Self-Love

As a wife, mom of 3 and business owner one of my biggest challenges is taking care of my own needs. I like to think of myself as low maintenance….we won’t ask my husband if he agrees. It’s the little things for me that make the most impact on my day to day life. Things that don’t cost money, but feel sacred and grounding so that I can make sure my cup is full to best take care of those around me. 

Being in the business of serving others, while making sure my family and team also feel supported can easily cause burnout.  On top of the daily stress of the world, our personal lives and Covid, I know I’m not alone in feeling drained. It takes being mindful and intentional to truly love and care for yourself and I am confident it is not a selfish act but a selfless one that further allows us to love others better.

I want to share the few things I do and encourage you to put yourself on the top of your to-do list. For me and my schedule, my mornings are my time. The house is quiet, and my head is most clear before the business of getting everyone ready for school.

Journaling

Not having someone read and grade what you write is a freeing feeling. To be able to just write and write about my feelings or whatever is on my mind is some of the best medicine. Whether it be about some great memories that were made with the family or writing down my dreams for my business it takes me into another world for a bit. What’s even cooler is years later to re-read some things you wrote and how they have maybe come to life or to just see how much you have grown and things have changed. I’m all about looking ahead and not being stuck in your past but there is something to be said about looking back and giving ourselves credit about how far we have come or just acknowledging not just the good but the bad and ugly too. It’s life and wherever you are at that moment we should honor it. 

Reading

I got away from reading for a while after my high school years but now I can’t find enough time to read. This world is so big and there are so many amazing things to learn and stories to dive into. I personally like a physical book, something about turning pages and being able to pass them on to others. Do what works best for you but dive into that book!

Meditation/Prayer

This probably sounds cliche but close your eyes, light a candle, and become one with yourself. As awkward and unnatural as it may feel for you, find that light within. Whatever it is you believe in, let yourself go there. Taking even just 5 minutes to honor yourself, your body, your mind and checking where you are at mentally and giving yourself the pep talk you need or just being silent and listening to your body. Our brains do not stop so we have to physically take the time to force them to and just be still and listen.

Coffee/Tea

I don't know about you but I fall asleep looking forward to making my morning coffee. It fuels me. It's not for everyone but it's for me. 

Fuel your body

I’m going to be real and tell you this is number 5 for a reason. If I’m feeling lazy, physically moving my body is not my top priority. Having a very physical job also doesn’t help. For some this is number 1 and doing what fuels you is most important. Knowing what your body needs and being in tune with that is what matters.

For me right now, it’s slowing down and being present and still that refuels me. That could change next year. I'm honoring where I am at and what I need at that time in my life. As a mom with young kids we often feel like we don't stop and that act of stopping does more than we could imagine. So I want to encourage you to figure out what you need right now, find what refuels you and do it. Make it number one on your to do list. You are not being selfish and you deserve the love. 

“How you love yourself is how you teach others to love you”

-Rupi Kaur

Lead a life of love, starting with yourself.