Most people I talk to about self-care (clients, neighbors, friends & colleagues) want to complicate self-care by making it difficult. “I can’t take care of myself right now because I’d have to. . .
- Quit my job and I’m in no financial position to do that – too extreme!
- Go on an exotic spa retreat to de-tox and re-set my nervous system – too extravagant!
- Get up earlier than I already do and get to the gym before I go to work – too hard!
But what if self-care could genuinely be SIMPLE? What if we took a few small steps toward better self-care that aren’t really hard, how would that change our lives?
These small, intentional steps are about making small changes that move us toward a new approach to self-care, born of self-compassion! Self-compassion (showing that same level of patience, concern, and kindness toward ourselves that we would easily extend toward a dear friend) is the key to finding what I call, “Your Enough” – a measure only YOU can define.
Finding “Your Enough” is key to creating a workable, intentional, and consistent self-care plan. Here’s a simple, three-step (small steps) plan I use to upgrade MY self-care plan. Answer these questions to steer your decisions about making modest changes for the better in your life. . .
- What small change would genuinely serve me at this time?
- What benefits would I derive from making this change?
- What details do I need to wrap around this intentional change to make it “stick”?
For me, a recent set of answers to these questions looked like this. . .
- Better, more solid & consistent SLEEP would serve me right now!
- I would be more well-rested, less cranky, and generally a healthier person if I invested in better sleep habits
- The top three things I need to do to make this happen are:
- Move us to separate beds (hubby is a big part of my sleep disruption).
- Upgrade our mattresses.
- Get myself into bed (if not fully asleep) earlier in the evening!
Self-care is every conscious action you take that feeds your soul, nourishes your body, nurtures your spirit, or replenishes your relationship with yourself!
I took my own advice. . .and, in spite of a supply-chain shortage and the challenges of hiring workers to dismantle our bedroom and assemble two new twin beds for our bedroom (all this took most of the winter to arrange), things are much better now! I’m sleeping through the night, waking up (without an alarm clock) at precisely 6:30 AM each day, and feeling significantly more well-rested.
What small steps might YOU take, without complete disruption of your life, that would make your life better? What simple self-care strategy do you need to embrace and get underway, even in the midst of your already-busy life?
Answer those three questions and see what percolates in your mind. What captures your attention as the most immediate changes you might make that could genuinely serve you? The answers might surprise you. The plan may be a little complex. Self-care may require some diligence and intentionality on your part, but it is so very much worth the effort!
Self-care doesn’t need to be difficult or exotic. It can be as simple as making a plan and carrying it out. You can do this. You have the capacity to create meaningful change in your life! Let me know if I can help!
