Want the secret sauce for thriving in life? Without a doubt, the #1 key for thriving in life is self-care! In order to do the things we love, fulfill our purpose and calling and help others, our well-being (inside and out) is vital.
It’s the whole oxygen mask on the plane theory: You have to put on your oxygen mask FIRST before you help the person next to you (or keep doing things, like breathing—and thriving!). Self-care is king.
So what does “self-care” really look like? Let’s explore…
(P.S.: your definition of “self-care” may not be what you think)
SELF-CARE: DEFINITION
“Self care” is a buzz phrase that was planted within me from the time I was about 10—when I first began therapy
Lots of therapy.
For about 14 years, I was in and out of therapy—searching, processing and digging for the “reasons” why I did not eat. The reasons why I neglected my body. The reasons why I thought so poorly about myself.
And “self-care” was always the “prescription” for taking better care of myself in order to “get over it”—my eating disorder and struggles (no matter what came my way).
The more I focused on: eating well, eating more, getting in my vitamins, exercising smart (not chronic cardio), and sleeping, the better I would get.
“Self-care”, in my mind, was greatly attributed to my physical sense of well-being.
However, no matter how much I focused on my food, and exercise, and “healthy habits”, I still didn’t quite understand why I wasn’t getting any better…or why the thoughts weren’t going away.
I was doing all the things I was supposed to for my self-care and well-being.
Until I realized…self-care is more than just skin deep.
SELF CARE 101: YOU’VE BEEN WRONG ALL ALONG
“Self care” is a phrase with multiple meanings—depending on who you ask.
What does “self-care” mean to you? What do you do for those times you need a little “self-care” in your life?
For most folks, it’s something to do with their health and well-being—things that are good for them.
- You drink green juice or order a salad at lunchtime.
- You get 7-9 hours of sleep (most nights).
- You try to avoid gluten and added-sugar.
- You carry a water bottle with you at all times.
- You make time for exercise at least 3-5 times per week.
- You spend a lot of time on your health and well-being, and genuinely make an effort to take the best care of yourself.
However…Most of the efforts we take for “self-care” are actually more “health care”—Things we do and lists we check off to take care of our physical bodies, BUT what about your “inner body”—your inner self?
I’m talking self-care for your body, mind, and soul.
Things like: Your relationship with your body. How you speak to yourself. How you feel about yourself (self-confidence, self-love). The thoughts you think. The lies or truths you believe. The dreams, passions and hopes you have. The stresses on your mind and heart. The connection with others in your life.
The stuff beyond your physical body.
What are you doing to tend to those parts of you that need: Passion and purpose? Time outs and breaks? Reminders that it’s going to be ok? People and meaningful relationships?
We all know that beauty is more than skin-deep…but so is “self-care.”
We strive to do the things we know we should do to be well: Like eat greens, sleep and workout (not bad things)…But consider making time every day this week for ONE act of self-care and elevate your life beyond the physical.
(See my top 100 list below)
P.S. On a side note…PROJECT THRIVE is in the works. I am gearing up to embark upon a 30-day self-thrive project to thriving from the inside out.
I am going to show you the process of what “Thrive” is all about, and give you a taste of what it means to dig deep and change yo’ life, right where you’re at—mind, body and soul. Stay tuned for deets coming soon…
FREE THRIVE KICKSTARTER GUIDE
Get a taste of what Thrive is all about with the Free 7-Day Thrive in Life Kickstart Guide when you join Thrive’s inner circle.