We all have what it takes to make us happy right inside of us. For some this is easy to access, while for others it may be more difficult.  Like anything, it may take practice.   Doing things over and over again until they are habit or what I prefer to call “strengthening your intuitive self-care muscles”.

Many of us know what we need to do that will make us feel good, many of us know that self-care is important but we don’t always practice it.  Sometimes it takes several falls and  bumping into walls before we get the message from the universe that we need to change something, shift something.  It may take a while before we realize that these fumbles are actually reminders, a nudge from within that we need to DO something for ourselves.

So-called mistakes are really just opportunities for learning in disguise.  Secret opportunities if you will, that your inner critics would like to keep from you. They are the universe’s way of reminding us that we need to wake up and shift or fall in the pot!

But how does one move beyond the discouraging voices of those critical gremlins to the tender voice of self-love? Well, you probably  have heard of the research that says it takes at least 21 days to make something a habit.  The trick is finding something that is enjoyable enough that you actually do keep it up for 21 days.

Of course if you enjoy it, you are more likely to keep it up and commit to doing it regularly afterward.

One thing for sure is that nobody needs to be encouraged to beat themselves up every time they don’t do what they said they were going to do for themselves. That just defeats the whole point of self-care.

Instead, when you are stressed I would like you to focus on kind, encouraging words to whisper to yourself.   When you find that you have not taken the time for yourself, tell yourself:

You are so worth being taken care of dear self,

You deserve the best,

What can I do for you right this moment?

Is it a hug?
A knowing smile in the mirror?
A little rest, drink of water,  time to do nothing, 5 minutes to doodle , or to dance?
 Or something else?

What dear self do you need right now?

Take 3 minutes to write yourself a response.  Allow your thoughts to flow. Tell your censer to take a break.

You can do it!