Practicing Self-Care

This February 14^th, take a trip to your local card shop to buy a hearts-and-flowers missive for the most important person in your life: you!

All too often, we overlook our own needs in our focus to take care of others. We operate on the principle that self-sacrifice is noble but what it can be is spirit-depleting. And the result is that we are disappointed, unhappy or angry.

While it’s admirable to want to cherish and protect those we care about, we need to make time for ourselves as well. However, this doesn’t mean going on vacations or buying expensive trinkets. It means figuring out what we need most in our life to feel fulfilled, energized and content, and then making time for those activities that generate those positive emotions.

We benefit because when we work from a state of inner health, our physical health improves as well. Those around us benefit because, well, let’s face it, when we are in a better state of mind, we are a lot nicer to be around. It’s like the old saying, “When Momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!”

Do you know what makes you feel good about yourself, what activities create a sense of well-being and contentment? Take this quick quiz to discover what you need.

• I feel most at peace when I _________________
  (What pursuits or endeavors calm you down, quiet your soul and renew your spirit?)
  
  
• I feel most fulfilled when I _________________
  (What makes you feel that you are living to your fullest potential, that you are using your gifts and abilities the way you should?)
  
  
• I feel most alive when I ____________________(What revs up your spiritual cardiovascular system, gets your emotional heart pumping and makes your senses shoot off sparks?)

Now that you know what works for you, make time each week to incorporate some of these activities in your schedule!

(Check back each week when I will post inspiring quotations to keep our spirits motivated and energized!)