As a mother of two, I’ve realized that I either have to find and nurture MYSELF within the chaos of supporting these developing life forms or completely sacrifice myself to the ever changing needs of my children. I’ve opted for door number one!
Self-care is a word that I use almost every day of my life. I consistently talk to my clients about the necessity of caring for ourselves, first and foremost. The culture in which I work espouses self-care as a foundational practice. It is a must!
I use self-care to describe my need to put myself, as healthy, strong and capable as possible, at the center of my life, so as to be able to be of service to, and to care for, others—particularly my children. If I model that balance well, my kids will thrive. Hopefully, they will innately embody the knowledge that they are so valued, partly because I am purposeful in maintaining a strong foundation of “self” for them to constantly have as a centered and stable resource for their own lives.
Right now, self-care is an absolute necessity, and I’m finding it more difficult than ever. I feel… undone, a bit broken, at my edge. A lot. My and my children’s lives are in major transition. And while transition is necessary and hopefully full of positive new things, it is taking all of me. In fact, there are times I feel that I can barely breathe, it’s just so much. The thing is… I’m okay with that. It’s a great reminder for how important BREATH really is. I am given the opportunity to practice what I so often reflect to my clients—that Self-care is not an option.
I am in what I would call “emotional conservation mode.” I have very little tolerance for unhealthy relationships, for drama, no energy for anything that distracts me from those things that will nourish me, and my children, and provide us the support that we need to move on to a more stable place in life.
Difficulty in life can be a blessing, right? It supports us prioritizing and weeding out those things in life that simply don’t serve. We deepen into trusting our hearts and our internal wisdom. I have consistently looked back on the most difficult phases of my life and felt hugely grateful. I think my kids ultimately will as well. And my forever hope is that they will know how to attend to their own hearts… their own needs.
So, my practices?
Breathe… first and foremost. Notice when I’m not. Stop. Sink in. SAY YES to the moment.
Dance. Move. Climb. Cycle. Train. Take all of the energy in my body that is stuck and afraid, and feel it, move it. LET IT GO.
Receive. Those people that truly see me and know me… let them hold this with me. Practice trusting those offers and TAKE IT IN.
Express. Speak, cry, scream, LOVE, apologize, ask forgiveness, own my shit, appreciate, reflect. SAY IT OUT LOUD.
We are not given too much… we are, however, given just enough, I believe, to allow us the opportunities to step into the lives we are meant to live.
What are the ways in which you nourish your own life, so that you can attend to those who are most dear to your heart?
I’d love to hear your responses!
For the Love of Your Life!
Angie