The Season of You
Lately, I have been seeing so many messages about the season of You all over social media. If you are anything like me, you tend to take care of everyone else before yourself. You put the needs and wants of everyone else before your own. Have you ever had a YOU Season? A time when you focus on yourself. After much reflection and talking with friends and family. I decided that now is the time.
It’s time to find out what I love. What is my purpose? What are my likes and dislikes? What do I need? It’s time to push through the distractions and take care of myself. You deserve to be whole, healthy, and abundant. This season is going to be uncomfortable sometimes, it's going to be hard to set boundaries. But it’s time to lean into the discomfort because growth can hurt. Growth will also allow you to discover new aspects of yourself.
I will spend the next 30 days focused on self-=care.
What is a self-care routine?
Self-care is being mindful of your needs. It’s not always about the bubble baths and facials. It is something that you do consciously to take care of physical, mental, and emotional health. These last two years have been extremely difficult. I have dealt with the pandemic, loss, grief, and a major transition in ministry. In the midst of all of this, I was struggling mentally, physically, and emotionally. One day, I decided that I’d had enough and it was time to get some help. After searching for months, I was finally able to find my amazing therapist who has been a great deal of help.
What you don’t hear about self-care.
Self-care is work, honey!
It’s not about over-indulging or spending excessive amounts. It’s about taking care of yourself. Setting aside time, energy, and effort to care for you. On those days when you’ve been running all day and doing everything for everyone. Taking the time for you will be worth it. Making this a habit will be beneficial in the long run. When life gets overwhelming and things seem unsurmountable; this will help you work through those difficult times and find peace amongst all of the chaos.
What are some of your favorite self-care tips?
When I started this self-care journey, I had no idea where to start. I did some research and found this Book.
Here are a few things I enjoy doing for Self-care.
1. Journaling
2. Stop Pursuing Perfectionism
3. Meditation
4. Setting Boundaries with family, friends, at work, and church
5. Reading a new book
6. Check in with my thoughts
7. Letting go in imposter syndrome
8. Doing nothing for 20 mins
9. Saying No
10. Affirmations
11. Identify Coping Skills
12. Watching a 90’s Sitcom
13. Practice Acceptance
14. Have a good cry
15. Stretching before bed
16. Cook your favorite meal
17. Take a nap
18. Drink more water
19. Eat more fruit
20. Set a notification for bed
21. Make your bed
22. Take your PTO
23. Plan a self-care day
24. Get your hair braided
25. Plan a friend date
26. Buy a plant
27. Support a Black-Owned Business
28. Find a fun hobby
29. Take a solo trip
30. Monday Maintenance – Extensive Body and Skincare Routine
I hope that at this point you are ready to start practicing self-care. It is not easy, but when you are intentional and ready to become your best self. You will do whatever it takes. If that means taking 10 mins to decompress at the end of the night, taking a walk when you're feeling overwhelmed, or taking a Sunday afternoon nap. Put together a self-care plan and commit. It will take time to develop new habits, but you can do it. Are you ready?
Let me know in the comments how you practice self-care.
