Self-Care

It starts with a cup of tea. Strong, black tea. It’s the beginning of my daily self-care. This topic is important because I believe self-care is something that women either don’t take enough time for, or feel like they need to apologize for. Self-care is something we must do if we’re to be the best in other areas of our lives!

Why do I think self-care is important? It comes down to this. I can’t take care of the people in my life if I am not taking care of myself. I want to be the best wife and mom, so I do certain things daily and weekly. As women, we tend to be so quick to put everyone and everything first. Women have a harder time saying “no” than men do, so we over-stress ourselves with commitments and end up feeling guilty! We also feel the need to apologize constantly for saying no. So, taking just 30 minutes a day for ourselves can make a huge difference in being better women for all the things in our lives we must do.

There’s a quote that I love from Seed & Song:

“Be Kind. Be patient. Be generous. Be accepting. Be all of these things to yourself. That is where it begins.”

Everyone’s self-care is going to look different. Things that fill me up may not fill you up, and that’s okay. As I mentioned at the top of this blog, my self-care starts with a cup of hot black tea, and then I’ll read my Bible. Next, I take the time to do my skincare. Every other day, my husband and I take a 3 or 5-mile walk. I love being outside, and these walks refresh me. I love seeing how the hummingbirds, rabbits, and other animals scurry around as they play. Hearing the birds sing brings me peace and joy. It’s Spring right now, and there are wonderful wildflowers along our path.

God’s creation is beautiful. We just need to get out there an explore it. Sometimes I’ll bring wildflowers home to enjoy with an afternoon green iced tea. You see, it only takes a cup of tea and a handful of wild flowers to make me happy! It’s my self-care.

Remember that there will always be distractions or diversions. Your younger children will demand your attention, and you’ll be pulled away from your self-care. That’s okay. Once the interruptions have subsided, then try again. At least you’re putting your best foot forward to do some self-care. Maybe you just need to have someone watch your child for 30 minutes while you trim your nails, or take a bath. Whatever you do, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, take care of yourself. Give yourself a break! Having a healthy relationship with yourself is just as important as having a healthy relationship with others.

My challenge to you for this month is to find ONE thing you can do daily as your self-care. Find something that fills you up and brings you rejuvenation and joy. Also, try to be better at saying NO to the things that don’t fill you up and bring you joy. Self-care is not being selfish. It’s giving yourself time to get back on track. You can do it! You’re amazing! Enjoy your special self-care time!

Jan and Larissa at Be-In-Couraged are here to share encouraging thoughts for you. Let us know what we can pray with you about. Go to our website at be-in-couraged.com and leave a prayer request.

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