SELF-CARE ~ IT’S NOT A LUXURY, IT’S A NECESSITY 
Whilst the creation of this post started out with all good intentions, as to be just a brief social media post, I soon found I could not place limits on my expression when the topic came to Self-Care – hence the much lengthier version you find yourself currently reading.
The teachings, learnings, and practice of self-care can be as brief or as deep and immersive as we each choose it to be. Personally, I see and feel it to be a life-long journey of exploration – a passionate journey born from necessity and purpose for my own sanity and health.
As you may or may not be aware, I had been inactive, at least publicly, from my business for some time up to a short while ago. My body and mind were just crying out for a much-needed rest. I needed a reset to gain greater energy, and clarity of mind going forward.
As much of the population can vouch, these have been challenging times for us all throughout the world. The energy has felt heavy and draining, with the weight of the current global unrest playing high on the minds of many – Wouldn’t you agree?
Personally, I tend to stay away from what drives and influences fear and negativity, ie. Mainstream Media etc., as well as people who just want to fuel the fire of fear. I do so, so as not to be drawn down into a spiral of dark and heavy psychological depressive attachment. But still, by avoiding such negative and unsettling activity, the dense feeling of what is going on in the world is energetically felt just the same (ENERGY – a fascinating topic I’d love to explore with you at another time). You only need to experience a walk down the street or a stroll around town to realise that far too many individuals within our communities are desperately in need of a little TLC, and a major boost in self-esteem.
Are you someone who consciously understands that much of what is viewed on the news, and placed within the Mainstream media platforms, is there to generally drive fear and concern – some may specifically believe, division and conflict between communities too?
Are you one to avoid the news altogether? Understanding that constantly observing and focusing on it, in many cases, has the potential to cause the decline of an otherwise healthy mind, resulting in a deeply concerning depressive state?
Or ….
Are you someone who observes the news regularly, but then personally senses a level of anxiety from what you’ve seen or heard?
Maybe you subconsciously filter out any alarming signals or signs that would otherwise have you realise that what you are witnessing is affecting any chance of greater well-being.
Positive global change for healthier minds and communities should not be the sole responsibility of leaders and/or influencers, nor those who work in a medical profession in who many place full faith. The greater and most critical responsibility belongs to each and every single one of us, regardless of our stance within the community. If we each want to live in a world where we experience peace of mind and compassion, for not just others but that too for ourselves, it is extremely critical that we all become responsible for what we choose to watch, listen to, absorb, and share.
In taking a little time out to rest, review and reset my energy levels, I have appreciated and used the time for a little reflection on how best to go forward – both on a personal level and that too in a business sense, including the intentional use of my groups on social platforms. What once was broad in nature and non-specific within my business, I now have re-evaluated – understanding and appreciating that going forward, my focused niche (self-care/self-esteem) is quite worthy of greater awareness and attention within our own homes as well as society at large.
If we all chose to take part in a movement that created greater awareness and self-care, our minds would not be so focused on, nor would they be drawn towards, what and who drains our energy and zest for life. Our bodies and minds, our life experiences in general, would be so much healthier and happier if we personally designed our lives based on what served us, and those around us, better. Now, should we not be happy or healthy, it stands to reason that at some point we have more than likely “given away” our personal power, a piece of ourselves to someone or something else. This is worth some deep, conscious, and careful consideration.
Do you really want to give away your personal power to those who don’t necessarily have your best interests at heart?
Or ….
Do you wish to take back, or maybe for the very first time in your life, choose to own your own personal power, own who you truly are, and live in greatness expressing what you are fully capable of?
If the latter is your choice, then the practice of mindful daily self-care needs to be your top priority, wouldn’t you agree? Consciously caring for your own being – your body your mind and your soul, will bring about a greater sense of self-esteem and self-worth – Yes? YES!
I understand that much of what I may suggest in future discussions or publications etc., could be considered “Easier said than done”, and I get it, I really do. Some suggestions may seem simple, and often they can be, but that does not necessarily nor automatically, mean that simple equates to easy, and possibly far from it.
Our growth and progress may depend on how far back we have held on to our non-serving beliefs, values, and perceptions – partner that with the length of time we have denied ourselves acknowledgment of our greater worth and personal value to the world. Where our negative beliefs stem from may need investigation and some deep heartfelt soul searching. At times that may require a little extra, or possibly a lot, of time and patience, in addition to mustering up equal amounts of courage.
To begin our journey of self-discovery (self-care/self-love) it can take just as much vulnerability as it does courage. For me, I see that you cannot experience one without the other, as it takes courage to be vulnerable and to be vulnerable, there is a level of courage required to see things we’d rather hide away from or bury deep within our psyche. For some of us – for many of us, we may find that we need to face the possibility of revisiting shameful or guilt-ridden experiences, even traumatic situations we’d rather not re-live. Our journey back possibly may open old wounds, but in doing so with sound support and guidance, and mindful and courageous intention, we may later appreciate the journey as a blessing, one that was much needed to give rise to a far greater life that otherwise could not have previously imagined.
Should we choose to not understand the seed of our pain, we’re likely to continue living life unconsciously and robotically – hindering any emotional and psychological growth and “healing”. We are likely to forfeit a life that could otherwise see us eventually experience forgiveness and compassion, but furthermore and most importantly, a life in which we could experience a true and deep connection to happiness and love as we consciously go forward living with purpose and passion.
Now of course there are life experiences that do need a therapist or an affiliated specialist’s attention and guidance. It is critical that this is not overlooked, but in a general sense, many experiences can be soothed and overcome with our own regular disciplined focus, and a little nurturing support along the way. The aim is to seek out a self-care practice, and possibly some resources, etc. that suit your personal nature and circumstance – tools that provide a sense of nurturing to your soul.
Our lives have been patterned and habitual for so long, and the older we are, and the older we continue to get, the more challenging it may appear for us to make any life-changing alterations, even the subtle ones, but in saying that it should not be perceived as impossible. We only need to listen to or watch some of the most inspiring TED talks etc., or hear of stories associated to others within our very own community who have overcome extreme adversity – possibly much greater than those of our very own experiences – to learn that challenges can be overcome. We each have within us an innate strength and power that can have us do and achieve anything we set our minds to. We are born into this world with this inner strength and capability – a drive to have us succeed.
To assume we can change a belief of our worth and mental environment overnight may be foolhardy, as this may only set us up for further misfortune, proving to our subconscious that we are a failure and not worthy of anything better than what we already have or are. In understanding this we must learn to be patient and kind, and more forgiving toward ourselves. Patience and forgiveness are the early lessons we need to learn, should we want to value and honor our self-care and self-worth practice.
Many women may feel alone, isolated, and lost within their own minds and world although, they may appear to function “normal” and well in society. It’s not unusual to have a sense that no one understands us, our concerns, or our journey. We all need a little support and guidance from time to time, but sadly, not everyone believes they have access to such support. Part of being human is to doubt ourselves, doubt our abilities and our worth, so having someone on our side to nurture us forward, when we’re ready, can give us the confidence and courage to take the next steps necessary in achieving any breakthroughs.
It’s totally remarkable that when we acknowledge, and then let go of, what no longer serves us psychologically and emotionally, how our body then responds also releasing any physical burdens that may have also held us back from certain joys in life. If we lived in a “perfect” world, whereby we had experienced a “perfect” childhood and so forth, there is no doubt that dis-harmony and conflict within our body and mind would be less of a concern. But as we don’t live in a perfect world – meaning, we don’t live our lives void of trauma and tragedy, there could be a fair assumption that something or someone in our past has been the catalyst causing us to feel less than worthy or valued. This could have stemmed from either our own home environment, school, somewhere out there in the community, or possibly a combination of all.
It’s NEVER too late to start over and re-evaluate your worth, value, and the greater contribution you could make to this world.
Consider and imagine for a moment, maybe longer, how you’d love to live your life if you knew nothing could hold you back –
What would you be doing now if you felt confident and self-assured?
… If you felt happy, healthy, and energised?
… If you just knew you couldn’t fail?
Feels awesome – Doesn’t it?
With each test and challenge in life lies the opportunity to grow and thrive.
But each opportunity is a choice – a choice to awaken and rise, or a choice to flee and hide.
For so long you may have believed in what others have said about you – to you – the labels and inflictions they may have placed upon you, but now is the time to take responsibility and ownership for your own life, thoughts, and creations.
Take an opportunity to reflect and review your life.
Reconsider what it would mean for you and those who support and love you if you were to uplevel your value and worth.
Think of how by just living true to your natural authentic state you could inspire others to live more meaningful lives then too.
We can’t erase what has happened to us in our past, but we CAN work through it with support, faith, and courage.
Remember, no experience in life has been a waste or a mistake, it has been a lesson. The experience has shown up to test our faith, conviction, and trust in ourselves, our character, and our abilities. It also had shown up because subconsciously, believe it or not, we attracted it into our life because of our sense of worth. There’s a saying within the healing and manifesting circles – Energy Flows Where Focus Goes – meaning, if your thoughts and focus revolve around a belief of unworthiness – GUESS WHAT you are going to attract? That’s right, everything that resonates wholeheartedly with your unworthy belief.
At any time, in any place, you can choose to become a greater version of who you are by seeking ways that support your soul quality and character. If you choose not to take this opportunity to seek your psychological and emotional freedom, you will continue to allow your tormenting memories to deny you a full, happy, and meaningful life – a greater life of which YOU SO DO DESERVE.
My calling in life, I feel, is to support and guide women who find themselves at a crossroad in life – women who want to rise above their sometimes-harmful belief/s and patterns but feel challenged in some way to do so.
I choose to support and guide women to gain a greater level of self-worth and value of themselves.
I choose to do this through my deep understanding of what it is like to have little faith in oneself and one’s abilities.
I choose to do this because I know what it’s like to be held down in life by negative influences.
Being quiet and shy, and quite the born introvert made me an obvious target for those with stronger characters, who allowed their own insecurities to cast a sense of power and ego at any opportunity. These experiences throughout my school years, work life, and life in general, have had me in my later years understand the many lessons I was meant to learn. As painful and traumatic as they were at the time, these experiences didn’t come my way to be of no great value. I’m taking heed, and learning from it all so I have the knowledge, heart, and wisdom to help and support others who may be struggling to find their way through the darkness.
We have choices – we can either run and hide from the world (which I have done) or face our challenges and begin to live and learn whilst in the process of living a purpose-filled and meaningful life.
You may feel challenged in understanding how best to move forward.
You may not yet know of the necessary steps which allow for forward momentum, but …
Consider going back to when you were an infant for a moment.
Did you have a desire of wanting to crawl and reach for something that you really wanted? Then later “choose” to find your feet and walk towards whatever you were drawn to? Of course you did, you wouldn’t be standing today had you not!
Over time, how easy did that become?
How much fun was it then for you to go forward, having the physical and emotional freedom and ability to run and play?
To begin with, it wasn’t easy, but you knew somehow you just had to keep going and keep trying. Didn’t you?
Where do you think all of this stemmed from?
What kept you going throughout your challenges as an infant is still within you today, you just need to believe in yourself as you did back then.
YOU CAN DO IT – DEEP DOWN YOU KNOW YOU CAN!
Self-care is one of the greatest gifts we can give to ourselves – It is not a selfish act by any stretch of the means. It is an act that allows us to further enrich the lives of others, and care for them more deeply as much as ourselves.
Remember to hold onto the thought that “the more love and energy we have for ourselves, the more we have in reserve for others.” Now how can that be selfish?
For those of you who are more of my era you will remember the song that became an almighty anthem for women everywhere – Helen Reddy’s, I AM WOMAN.
Should you be needing a little sensory boost of INSPIRATION AND EMPOWERMENT, I suggest you look it up on YouTube then turn up the volume, loop this iconic anthem, and DANCE AWAAAAAY.
I would feel honored to support and guide you through your journey.
As mentioned earlier, my experience of needing to rest and reset has provided me with a great sense of clarity and purpose.
My personal journey and challenges, along with an ongoing thirst to be educated and learn from life, I feel, places me on solid ground, to share with you, much wisdom and knowledge to nurture and guide you along your self-care journey.
I hope you feel encouraged to follow and revisit my blog and socials, sharing what you feel is noteworthy with others.
Please keep a look out for my forthcoming downloadable publication which aims to provide further guidance, tips, and wisdom, which can lay down a strong foundation for growth and development in supporting your greater self-care practice.
NOTES TO KEEP IN MIND
#1 – To experience a more understanding, caring and compassionate world, we each need to look within ourselves. Be aware of what you listen to, engage in, watch, and share. It’s all a reflection of your inner thoughts and creations. What are you choosing to create, for yourself and those around you?
#2 – Self-care begins with mindful acts of regular practice. It may be challenging, to begin with, but eventually the more time and care you consciously gift to yourself the easier your routine will become. And just like an infant, when moving forward, you just need to take one step at a time with a little support and nurturing along the way.
#3 – Self-Care can mean different things to each of us. It can be as brief or as deep and immersive as we each choose it to be. Noting that all the while, whatever you do, you choose it as an act to soothe your soul.
#4 – For each time you “think” you’ve failed, you honestly haven’t at all, it’s just a perception. Understand that whatever the situation may have been it was just a lesson. The lesson will continue to show up in various ways throughout your life until you’ve acknowledged an AHH HAAAA moment, a moment of realisation and understanding – for your greater good.
#5 – Energy Flows Where Focus Goes – Make sure you are focused on the things you want, rather than the things you’d rather not have.
#6 – Understand that you can do anything you put your mind to. You may just have listened to, and then taken on a negative belief, far too many times from others who have not had your best interest at heart. They themselves may have acted from a place of anger, insecurity, and fear.
#7 – Seek out songs and create a playlist that will affirm to you that you are a great and worthy soul. This will obviously lift your spirits, placing you in a greater position to see the positive side of life.
In Love, Kindness, and Gratitude
Donna-Lynn
(Nurturing Me-NATURALLY!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You can request to join my new private self-care FB group @
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2272921206208173
You can also follow, like, and comment on my socials @
https://www.instagram.com/nurturingme_naturally
https://www.facebook.com/NurturingMeNaturally
https://linktr.ee/nurturingme_naturally
https://nurturingme-naturally.com.au
