The older I get the more I realize that my mental, emotional, and spiritual health are just as important as my physical health. As we all know life can get CRAZY and for as long as I can remember my life has been just that. We all deal with things differently, some people are vocal and very expressive, they even share those things on social media. I don’t think people need to vent on Instagram or Facebook about the fact that you and your boyfriend (or girlfriend) broke up for the sixth time this week because NO ONE CARES! But there are things like people discussing their own personal battles that can be informative or inspiring to someone else who may be going through the same thing.
Over the past year and a half I’ve been extremely aware of that fact that my relationship with myself needed some major TLC. I think going through such hard time with my health and having to have a kidney transplant really opened my eyes to things that I’ve been ignoring. When you’re on dialysis three days a week for 3-4 hours you have A LOT of free time to reflect. I noticed a lot of my behaviors or habits have hindered me from growing into the woman I’ve always envisioned myself to be. I also realized that some of those things are probably the reason I haven’t been in a successful relationship and I’m 30 years old.. whew chile. Reading that back is hard lol but it’s definitely true. I won’t say the failed relationships were 100% my fault because lie detector test will determine THAT’S IS A LIE! But I am learning to admit where I am wrong which I think is important to my own self care. How can I grow if I can’t admit fault?
Recently I’ve been really committed to my growth and trying to do better all across the board. I know social media can makes self care sound like lighting candles, taking baths, and doing face masks but it’s a lot more than that in my opinion. It’s doing things that make you happy and feed your soul, it’s creating boundaries for yourself (which I’m learning how to do) and respecting them even if no one else does. It’s being honest with yourself and others about what you can or cannot handle, cutting off negative people, unfollowing pages that don’t make you feel good etc… I could go on and on about it because there are so many things to talk about but whatever it is for you is personal and will be different for everyone. I think taking time to identify and write down what self care would mean for you is very important. Like my good sis Iylana says you have to do the work!
I have always loved books so part of my self care routine is reading whether it’s for fun, inspiration, or to learn something new. I’ve also been praying extra hard and working on meditating consistently because those are two things that genuinely bring me peace. I started exercising again even though I complain the whole time I feel so much better about myself afterwards. Sitting by large bodies of water is also something I love to do it has always given me a sense of calm and I’m sure many of you can relate. Find your favorite spot and do whatever you want write, read, draw, listen to music or just reflect and be still. Self care is something we should practice daily and I’m just trying to focus on the things that will have a positive affect on all areas of my life. We are with ourselves 24/7 and that is the most important relationship you will have during your lifetime, so take care of YOU, pour into YOU, do what makes YOU happy.
How do you practice self care? Comment down below and let me know!
XO, Ash