Americans (and according to my European, Australian and Canadian clients) get a gold star for being over scheduled, overweight, and overwhelmed. I was feeling the pain myself after a year of major life changes and decided to give myself a gift... a month of doing nothing.
For the past month I've made extreme self-care a priority. Think resting in a hammock, walking on the beach, pleasure reading, playing with family, friends and my dog, nourishing juices and meals, and a whole lot of nothing. The more I took care of myself, the more benefits I felt:
- A more balanced state of well being
- More connection with others
- Alot less stress
- Better visioning
- More meaningful action
It's easy to get caught up in the busy-ness of life or to put others’needs before our own, but it's not healthy. It takes a selfishness to say “no” when you are asked to help with a project that doesn’t really interest you. It takes a selfishness to forego helping someone so that you can get your workout in. It takes a deep self respect to put yourself first and acknowledge that you cannot take care of anyone else until you take care of yourself.
I know all of this and in fact wrote the book on how to make it a reality. Following my own advice was just what I needed. Thank goodness I was listening.
Can you relate? If so, get the book here. It'll change your life and others' too. Guaranteed. Plus you'll get to read more than a dozen inspiring stories of transformation and commitment by women and men who have radically shifted priorities, unleashed authenticity, and embraced the practice of extreme self-care. You can do it too. Need help? Find out about lifestyle coaching here. And please do let me know how you Create the Life You Crave.
Leslie Hamp, Creative Catalyst
