Today is valentine's day, so in the spirit of love I want to talk about self-love/care. It doesn’t matter what you call it as long as you are taking care of yourself.
When was the last time you did something for you? If the answer is not recent, then we need to fix that.
Consider me your self-care guide. I have been able to teach women how to take care of themselves; in turn they have been able to pour into their families. You can only give your best when you are at your best. Self-care should be your top priority, even the Bible says to love your neighbor as yourself.
Practical ways to show yourself some love.
1. CHALLENGE YOUR NEGATIVE THOUGTHS: The bible says that we should guard our hearts for it is the wellspring of life (Proverbs 4:23). One of the practical ways I challenge negative thoughts is to counter it with spoken words. So, if my mind says, “I am not a good mom” I say out loud “I am the best mom for my kids”. If my mind says, “I am not enough” I say out loud “I am enough because Jesus says I am enough”. The trick is to say it out loud so your mind and body can hear it.
2. FORGIVE YOURSELF FOR THE PAST: When you know better, you do better. Forgive yourself for the past. Forgive yourself for the things you did in the past, you did the best you could with what you had. Holding on to the past won’t allow you to enjoy your present. I am in no way minimizing your past experience, find a therapist that can assist you if needed.
3. SELF LOVE IS A PRACTICE: A lot of people treat self like an emergency procedure. If you wait until then, it is most likely overdue. Incorporate self-care into your daily routine. This can be a simple as waking up 30 minutes before your household to enjoy some coffee with Jesus. Or you can go all out and have a self-care day (If your budget allows) where you get a massage and or a pedicure and manicure. Do whatever feels good for you, as long as you are not hurting yourself or another person.
4. SET BOUNDRIES: Boundaries are limits and rules we set for ourselves within relationships. Setting boundaries will ensure you are doing what is best for you in your relationships. Once you have set your boundaries you have to communicate with the related parties, Silent boundries are not boundries.
5. PRACTICE INTROSPECTION: Practice looking inward to examine your thoughts and emotions. Be self-aware, focus on yourself and how your actions, thoughts and emotions do or don’t align with your individual standards. Ask yourself if what you are doing today is getting closer or away from your goals.
Question of the day:What is your favorite form of self-care?
Until next time, remember, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
