Tis’ the season. Goals are being set. Routines are being created & habits are being formed.
This is what New Year’s Resolutions are all about. Letting go of the old and making room for the new.
Whether you want to lose 10 pounds, save more money, eat healthier, or learn a new skill, I encourage you to get in touch with your why.
Why does your goal matter to you?
Oftentimes our goals do not stick because our motivation is lacking. If you’re trying to lose 10 pounds because you want to fit in your skinny jeans, you might be motivated to go to the gym initially, but eventually that motivation is going to fade because really, your skinny jeans will always be there sitting in your closet and just aren’t going to move.you.to.action. What will move you to action is thinking about why it really matters to lose the weight in the first place. Maybe you do not feel your healthiest with those 10 extra pounds on you? Maybe you want to feel a sense of pride for accomplishing something important to you? Maybe you want to feel sexier and have more energy?
No matter what your personal goals might be, the most important thing you can do—especially before you start creating all your action steps, is to think about why it matters.
Your motivation lies there, love.
So, what is your goal for 2016? What do you want to look back on this time next year and reflect on with pride? Why does it matter that you do it? What’s the gain? And finally, what will you lose if you don’t do it?
A New Meaning for Self-Care
When I was a teacher, I remember talking to my 6th graders about the importance of good hygiene. My colleagues and I loved these conversations with kids, even though it usually meant swapping the smell of B.O. for clouds of cologne.
As adults we understand the importance of basic self-care.
Brushing our teeth, showering, getting enough sleep. We know how important these daily habits are to not only our health, but our well-being too.
Self-care goes beyond the daily rituals and routines of good hygiene.
It encompasses those little moments throughout the day when you take time out just for you. And no—I’m not talking about mindlessly perusing Facebook and Instagram. I’m talking about those intentional moments when you honor your worth and give yourself profound care. It could be a hot shower in the morning and really noticing the warmth of the water as it hits your body. Maybe it’s a yoga class after a long day of work. It might be an iced-coffee on a summer’s day or reading your favorite book at night before bed. If you’re like me, it might be in the form of a private dance party in your living room— hair flips included. Self-care looks like any and all of these mini-moments of you loving on you.
Self-care is self-love. And self-love is not selfish.
Let that sink in for a minute. Think about all the times you’ve decided to skip your self-care. Maybe there just wasn’t enough time to squeeze that workout in or get that manicure or take a full lunch break. What happens when you decide there’s not enough time? You decide to push through whatever commitments you have. You keep going and doing, going and doing. When you create a habit and daily routine of NOT prioritizing your self-care, you start to feel drained, exhausted, and completely wiped. This leaves you feeling frustrated, and you better believe this comes through in how you show up in the world.
I’m a believer that by creating daily rituals and routines around self-care, you are making a bold statement that it’s okay to take time out for you.
Self-care really is AN intentional statement you are making to yourself that you are worthy of your own care.
Sometimes it might look like a bubble bath, a yummy latte, or a new top. And other times, it is lovingly reframing your self-talk, taking a deep breath to collect your thoughts, or creating some much-needed personal boundaries.
What statement do you want your self-care to communicate?