Dear Friend:
“Self –care is not about self-indulgence. It’s about self-preservation.”
--Audre Lorde
Eight years ago I was introduced to the concept of “self-care” --the essential teaching of
the importance of putting your oxygen mask on first, before helping others-- by life coach Cheryl Richardson.
(Take five minutes to read a short chapter from my new book on The Transformative Power of Self-Care to
more fully understand this concept and my take on why it’s important and steps to beginning your journey to self-renewal.)
I was resistant to the self-care message at first, thinking-- this sounds like one more thing I don’t have time for and certainly don’t want to
add to my “to do” list—but after reluctantly agreeing to Richardson’s Life Makeovers experiment of trying “self care” for one year, the changes in my life, psyche,
career and relationships were so profound, I was thoroughly convinced of the value of this concept. And, ultimately, my life was forever changed.
Now, eight years, one child and two businesses later, after having made physical/emotional/mental and spiritual self-care part of my everyday life,
I can still say I have a long way to go. (This is a hard concept to embrace.) However, the gratitude I feel for this gentle, daily, reminder to take time to fill my cup first,
is powerful and ever-present.
If you’re having some resistance to this message—maybe it sounds selfish or maybe you don’t see the value in why
this is important (read Why Self Care?)—consider the following observations on how a self-care mindset affected my daily life
over the course of just one week. Gifts I received from my self-care practice this past week, included:
• The knowingness of how important it is to feel my feelings and not run from them. When I take time to fully
experience what I’m feeling in the moment—particularly if the feelings are uncomfortable—I’m able to let them move through me and not take me hostage.
• The awareness of the speed at which I am living and working. Knowing when it’s time to speed up (rare!) and when it’s time
to slow down (often!) and listening to my body’s natural rhythms, helps me be more effective and efficient, particularly at work.
• Realizing that rest and relaxation are integral to my physical and emotional well-being. It’s not about slacking, it’s about
being gentle with yourself (would you ever push your exhausted child to keep going?!).
• Being conscious about who I surround myself with (professionally and personally), how relationships affect
me and how I feel after spending time with friends, clients and family members. As we change, so do our relationships.
• Becoming vigilant about how I use my time: getting comfortable saying “no,” and thoughtfully planning my days/weekends
so that they fuel me and don’t drain me. (Read the chapter on Managing Your Energy and Saying No from the Guide.)
• Knowing that when I feel overwhelmed, I can hit the pause button and step back to re-assess and change course—at any time! (If you know you
need to re-consider your career course, join us on May 3rd or May 29th for the Finding Your Career Mojo Workshop.)
• Being compassionate with myself, knowing when “good is good enough” and letting things go, rather then ruminating about how a
conversation, presentation or encounter might have been done differently.
• Permission to take time to ask “what do I really need?” Maybe it’s support or mentoring, maybe it’s downtime, maybe it’s faith and trusting
in Divine timing or maybe it’s going for a walk around the lake or canceling a social outing so I can spend time alone journaling.
• The reminder to breathe and embrace the present moment—where the greatest levels of peace and well-being reside, always.
My Mother’s Day wish for all of you is to make May Self-Care Month. No matter what your age, gender or life stage, self-care is essential to overall well-being.
Review the four areas of self-care listed in The Transformative Power of Self-Care and reflect on which area is calling to you. Then decide to make that area
your focus for the month. I challenge you!
P.S. If you’re wanting to give a thoughtful, heartfelt, life-affirming and nurturing Mother’s Day gift, consider:
• Giving copies of The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal to the women friends in your life (this book is a favorite with women at ALL life stages). MAY SPECIALS.
• Giving a registration to the September Fall Self-Renewal Retreat at The Crossings with Renee Trudeau
• Giving a registration to Renee Trudeau’s Finding Your Career Mojo career planning workshop on May 3rd or May 29th in Austin, TX
• A Personal Renewal Group Facilitator Training Membership so the woman you care about can being empowering other women in her community
• Registration for participation in a Personal Renewal Group for one session (lasts six months—groups are meeting all over the U.S.)
• A gift certificate for life balance or career coaching with a Career Strategists coach (learn more Renee’s company and our services/fees at www.careerstrategists.net/what)
Take good care. Warmly, Renee
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