Self-LOVE

What do you think of when you hear the term “self-love”? How about the buzzword “self-care”? I know I have said it before and I’ll say it again :) Self-care is more than a bubble bath or a face mask. The importance of loving ourselves and caring for ourselves goes way beyond that. Do something that you love and will make you feel good, yes of course! I agree with that. But self-care is often an excuse to do the opposite of caring for yourself. We will watch tv all day and eat junk food and call it a self-care day. What if we change the narrative? What if self-care doesn’t mean one act of pampering yourself, but instead it is making daily decisions that will better your health - physical, mental, and emotional. I understand that sometimes life happens, it gets tough and if you need a day in bed by all means take it. The problem arises when it becomes a regular occurrence, a habit of letting your emotions control you. And trust me, I have been there! I know what it’s like to not want to get out of bed day after day. I know what it feels like to experience debilitating anxiety and not want to leave your house. I know what it feels like to think the entire world is crashing down around you and you just can’t do it anymore. What I discovered was that I am NOT a victim and neither are you. We do have control of our emotions and how we show up in our day and handle life. We cannot always control our circumstances and that’s okay. We focus on what we can control and take back our power. We can control how we take care of ourselves and that is self-love. True self-care is eating healthy, whole foods - cooking at home and eating balanced meals with lots of protein and vegetables. Self-care means moving your body every single day- go for a walk, have a dance party with your kids, follow a ten minute yoga routine on YouTube, run a marathon or join CrossFit with your friends. Self-care is taking control of the negative thoughts in your head, speaking kindly to yourself and those around you. Self-care is feeling grateful (and write down what you are grateful for!), journaling, praying and meditating, believing in yourself, keeping your promises and being responsible. Love yourself enough to believe that you can accomplish what you put your mind to. Love yourself in a way that no one else will. Love yourself enough to finally make your health a priority. Love yourself enough to get the support you need and ask for help. We've all heard that saying "you can't pour from an empty cup". Your family, friends, coworkers, and anyone around you will benefit from you taking care of yourself. How will you show up and show yourself some love and care today? Share your ideas! -CS