Inspirational Quotes Self Care
When I first became a Mom, I found that Self Care was something I sorely neglected. And not just for 6 months but for the first 4 years of my son’s life.
I put his needs ahead of mine. Every time. And my hubby’s needs. And the needs of the household and my business.
Family first, right?
Yes… and no. Because it’s not sustainable.
“Self-care is not a waste of time. Self-care makes your use of time more sustainable.” ― Jackie Viramontez
Why Self Care Matters?
If you’re running on empty, at some point, you’re going to come to a standstill.
Moms, YOU matter.
Your needs, wants and desires are every bit as important as every member of your family.
“It’s not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and to make your happiness a priority. It’s necessary. ” – Mandy Hale
“Self-care is never a selfish act – it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer others. Anytime we can listen to true self and give the care it requires, we do it not only for ourselves but for the many others whose lives we touch.” ― Parker J. Palmer, Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation
Re-introducing Self Care
So this year I determined things would be different. In the last few months of last year, my blogs started making money.
And immediately I started contributing to the family coffers. This was important. It was my goal, after all, so it gave me a wonderful sense of achievement.
But I realised it was equally important to start rewarding myself for a job well done.
“Pay yourself first.” – Robert Kiyosaki
Because that’s what would inspire me to greater heights.
And that’s why I decided that every month I would keep aside some of my blogging income for me-time.
In the form of Spa Days. Because that’s my happy. My bliss. It’s the ultimate in Self-Care, isn’t it?
Me-Time
“Take time off… The world will not fall apart without you” ― Malebo Sephodi
“When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life. ” – Jean Shinoda Bolen
“Invent your world. Surround yourself with people, colour, sounds, and work that nourish you. ” – Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy (Sark)
“My mother always says people should be able to take care of themselves, even if they’re rich and important.” ― Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden
We need to start treating ourselves how we deserve to be treated, even if you feel that no one else does. Prove to the world you ARE worth something by treating yourself with the utmost respect and hope that other people will follow your example. And even if they don’t, at least one person in the world is treating you well: YOU.” ― Carrie Hope Fletcher, All I Know Now: Wonderings and Reflections on Growing Up Gracefully
Finding Stillness
And as I enjoyed my first Spa Day, and stillness entered my life once again, I realised that this needs to become a daily practice. Not just a monthly practice.
Not just a special day, but a special time for me carved out of every day.
“Prioritise self-care & incorporate a MINIMUM of 60 mins ‘ME TIME’ into your daily routine.
YES THERE ARE enough hours in the day. NO EXCUSES.” ― Miya Yamanouchi, Embrace Your Sexual Self: A Practical Guide for Women
Daily Self Care
I’m not there yet but it’s another goal I’m working towards this year. Taking an hour a day just for me sounds like a lot right now. However, I find this kind of advice really helps…
“Enjoy the simple things. Don’t over complicate everything. Take a breath. Find some stillness. Stop to smell the flowers. Listen to the birds. Sit in the sunshine.” ― Akiroq Brost
“I lied and said I was busy.
I was busy; but not in a way most people understand.
I was busy taking deeper breaths.
I was busy silencing irrational thoughts.
I was busy calming a racing heart.
I was busy telling myself I am okay.
Sometimes, this is my busy – and I will not apologize for it.” ― Brittin Oakman
“Don’t allow your pain to express itself through your body, your health and your well-being. Work out what is worrying you. Do something about your stress. Don’t internalize your frustration, anger, pain, stress and worries. Try meditating, going for a walk, exercising, doing something you love, or engaging in self-care. Undealt with it will manifest physically. Don’t allow that to happen. You have a responsibility to yourself to look after yourself. If you’re struggling with how, seek help from another. Remember, you are not alone.” ― Akiroq Brost
Just Breathe
“Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths. ” – Etty Hillesum
Alone Time
Knowing how to be solitary is central to the art of loving. When we can be alone, we can be with others without using them as a means of escape.”
― Bell Hooks
Appreciation
The daily art of gratitude, the practice of journaling all the things I appreciate has been my saving Grace many a time.
“Stop focusing on how stressed you are, and remember how blessed you are. “ –Unknown
Say No to Others Sometimes
And as a woman, and especially as a mother (with people-pleasing tendencies), this advice is golden:
“If you want to live an authentic, meaningful life, you need to master the art of disappointing and upsetting others, hurting feelings, and living with the reality that some people just won’t like you. It may not be easy, but it’s essential if you want your life to reflect your deepest desires, values, and needs.” ― Cheryl Richardson, The Art of Extreme Self-Care: Transform Your Life One Month at a Time
Say Yes to You Sometimes
And as we learn to say no to others, we learn to say yes to ourselves.
And amazingly, as we say yes to ourselves, others start saying yes to us more often.
And then something magical happens. By our example, we teach others to say yes to themselves.
“In fact, that is why the lives of most women are so vaguely unsatisfactory. They are always doing secondary and menial things (that do not require all their gifts and ability) for others and never anything for themselves.
Society and husbands praise them for it (when they get too miserable or have nervous breakdowns) though always a little perplexedly and half-heartedly and just to be consoling.
The poor wives are reminded that that is just why wives are so splendid — because they are so unselfish and self-sacrificing and that is the wonderful thing about them!
But inwardly women know that something is wrong.
They sense that if you are always doing something for others, like a servant or nurse, and never anything for yourself, you cannot do others any good. You make them physically more comfortable.
But you cannot affect them spiritually in any way at all.
For to teach, encourage, cheer up, console, amuse, stimulate or advise a husband or children or friends, you have to be something yourself…
If you would shut your door against the children for an hour a day and say; ‘Mother is working on her five-act tragedy in blank verse!’ you would be surprised how they would respect you. They would probably all become playwrights.” ― Brenda Ueland
A note on Self Love
And can there be any self-care without self-love?
“Love yourself first, and everything else falls in line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.” – Lucille Ball
“We are each gifted in a unique and important way. It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light.” – Mary Dunbar
“If you celebrate your differentness, the world will, too. It believes exactly what you tell it—through the words you use to describe yourself, the actions you take to care for yourself, and the choices you make to express yourself. Tell the world you are one-of-a-kind creation who came here to experience wonder and spread joy. Expect to be accommodated.” ― Victoria Moran, Lit From Within: Tending Your Soul For Lifelong Beauty
I sincerely trust that as I give more and more to myself, that I will be able to give more and more of myself to the world.
Over to You
Have you found this to be true for you?
Where are you on the Self Care Scale? Do you take time out monthly, weekly or daily for you?
Do you meditate, exercise or enjoy pure indulgence like a Spa Day here and there?
What’s your personal brand of Self Care?
I’d love to hear what does it for you… what feeds and nourishes your heart, body and soul.
I invite you to share your self-care tips and experiences in the comments below.
I’ll leave you with this beautiful thought:
“Be you, love you. All ways, always.” ― Alexandra Elle
