What Nurtures You? Radical Self Care #1

​ When was the last time that you did something to nurture yourself?  Honestly.  Today?  Yesterday?  Last week?  Or you can’t remember when? 
 
Self nurturing isn’t often our first priority.  And yet it’s essential for our own health and well-being.
 
Many of us tend to be caregivers who put the needs of others first, before our own needs. We support and nurture our loved ones – our children, partner, parents, friends, and even coworkers – first, and leave little for ourselves. 
 
We often feel comfortable showering others with compassion, care, and generosity. But when it comes to showering ourselves with these same gifts, we might not feel as comfortable and even struggle with giving ourselves permission for self care. 
 
You might feel nurturing yourself is too self-centered or frivolous. Or maybe the negative voices in your head tell you that you don’t deserve such special time.  Or simply don’t have the time or resources for it. 
 
Yet, when you don’t take care of yourself first, you can feel completely depleted and stuck in a cycle of always giving, giving, giving and not receiving. 

​While it might sound easy enough to do, learning to love and care for yourself may be one of the most difficult tasks you’ll ever encounter! Yet, through this care, you’ll gain a sense of self-worth, strength, and resiliency. 
 
Loving yourself doesn’t mean you’re selfish. In fact, self-care will strengthen your ability to be available and care for others.
 
“We need to replace your vicious stress cycle with a vicious cycle of self care.”  – Dr. Sara Gottfried
 
 
Where do you receive rejuvenation and balance? How do you fill yourself? 

​Giving to yourself doesn’t need to take a lot of effort or cost a lot of money! It may simply be telling your loved ones that you’re going to take 15 minutes for yourself.
 
Take a few moments right now and consider what would be nurturing to you at this time in your life. Only you’ll know what fills and renews you! Each person is different and even your own needs may change over your lifetime too. 

Here are some ideas to get you started on nurturing yourself in just 15-30 minutes a day! 
 

• sit quietly for meditation, chanting, or silence
• sing or draw or engage in another form of artistic expression
• cook and eat a delicious meal
• enjoy an activity with a friend or loved one
• walk or sit in nature
• take your shoes off and sit barefoot with your feet on the earth
• take a bath, maybe even in candlelight!
• have a cup of tea
• curl up in front of the fireplace
• read a good book
• diffuse an essential oil in the room while you relax
• do yoga or qigong
• take a bike ride or go swimming
• go to bed early
• listen to an inspiring podcast or seminar online
• get a massage, pedicure, or manicure

 
Try to do something for yourself every day, guilt-free, and notice how it makes a difference in your day! 
 
“An empty lantern provides no light. Self-care is the fuel that allows your light to shine brightly.” – Unknown
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This is the first in my series on Radical Self-Care. Watch for more over the next few weeks!  You can also access an audio of a mantra for Ganesh, the remover of obstacles, here in my Free Healing Library to help you get started today on radical self-care!