This was a list of self care items (just points) that I had when I was working in mental health. I gave it to all of my clients and they loved it. Each point has been elaborated on and this is what I came up with. (I do not know who the author is of the original list)
My Self Care Tips
- If it feels wrong, don’t do it
Sounds easy, but sometimes in that moment we might think “oh well, who cares, who am I hurting, etc….” but if we can just stop and take a breath before jumping in, we can make a more informed choice and a decision that feels right. - Say exactly what you mean and what you need
This has to do with having clear communication, and it also has to do with knowing what you want and need and being able to articulate this. This takes practice and awareness. - Don’t be a people pleaser
I definitely can relate to this. I want people to like me and I also want to belong. I have realized though that I need to be true to myself and honour my own feelings and wishes. - Trust your instincts
With practice this does become easier. Learn to trust yourself. Slowing down, noticing the moment, meditating, journaling, yoga, walking, running, exercising, thinking…..Breathing!!! Taking time away from your phone. - Never speak poorly of yourself
Notice when this happens. We all do it and we can turn that around. Keep working on it, it does get easier, really!! Be kind to yourself! - Never give up on your dreams
I don’t care how old you are, how long it has been since you worked, big or small we all have dreams or goals in our lives. Sometimes they may need to be modified, but never give up on your dreams. - Don’t be afraid to say NO
The world will not end if you say No. People will not be mad at you “forever”, in fact, they may respect you and wish that they too could say No. In fact, saying No means that you are good at creating boundaries for yourself and others will be more respectful towards you. - Don’t be afraid to say YES
Yes, even if it is scary, take a risk, try something new, have fun, usually the fear is in your own head. No one else really cares anyway right!! I think once we realize that, it can be so much easier. - Let go of what you can’t control
What can you let go of? Is there something that you have been hanging on to that no longer serves you. This can be in the form of emotional or physical clutter. Let it go and see what happens. - Stay away from drama and negativity
Some people thrive on drama and negativity. Law of attraction states that what you put your focus on multiplies in your life. Why not focus on the good stuff? - Love and Gratitude (I added the gratitude part)
We need more love in this world and the more you give, the more you get back. I believe that gratitude is the key to having more abundance in your life and the universe will give you more of what you love and really want.
Which ones do you resonate with the most? What would you add?
The one that I resonate with most is “Don’t be afraid to say YES.” If I say no too often, then I get left out of future situations. So, it’s important for me not to say NO too much So I can be part of new experiences.
So true Sabrina – what I find to be helpful is to have a bit of time to think about whether I want to do the thing or not. However, I have become a lot more spontaneous over the last few years. Thanks for commenting!
These are all so great, but I especially love #5. So many people I know speak badly of themselves. My Mom says, “The world will say plenty of bad things about you. You don’t need to help them.” We all have gifts and talents, so acknowledge them, and show yourself grace.
Hi Seana – good advice from your mom. Yes, we need to remember to say kind things to ourselves and show ourselves grace. I love that. Thank you for commenting 🙂
I love that you’re talking about emotional clutter, because it’s the one thing I think organizers speak about only obliquely. I think I’ve mastered everything except 8 and 9. I can always see potential reasons why something may go wrong, so I’m a bit too cautious about saying YES to things. (I told my mastermind group that 2022 was my Year of Yes, taking a page out of Shonda Rhimes’ playbook, and it worked so well, I continued it into 2023.)
Letting go of what I can’t control, though? That’s a toughie. I want to control everything! One of my favorite quotes is, “”We order our salad dressing on the side because we’re control freaks. We’d like to control you. Because we can’t, we control lettuce.” (It’s from the novelist Lucinda Rosenfeld.)
Ha ha – I have never heard that quote. Well it sounds like you know yourself well which is a good thing. I feel like I am working more and more with the emotional clutter and what lies beneath the clutter. It is so helpful when it comes to making decisions. Thanks so much Julie
Wow, Kim! I LOVE this list and am going to save it as a reminder. Each point speaks to being resilient, confident, compassionate, and true to ourselves. What’s a beautiful list of encouragement. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Linda – Yes I think I need to have it hanging somewhere visible as a reminder. Thank you for your kind words.