Spring is a Time for New Beginnings & Self-Care - Rachel Devine
Spring is a time for new growth and new beginnings. The daffodils bloom in early spring, along with the blossoms on the Magnolia tree, and the dogwood comes to life. Spring is a time for renewal. As they say, there is a time for every purpose under heaven. The seasons remind us that life does come back after being dormant for the winter. So, what about you? Is it time for your renewal? Is it time for you to spring ahead? Is spring a time to start some self-care practices?
When I was in a relationship many years ago, I was struggling to get my partner’s attention with all the issues he had in his life. I would try to help him out with different aspects of his life. When the relationship ended I realized that all the effort I put in the relationship was in vain and left me feeling drained. So, I took a week off from work and directed all of my own attention on myself. It was a way to build my self-esteem and it was also the start of self-care. I bought myself flowers, got a manicure/pedicure, bought a new outfit, went to a singles barbecue, got my hair done and had the best week ever. At the end of that week, I felt so loved, happy and content, the way I should have felt in the relationship. More importantly, my self-esteem was at an all time high, because I valued myself enough to do all these wonderful self-care practices.
Let’s look at ways to start this spring with self-care and renewal:
Self-Care
Self-care is very understated in our society, especially for women, who generally care about everyone around them but themselves. This leaves little time for self-care. However, self-care is crucial because we want to be in a good state to help others. As the old saying goes, if the plane is going down, put the oxygen mask on yourself, because if you don't, you can’t help anyone else. Therefore, self-care is important, and it’s really good to know that, unless you have little children, the only person you are responsible for is yourself. That is very liberating to acknowledge. Also, when you practice self-care you are building on your self-esteem.
Self-care routine
Here are some ways to bring self-care into your world:
Pamper yourself with a massage or a nice relaxing bath.
Take time to meditate or walk in nature.
Spend money on yourself from time to time, or buy yourself flowers.
Eat healthy and exercise as often as you can.
Say no and set boundaries when someone takes advantage of your time.
Schedule time to relax just for you, and don’t let anyone infringe on that time.
Take a relaxing trip as a way to recharge your batteries, even if it’s just for the weekend.
Take a course that will enlighten you or make you feel happy.
Sit in a room with scented candles in order to relax your inner world.
Benefits of self-care
It prevents stress and overextending yourself.
It helps your mental state to be clear and calm.
It helps your overall health.
It helps with inner healing from the past.
It helps you relax more.
It helps you feel more confident in yourself.
It helps you feel happy and valued.
Self-care builds on your self-esteem.
Inner healing and self-care
Self-care is the catalyst for inner healing. When we take care of ourselves, it helps heal past wounds of being taken advantage of. It can also be the start of a new way of living that will enhance your life. Self-care is not selfish; it’s a way to pamper yourself and be good to yourself. Remember, if you don’t take care of yourself, who will? Sure, you can still be there for others' sake, but it’s important to also be there for yourself. Inner healing really does start with self-care practices, as one will eventually gravitate toward ways to heal from past issues.
Inner child healing
Your inner child has had past wounds inflicted on him or her whether you realize it or not. Whenever you do an act of kindness for yourself, you do that act of kindness for your inner child, who is a very real part of you. The more you nurture your inner child with self-care practices, the more you will gravitate towards a better relationship with yourself and those around you.
In closing, I want to remind you that taking care of yourself is the single most important thing you can do in life. It is a way to let your inner child know that you are going to be there for him or her and nurture and care for them. That message alone will help you feel happier, along with all the benefits from self-care practices directed towards you. You relationship with yourself is the most important relationship you have in your life. Doesn’t it make sense to treat yourself with love and kindness? If you do, love and kindness will trickle down to all your relationships. Therefore, I urge you to step outside of the daily routine and consider doing a few of the self-care suggestions so you are on your way to a happier and more content life.
Rachel Devine is the author of a new book, Discover the Power of the Secret Within - Healing your Inner Child to Manifest your Dreams.