“And if I looked at myself in the mirror, I found myself flushed and more beautiful at such moments. I felt like kissing my own reflected image.”
– GEORGE SAND
Beauty is an internal thing. We are all beautiful women, in a way that is uniquely our own. Our laugh, the way we hold our head, our gifts and talents–define us and add dimension to who we are.
How do you feel about yourself today? If you’re a woman in the throes of menopause the answer may fluctuate with your hormones. When your body is out of sorts your life feels a little chaotic as well. Menopause comes at the very time when we’re going through other changes. Children may be leaving home, aging is beginning to show itself in subtle ways. Thoughts of retirement, aging parents and the uncertainty of our world begin to weigh us down.
How, in the midst of all this turmoil, do we make time to love ourselves? Loving ourselves requires a little effort. We often forget that. With so many demands for our attention, finding time to care for ourselves is the last thing on the list.
You are the most important person in your life.
You have earned the right to pay attention to yourself.
- Take an hour, 4 hours, a whole day off-check out. Go on a play date with yourself. The movies, a spa day, a day in pjs with a great book. Give yourself permission to let go, to check out, to indulge.
- Speak out about what you need. Tell the boss you need an hour. Say “No” more often. Proclaim freedom from cooking dinner. Tell your partner where and how you like to be touched. Ask for what you want.
- Take inventory. List the things that you want to change in your life. Journaling is a great spontaneous way to let it all out. Just start writing. You’re not committing to anything, you’re letting a less conscious part of your brain speak.
- Unclutter a space in your house. Start with a 15 minute plan to remove things that aren’t necessary any more.
- Turn off the cell phone, shut down the computer. Walk away from your technology. Everyone will wait–this is your time.
You will find that taking care of your needs is deeply satisfying. You affirm your self-worth when you pay attention to yourself.
Know those days when you look in the mirror and think you look fabulous? It’s not an accident (though I sometimes say a little prayer for the glorious vision I behold). Things clicked–you’re feeling good about yourself and it shows. Kiss that person. Welcome her into your life. Ask her what she needs more of.
Make a promise to yourself today.
Today I will be conscious of my tendency to create negative thoughts. Today I will affirm myself.
That’s mine. What’s your promise?
The post Day 17 Awaken, Embrace, Ignite-Self-Care, You’re Worth It appeared first on Walker Thornton.
