I came across this quote recently and it really resonated with me:
“With every act of self-care your authentic self gets stronger, and the critical, fearful mind gets weaker. Every act of self-care is a powerful declaration: I am on my side, I am on my side, each day I am more and more on my own side.” Susan Weiss Berry (Native New Yorker and Holistic health expert)
This weekend just gone was Mother’s Day in New Zealand. Probably the best one to date for me as it was just full of my tried and trusted self-care acts. I do feel my authentic self getting stronger and the fearful, critical part of me getting weaker. As I navigate my 4th decade, I’m appreciating the importance of self-care more and more. I’ve come to a decision, I’m not going to neglect my own needs anymore. It doesn’t necessarily mean I advocate becoming completely selfish. Just in appreciating the importance of looking after one’s self, you start noticing the positive ripple effect it has on family, friends, work friends and anyone you come into contact with.
Self-care is anything that you do for yourself that feels nourishing,” says Marni Amsellem, PhD, a licensed psychologist based in the greater New York metropolitan area.
“That can be something that’s relaxing or calming, or it can be something that is intellectual or spiritual or physical or practical or something you need to get done,” she says.
For me daily acts of self care might include; spending time in nature which could be going to a local reserve or just stepping outside first thing in the morning or late in the evening. I love starting the day with a walk or starting my day with a few yoga stretches or ideally both! Eating really nutritious and nourishing foods is really important to me. Wellbeing acts also include the small things; taking time to enjoy a warm cup of tea, a view, a smell, a time to notice how I’m feeling. I love time in my garden and time spent with my dog or the chickens. Really being present with them, giving them my full attention. This Mother’s Day I managed to tick almost all the boxes on my list, maybe more when I really think about it.
“With every act of self-care your authentic self gets stronger, and the critical, fearful mind gets weaker. Every act of self-care is a powerful declaration: I am on my side, I am on my side, each day I am more and more on my own side.”
Susan Weiss Berry (Native New Yorker and Holistic health expert)