I’m 55 years old. Some days I feel 35, and other days I’m closer to 85. I spent 20 years as an International Flight Attendant and 15 years managing talent in the entertainment industry. I’m also mother to two incredible sons. My life has always been about taking care of people in some form or another because that’s what I do best. It’s also what I enjoy the most. But I’ve also learned that it’s extremely important to take care of myself.
SELF CARE comes in many forms: The food we eat, exercise, sleep, healthy relationships, career choices, the list goes on. It varies for each individual and should always be respected because it is vital to our health and happiness.
I learned the importance of my own self care when I realized that NO is a complete sentence. I love to help others because I’m a nurturer by nature. But I’ve come to recognize that I only have so much of me to give before I’m taking away from myself. I am no good to anyone when I’m on overload.
Say what you want about social media, but it’s honestly become huge avenue for people to educate themselves on self-care. There are tons of groups online, from hiking to cooking and yoga. Creating a community with like-minded individuals who help uplift and support each other is so valuable. It really takes a village!
No matter what anyone is trying to sell you, self-care absolutely does not have to take a lot of energy or cost a lot of money. It can be as simple as a quiet walk, a hot bath, meditation or music. Think of it like this: without self care you can deplete yourself and end up costing yourself a lot of money in medical bills down the line.
Personally, my morning starts with some serious silence before the rest of the world wakes up. That little bit of time to reflect and prepare is my first daily dose of self-care. I spend time outside when I can every day. I step away from technology, take a hike or sit in the sun and talk to my dog (even if he’s not listening). I try to meet my mat and practice yoga daily. Yoga is my drug of choice, and that uninterrupted time in moving meditation is invaluable not only to me, but to those who have to put up with me.
Practicing daily self-care reminds me that I matter. When I start to feel lost, anxious or down on myself, I recognize it’s time to step up to the plate and take care of me. I hope that by example, I can show others around me how valuable it is to take care of your body and your spirit. I love to hike and enjoy meeting people along the way and sharing stories and ideas. We can learn so much from one another if we just allow ourselves to connect in different situations. In doing that, we share knowledge and invest in the collective trust of self-love and self-care.