In this ever-changing world, self-care is a MUST, not a luxury anymore.

Our physical, mental & emotional health depend on it.

Heck, even our collective well-being depends on it… because people who are at peace with themselves are so much more pleasant than grumpy negativity-spreaders…

The past months have tested us, pushed our boundaries and limits, challenged our comfort zones, and invited us to (re)define what is essential or not in our lives…

The two topics and themes that have been coming up for me over and over again… are SELF-CARE and SELF-LOVE, especially that self-care is rooted in self-love.

As I dive deeper into this exploration, I am understanding and valuing the importance of

GOING AT YOUR OWN PACE more and more.

It’s a skill that can be learned, but one that requires courage and honesty.

In order to really take care of myself I learned that I needed the following ingredients:

Acceptance

… accepting what is – and being o.k. with it.

Being o.k.

…. with not being busy ALL THE TIME and knowing that I AM ENOUGH.

Boundaries

… knowing my limits and enforcing my boundaries, practicing the art of detachment.

Commitment

… TO MYSELF, what I need… and to put myself first.

Feeling

… all the feels without shame and guilt – and knowing that this too will pass.

Forgiveness

… for not being who I wanted myself to be and for not doing what I wanted to do.

Permission

… to rest!

TIME!!!

I am sure, with time, this list will expand. For my four foundations of self-care, click here.

Now… tell me…. what do YOU think is missing in the self-care conversation?

Let me know in the comments…