily.  I love my daughter, so I had no problem doing this, but I did not realize how much I was hurting myself by not taking the time I needed for my own well-being.

I remember being told by a couple of dear friends ‘to remember to take time for me’. It is okay to do that.  It is okay for you to do it.

We cannot fully be productive without self-care.  We have to set examples for those we love that self-care is important.  It does not hurt, it only helps.  My self-care focus is working on my health in all areas.  I will share different ways I am doing that in upcoming Working On Me posts.  We have to stop looking at self-care as an option and look at it as a must. 

How do you get started?  First reflect on ways you have not been taking care of yourself.  While reflecting, write down what you have not been doing and then write ways to improve in those areas. 

Here are some examples of self-care:

1. Rest
2. Take a mental health day from work.
3. Go shopping
4. Pamper Day-Mani, Pedi, or massage.
5. Read a book.
6. Listen to music.
7. Create.
8. Exercise.
9. Reach out to others.
10. Write in a journal.
11. Breathe.
12. Experience nature.
13. Clean.
14. Go for a drive.
15. Sit in the car a few minutes after work or before you enter your home from work. 

Self-care is important and will help us live longer and be our best selves. How do you practice self-care?

Prayer/Positive Thoughts

Thank you God for helping us realize how important self-care is in our lives.  Help us to make it part of our daily routine.  Help us not to feel guilty for taking care of ourselves when we have other responsibilities and those we care for.  Help us continue to be the best we can be!

We would love for you to share your self-care journey as we work on ours.  May you all be blessed and take care of yourselves. 

Until next time.. Be Positive. Be Blessed. Be a Blessing. 

Love,

Randa B.