Extreme Self-Care

Do you look after yourself? I mean really look after yourself? Extremely well?

Do I? Well, aah, no, I don’t. But I am in the process of very, very positive change.

My tendency, for many years, has been to immerse myself thoroughly in my work – work that I love (including the “work” of mothering). I adore working passionately on something that thrills me; in fact, most of the time it doesn’t even feel like work.

But that somewhat narrow focus has often resulted in me neglecting other areas of life; namely, my health.

With health being a cornerstone for almost every other area of life, this ended up being a problem for me. Cue back surgery in November of 2007. Ouch.

What is it they say? That if you don’t listen to messages from Universe/God/the Divine that first come as a tickle, and then a tap, you end up getting a sledgehammer? Yuh, well, that’s what happened to me.

The worst part was, I knew this wasn’t the example I wanted to set for my daughters. Better than that, I also knew I wanted to be an inspiration, not just a good example.

Listen to me, seriously. Looking after yourself is your most important job. Yes, you are a mother, you might be a wife or partner, you might have work outside the home, you might have a million and one other hats that you wear, but it is only by being the “best you” that you can truly give to others.

If you’re a regular reader of Raw Mom, this is something you’ve heard before, but has it really permeated your consciousness? Do you feel that you have to be all things to all people and that you must always put yourself last?

For me, being your “best you” isn’t just so that you can serve others – what about the fact that you’re a human being (or, more accurately, a spiritual being in a human body)? What’s wrong with caring for yourself just… because? Because each and every one of us is a unique embodiment of Source, and deserves to live a rich, wonderful life?

If this is an issue that you’re struggling with, I highly recommend a gorgeous book by Cheryl Richardson, called  The Art of Extreme Self-Care: Transform Your Life One Month at a Time (recently published by that wonderful, enlightened publishing company, Hay House). Cheryl takes you through 12 strategies – one for each month of a year – to help put yourself back on your priority list.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from this book is about adding a sense of nurturing rhythm to the days of your life – I love that! Other topics, among others, include learning to really love yourself; reducing contact with negative/toxic people; making your home a sanctuary, listening to your body and taking charge of your health (a well-thumbed chapter for me); finding and expressing your passions; and effective, respectful ways of  saying “no” (a biggie for some of us!).

At the end of each chapter, Cheryl lists a few resources – websites, audios, or books – that she’s found helpful.

The idea of looking after ourselves shouldn’t need to be called “extreme”, but, for many of us, it’s a radical concept. Until recently, it’s been that way for me, but I’ve gotta tell ya – it feels SO good when you look after yourself properly.

I like to think that my girls will thank me for this, in years to come…

Love, hugs & wishes for the very best for you.

Till next week!

Jo