Self Care

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The biggest thing I’ve learned as a helping professional is that I truly put myself last when it comes to taking care of myself. This doesn’t happen overnight, it’s a gradual process with clients to tend to, family, and friends…you just forget. I say this to say: PUT YOURSELF FIRST. You can’t help other people if you are NOT showing up for yourself in a mighty way. It took me a long time to take the knowledge of what I was supposed to do, to actually practicing it daily. Ever broken a vow to yourself in order to help someone else? Stop it! We need to quit glorifying burning ourselves out, all for the sake of being “the one who does it all”. It’s unhealthy and this way of living will only lead to burn out. Trust me on this one.

Take time to reflect daily-this is vital for self-growth. Reflect on your life. Reflect on your goals and aspirations. Write them down. Commit to them.
Get a mentor-finding someone who inspires you is important. Having a support team is also essential for holding yourself accountable to your goals.
The process of loving yourself also includes healing. Express yourself. Don’t hold back. Be genuine. Seek out the help that you deserve. Don’t let trauma hold you back from who you are meant to be.
Be a better human to yourself. Get that tattoo of Be kind to yourself if you need too.
Practice gratitude for all of the things that make you, YOU. NO one can do what you do this is your power.
Take the time to get to know yourself and figure out what your wants and needs are. It’s never too late to reclaim yourself. No matter what you’ve been through, you can begin again.
Take a vow to take care of yourself seriously. You matter.
You DESERVE all of the love that you are giving to everyone else.

Make the shift. Put yourself first on your list. Loving yourself is the biggest commitment that you will make in this life. You only have this one life to make a difference. Why not start with yourself. Go the gym, get those endorphins flowing. Take that trip. Buy those flowers. Spend time with people who boost your self-worth. Find the courage to hold yourself accountable to live your own truth. When you do this, you may face disappointment. People may not like you for you and that’s okay. Forget about them. This is about YOU! The point is that you don’t need anyone’s permission, validation or acceptance to be who you are. Give yourself permission, validation and acceptance to be your awesome self! Own your story, especially all of the parts of it that were dark. The darkness in your life will create space for the brightness that is to come. Embrace yourself, just as you are. Don’t be afraid to grow in the midst of challenges. Stretch yourself. Break your box. Get out from underneath the naysayers and do all of the things that you want to do. This is what self-love is all about!

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