Be Kind to Yourself: Taking time for self-care

In the past, I used to be sooooo hard on myself, especially the times when I said I was going to do something, and then forgot about it or just didn't do it. At the time, I didn't know why. But in the past 2 years learning about the Power of Intention and being more authentic and true to myself, I realized that if you want something to happen and it feels good in your body and whole being, it will happen or you will do it. It may not happen right away, and it depends on what it is. I would put such high expectations on myself, or tell myself things that really weren't true. For instance, if I didn't practice yoga an hour a day I wasn't good enough to be a yoga teacher. When I read that statement now, I say, "Come on!" Now, I look at the big picture. I look through a set of eyes with a wider vision. Also, we all forget to do things, even if we had the best intentions. It's okay! If someone gets upset with you about it, it's not you. It's their own frustrations and stories coming out. Be kind to yourself! Take a step back, ground your feet into the earth and breathe. Is the world really going to fall apart if you forgot/didn't do this or that?

No, really. I want you to ask that question to yourself when you find yourself getting reactive. I do ALL THE TIME.

A great way to not overwhelm yourself and your day is that when you make that "to-do list", after you have read it through, ask yourself, "is this do-able?" You may need to edit the list down a little, or just do the most important task that needs to be done, such as pay rent, bills, etc. On my daily lists, I always put down something for self-care. Something that will nurture my whole being: mind, body and spirit, so I feel grounded and energized to do the next thing or the things I love to do. This could be: take 5 minutes sitting quietly and breathe; write four things you're grateful for right now in your life; listen to or read something inspirational; do 5-10 minutes of stretches/yoga; listen to some music; or go for a walk. It can be anything. If you work 9-5, set aside certain times of the day, where you leave your desk and go to a quiet, private spot, even if it's your car! I always recommend this to my students and clients, especially those who have jammed, packed days or who tend to forget about their own needs throughout their day. The more we ignore what our bodies tell us, the more dis-ease can manifest.

As one of my yoga teachers, Joe Naudzunas said, "if you can find the time to brush your teeth, you can find the time to do some yoga poses." It sounds so simple. But you'll find that the more you take care of yourself, the more ease and flow will be your day, everyday.

Namaste.

my audience

wow. today is all about the venting and blabbing....

as i looked at my last newsletter, i wondered who is my audience? who do i want to send and offer my knowledge and tools? i honestly believe i still don't know, but i'm okay with that right now. however, i know one of the things to have a successful business is to know your audience/population that you're serving. so i guess i need to reevaluate. cool! i'm glad i realized this now. i'm happy for myself that i came to this conclusion. i'm not judging or beating myself up. in fact, i think i want to look back at some old notes from classes i took about this subject. review and rekindle the mind, body and soul.

i remember from my holistic coaching program, my life's purpose: i am love and acceptance. perhaps i have new one brewing: i am contribution, inspiration, and joy!

hey, now that feels good. let's do more: i am connection and integration. well, that's actually the first line of my mission statement. but that still counts because it's true!

i am compassion and abundance. that one doesn't feel as true to me, and it may be the "abundance". I associate this word with money too much, even though i know deep down that's not what its all about. but, hey, something to inquire within.

so this was a great vent because i know now i won't feel the need to rush getting my march newsletter out. this year has been a lot about self-evaluation, self-inquiry and self-care. i'm more present with myself, and i hope this will guide me in connecting and attracting MY audience.

:)

where is it?

I'm feeling a little distraught about my menses.  Where are they?!  Ever since, I had to get the mirena (IUD), every time it's that time-of-the-month, it builds, and builds, and builds, then, nothing happens.  It may happen a little here and there, but this has been one of the those weeks where I feel like I'm going to explode!  Is it my diet? Am I doing too much?  I ask these questions over and over, but I feel like something should happen regardless.  My face is one big zit, I'm cranky/tired, and feel that heaviness all over my body.  But nothing.  Where the hell is it? When it's not there, I don't feel natural. I don't feel woman or feminine. 

I'll be seeing that doctor for my annual, and I'll be able to talk to her then about it.  Of course, I have to wait two weeks. Can I wait that long?  I know I can, but do I want to.  My mind says, "buckle down, you'll be okay."  I know I will be, but I feel like shit about this.  What can I do to make myself comfortable?  Yoga! Massage! Some self-care always does help.  I guess at this point, I just want my body to do something.