A couple of weeks ago I got the chance to check out Earth Events' Self Love and Sisterhood featuring Melissa Ambrosini, Tara Bliss, Amanda Rootsey, and Jess Ainscough and they covered a topic that I am still thinking about.
Self love.
Now, that's an interesting concept.
Is it just me or are we as women, as adults, as employees, as humans brought up to with some sort of belief that self-love is selfish or self indulgent?
I sometimes feel that way.
Like putting myself ahead of anyone is selfish and taking time to care for my health, wellbeing, and general state of happiness is self indulgent.
Do you know that feeling?
Something I really enjoyed about the Self Love and Sisterhood event is the importance of taking care of yourself, the concept of helping yourself before you will be able to help others, and the reality of how serious things can be if you don't look after your health.
I find it difficult to make huge changes in my every day life, so I like to make small changes. I like to take away a few simple things that I can possibly incorporate into my life instead of having to make drastic, unrealistic changes that might not stick.
Here are some simple things that I took away from the event:
Be Aware Of the Voices In Your Head
There is a lot going on in there. A lot. If anyone was inside my head, they might understand why I can come across a little bit crazy. The voices never stop. I like to think that the chatter is generally positive, but there are also negative things that pop up too. Usually beating me up for something silly I did or said that I can't do anything to change.
I kind of think it's unrealistic to shut out the negative and just think positive thoughts. There is no light without a little dark – those thoughts are there to protect you sometimes. But it is important that you're aware of them and that you pick and choose what you listen to.
Just being aware of what's going on in theres is a big step. Being kind as much as possible is the next step.
Take Time For Yourself
Now Tara didn't mention it at the event when talking about taking time for yourself, but she has recently started Self Centered Sundays. I even took part a little while ago to just do what I wanted to do for part of a day.
It may not be possible to do it every week – or even for a whole day – but the idea of doing one small thing a day, or taking a few hours to be alone to do something that you really love is one of the best things you can do for your well being.
It's much easier to go back to your life with a renewed energy and a fresh head. It makes a big difference and it is nice to have something to look forward to as well.
Connect With Like-Minded People
We are all capable of wonderful things. We can really make stuff happen if we put our mind it. But you know what makes it more enjoyable and ore powerful? Having like-minded people in your life that you can connect with regularly, share energy and thoughts and ideas, and really just enjoy the process.
The hard work, the success, and the end result is exciting but make it a journey worth taking that can be celebrated with great friends.
Who doesn't want that?
Be Grateful
Life is really good.
Even when things aren't going well, there are always good things. Great people who will be there for you no matter what, moments of joy, coffee, friends, sunshine.
Just take a small moment each day to be grateful for just one or two things. In the morning or in the evening. Just stop. Stop the 'busy-ness', stop the easy whinging, stop the every day life stuff. Just stop. Breathe. And think of a couple of things that you are SO grateful for.
Gratitude is really important. Acknowledging the great things in your life is the quickest and easiest way to enjoy what is going on in your life. Embrace it.
Avoid Those Downward Spiral Conversations
I know I definitely do this. Friends, people at work, and even strangers are happy to connect with you about the stupidity of whatever is going on in a given situation. A boring day. Feeling slightly unwell. Work sucking. Boys being stupid.
It is SO easy to get caught in a downward spiral of harmless whinging. It's the way that humans seem to connect the easiest.
Don't get involved.
Walk away, or change the subject, or just downright refuse to join in.
Talk about ideas, or gratitude, or the wonderful things happening in your life right now and try to encourage or seek out others to do the same.
A Little Bit Is Okay
It's really hard to change everything overnight. It's unrealistic and probably not even necessary. It's also hard to maintain.
A little bit is okay.
Just one tiny step each day. Trying one little thing, taking a little time and thought, a little meditation in the morning, one really healthy meal a week, one blog post, one item on your to do list.
Don't burn out. Don't wear yourself out.
Just take one step at a time until you can take a big leap. It will happen, bit by bit.
Can you try any of these into your day-to-day life?
Just one little bit. Just listen to the voices. I'd love to hear what you think about these or if you were at the event!
If you think someone could really benefit from a bit of self love, please share this post!!
Image source – Earth Events
Posted by Katherine Mackenzie-Smith & filed under So Inspired. This post has 2 comments.
