Most women tend to be givers. That's not an opinion. It's a fact.
Even though we are so caring, giving and loving, we tend to leave ourselves last on the "give list". Don't we deserve our energy, time, devotion, care and love as well?
But when do you give to the woman staring back at you in your reflection?
When do you give to YOURSELF?
It's funny to think that even though we are so caring, giving and loving, we tend to leave ourselves last on the "give list". Don't we deserve our energy, time, devotion, care and love as well?
Of course we do! Giving to yourself is an act of self care, and a very important one.
If you love yourself first and fill your cup first, you won't be depleted and empty when trying to care and give love to others.
Here are 3 ways to give to yourself:
1) Prioritize and calendar what you love to do.
Ever notice that the calendar tends to fill up with to-do's that mostly revolve around others?
By the end of a long week, we catch up on errands, laundry and grocery shopping, and once again Monday morning comes knocking on your door to inform you another long week has arrived.
Why not calendar in at least one full hour to do something JUST FOR YOU! For some women, this means getting a mani/pedi. Who doesn't love treating themselves? For other women, it's a massage and for another it could be a walk in nature, an hour writing, sketching, painting, baking, - whatever! The point is that you schedule in this time first and you stick to it. No if, ands or buts!
2) Give yourself a dose of calming therapy. Take a nice, warm bath!
My last few apartments didn't have a tub so I get that this *may not* be possible for all. But, if you do have a tub at home, by all means, use that bad boy!
Start a relaxing playlist, light some pretty candles and fill up the tub with warm water. Toss in some epson salt to relieve any body pain and boost blood circulation. Also throw in some flower petals or lavender if you have any. Lastly, pour in some liquid soap or essential oils and while you're at it, pour yourself a glass of wine, champagne or chamomile tea. Whatever floats your boat!
If you are not currently "blessed with a tub", that's alright sister! Indulge in some delicious organic products and spoil yourself with a steamy shower. Lather on a creamy hair-mask to treat those dead ends or a soothing face mask, and use that fancy Himalayan body scrub from your aunt you've never opened because it was "just too nice". Once you're all done, pat yourself dry and lather on that coconut oil or yummy body lotion. Doesn't that feel nice? Oprah agrees!
3) Turn the lights down low, play a soothing song and meditate
Having taken a transcendental meditation training, I know just how amazing the benefits are when you fully dedicate yourself to quieting the mind. I'm also well aware how polluted my brain feels when I go for days without meditating.
Starting can be tricky for many people, but consider meditation like a muscle of the mind. You can't strengthen and build muscle if you only do it once in a blue moon.
Set aside 5 minutes to start and slowly work your way up to 20 minutes, twice a day, ideally in the morning as soon as you wake up, and night, right before bed. Once you get really good at it, you clear your mind and allow beautiful creative thoughts to flourish and improve your life. Who doesn't like having crystal clear, mental clarity and fine-tuned focus? Thought so. If you're interested in learning more about TM, you can learn more here.
Now go and grab your calendar and remember to prioritize yourself; you beautiful giving creature.
You ABSOLUTELY deserve it!
Sending you so much love,
