I used to feel guilty doing something for myself when I knew the long list of items I had to get done for others. I would put off until later in the day what I would deem indulgent. By the time the supper leftovers were put away and the kitchen cleaned I had no energy left to show myself love or caring. This pattern was repeated day after day for years.

True I did decide to be a wife and mother. I worked on and off during those years as well. Add to that the managing, coaching, fundraising tasks I took on as well. Where was I to find the time for me?

The fact of the matter is I would have been in a much better place within if I had made it a non-negotiable to show myself some self-love everyday. Creating daily habits only came to me after my entire world crashed down around me. I found that I had to pick up all the tiny pieces and put my life back together again! The great thing is when there is pain involved we do not want to replicate that pain. We learn to develop new habits and patterns, ones that serve us better than our old ways.

You will be amazed at how simple little things add up in a day to make you feel so lovely within. Buying your favourite tea to have on hand at home for a treat. How about buying that bouquet of fresh cut Tulips you see at the supermarket to brighten up your space at home. Having a mani/pedi at home or at a salon. All of these cost money, ok so here are ones that have zero cost. Upon waking in the morning, think of 3 things you love about yourself or your life. Before bed make a list of 5 things you are grateful for from your day. Journal about your strengths and attributes. Look at photo albums from trips or family events. Take the time to have an Epsom salt bath for 20 minutes of candlelight & tranquility. Spend time colouring, yes in a colouring book. Read a book that you found in a local library box. Do a few choice yoga poses.

The point is to take care of yourself. The best time to do this is first thing in the morning. Create a morning ritual where you do a few of the above mentioned things. If you think you don’t have the time wake up 30 minutes before you normally would. Make those 30 minutes of quiet time your self-care time. By honouring yourself at the start of your day you actually fill your tank up before others start to demand your attention. Make a promise to yourself to do this. You don’t break your promises to others, don’t break a promise to yourself. This is not a selfish act, quite opposite, this is an act of self-love. These simply make you a priority, you deserve to be first in your life don’t you?

When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life.

Jean Shinoda Bolen