What does your exquisite attention to yourself look like for you?

When was the last time you cared for yourself the same way you have cared for your newborn or your aging parent or an ailing friend or even your job, that you are likely not completely passionate about?  We spend so much of our life and our energy and our focus on others.  Don’t get me wrong, I believe serving others is an honorable way to spend time,  however, not to the degree that you put your own health, well-being, and joy in jeopardy.

Give Yourself Grace

I truly believe that the best way to take care of others is to take exquisite care of ourselves.  You might have been convinced at some point in your life that this was selfish behavior.  Maybe you have bought into the unsustainable cultural standard of busying yourself until you drop or that it is your role to give until you have completely emptied yourself of any delight or pleasure or enjoyment.  Well, guess what?  All of that is bullshit.  The most thoughtful, authentic, purposeful thing you can do for others is to graciously and selflessly take care of yourself!

Decide That You Matter

So, wherever you find yourself on this unfamiliar and probably uncomfortable journey of self-care and devotion, start.  Start right now.  Decide that no matter what, you matter most.  Trust me, you will get used to it.  Saying no instead of yes and not feeling guilty.  Taking a long walk in Nature and allowing the birds to serenade you is more tolerable than you might think.  Waking up thirty minutes before anyone else for some much-needed and deserved quiet time will soon turn into a daily ritual.
Happy people take better care of themselves.  They know that they must tend to their own garden in order to experience an abundant harvest.  Start living the life of your dreams, right now.

Stay true and be you —

Annie

Create a Life You Love
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