There’s a lot of talk about self-care these days. In fact, I recently launched a program called The Practice which is a monthly self-care toolkit and guide. However, I’d like to spend a little time exploring what true self-care is and how it can help us heal and grow. As I said, there’s a lot of fluffy talk out there.

Unfortunately, society has taught us a version of self-care that falls drastically short in terms of actually promoting deep care and restoration. It makes sense to me that many of us have lost hope in it or see it as indulgent or even selfish. Spa treatments, retail therapy, and wine nights to take the edge off might appear to work temporarily, however they fail to support our process in any lasting change. They can also get really expensive! Don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge proponent for pampering and celebrating, yet we need to be clear about the fact that these are not the same as self-care.

So if these self-care imposters temporarily boost our spirits (and appearances) yet leave us feeling just as empty as before, don’t you think it’s time we take a deeper look at what real self-care looks like? Let’s do it.

Life continues to present us with challenges. We know that now more than ever. We need a brand of self-care that will help us stay present as opposed to escaping our lives...one that will connect us to more compassion, energy, perspective, balance, and grace in order to move through the tough times and even thrive amidst the chaos.

Now I know this process might seem frustrating and even confusing. However, I don’t think it has to be. I firmly believe whatever we practice, we improve. In my monthly subscription, we will explore your dominant Enneagram type and what the best self-care practices are for you to process difficult, stressful emotions and create balance where there is imbalance.

When you learn a few practices that are clinically proven to help you grow, you’ll have a self-care routine that will eventually help you flourish. Not only that, you will know and understand yourself so much better, gaining clarity into the why behind how you think, feel, and act. You will start to heal old wounds that keep you stuck and perhaps most importantly, you’ll open up to lasting desired outcomes you once thought out of reach.

I believe self-care is a process of befriending yourself. Much like self-compassion, it’s showing yourself the heartfelt care and support you’d show a loved one in need. It’s learning to speak to yourself with a softer tone. It’s developing practices that promote connection rather than isolation.

You’ll not only become a more integrated, or whole, version of yourself, you’ll: 

• reduce stress and anxiety

• learn how to identify and take care of your felt needs

• promote deeper connection with yourself and others

• develop healthier relationships

• understand what you want and how to get there

• develop better eating, sleeping, and exercise habits

• improve your overall mood, and

• connect to an overall mental, spiritual, and physical well-being.

So, are you ready to take your self-care to a whole new level?

Join me in The Practice.  You can sign up today by clicking here.