When you think of self care, all kinds of indulgences might come to mind… Binge watching Netflix, drinking wine, having something sugary, salty, or fried…
But, authentic self care means cultivating a healthy relationship with ourselves and with others.
It honors our bodies through movement, nourishment, and high-quality sleep. So, we move in ways that feel good and help us become and stay strong.
Also, we nourish our bodies with fresh foods, and we restore our bodies with 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
Authentic self care takes time to notice the thoughts we think and to make choices to speak to ourselves with kindness and compassion.
It asks the question: what is the most loving thing I can do for myself right now? And it follows through with action.
It wrestles with hard concepts like forgiveness and benevolence, basking in the freedom they bring.
And it allows each of us to take up space and to have needs, wants, and desires. To be fully human and perfectly imperfect. And to live free from shame in the face of it all.
Authentic self care nurtures healthy relationships and sets up protections from unhealthy ones.
It asks the question: who is there for me, freely and unconditionally, when I really need them? And it nurtures those relationships with kindness, graciousness, and generosity.
It notices when others are hurtful or unsafe, not to blame them, complain about them, or feel shame in their presence, but to set up safe spaces free from them.
So, may you, today, offer yourself authentic self care. And may you take the time you need and notice how it allows you to begin again.
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