Self Care is Self Love #LoveYourselfFirst

I had a bug last week, and being couch bound more or less forced me to go into my head for deep thinking. My bug could have been avoided by going to a doctor sooner, but you know, “maybe it will go away” entered my head. Hereditary conditions simply interfered and lingered.

I let myself truly rest the entire week. I did what I had to do for my real estate business, I checked my emails and replied, took calls and took care of things. Still walked my dog but cut the walks short. I took naps and I am so glad that I did.

My inner discussion with myself led to asking about self-care, self-love after seeing a meme on Facebook about loving yourself first. I thought, well I have that down.

You see, it is much easier than you think. I don’t skimp on myself. I began to wonder if we think self-care, self-love is a chore. I’m here to let you know that’s not true.

I make myself breakfast every day. I used to skip it but now I don’t. Breakfast does frame your day.

I let myself get something to eat at a restaurant or deli. In Boise, we are fortunate to have many options, even organic.

I walk every day with my dog. The walk is good for me and good for my dog. In the summer we hike in the Foothills. We revel in the beauty of nature and our community.

We take road trips. My dog and I. But this summer, we are planning trips with friends. The more the merrier!

I just wasn’t in to a gym after Paul died. So, my walks and hikes were it. I’m going to take yoga classes now. It’s time to do something different.

I listen to upbeat music when I do chores around my house or garden. My favorite is a Marvin Gaye Pandora station. It moves me and my ambition.

I have learned how to say yes to what I really want to do and to say no when it is appropriate or when something is pushing my boundaries. When I know I need rest, I stop. When I know I can go for it, I dive in.

Self-care or self-love is doing positive things for yourself. What do you do already that you can consider self-care, self-love? And, did you ever consider what you in in the self-care, self-love context?

Loving yourself so that you can love others takes practice, but in time it becomes a good habit. Don’t make it too hard on yourself. Just take it easy.

#SelfLove #SelfCare #LifeLesson #ItsEasierThanYouThink