The Ripple Effect
The Ripple Effect:
The work we do on ourselves is truly a gift to others...
especially our most beloveds.
Taking time for yourself...
Sometimes it seems counterintuitive. Like a luxury. There are so many needs and so many who need your care and attention. But there is nothing more worthwhile, more important, more worthy of prioritizing and investing in than your own journey of self-discovery, purpose and wellbeing. And the effect and impact of your own self-care and self-awareness will RIPPLE outward.
The ripple effect.
My eldest child reflected this to me the other day. "Mom, I see you the work you are doing on yourself and it makes a difference to me." I couldn't as for anything more, especially as one who has a harder time focusing on my own needs (can you say Enneagram 2 in the house?!)
“Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” (Eleanor Brown)
Here are some ideas for how to fill your vessel (a.k.a cup :):
Breathe: Consciously notice how you are breathing. Slow your breathing, practicing deepening your breath…inhale through the nose, exhale through the nose or with pursed lips for a little longer than your inhale. Take some breaths from your diaphragm.
Journal: Getting thoughts out of our head and on paper helps process and move things through us. It can give clarity. Use a notebook, a scrap a paper, or a journal, it doesn’t matter! And feel free to rip up what you wrote when you’re done. These are just your thoughts, not for anyone else. Make sure you feel safe and free to be able to write.
Journal: Get those racing thoughts out of your mind and on the paper.
3. Go for a Walk: Fresh air and movement…healing and invigorating.
4. Meditate: And I don’t mean sit down and be still for an hour every day. :) Meditating can happen while walking, lying down, sitting and more. And when you find your mind is wandering, that’s ok! It’s a natural part of it. There are all sorts of meditation apps. My favorite is a free one called Insight Timer.
5. Take a Mental Health Day: Don’t just wait until you’re physically sick. Practice preventive care and kindness to your mental and emotional health as well as your physical health.
6. Listen to good music: Notice how it makes you feel. Dance. Move your body to the music. It’s such a great release.
7. Phone a Friend: Call someone who brings you energy and makes you feel seen and heard. You’d do the same for them, after all.
8. Get Support: Connect with a Professional Life Coach or Therapist
These are just a few ideas…what else comes to your mind as you read this?
Whatever is happening in your life right now, hear this encouragement: you are enough, just as you are. Prioritizing time for your own health, well-being and care is incredibly important, as important as your care for others. Let the ripples flow!
We’re in it together! This life of growing, exploring, learning and loving.
Sending all love and light your way... Molly
A little fresh air self-care with Olive.
p.s. Are you curious about 1-on-1 Coaching and how I might support your health and well-being? Reach out and let’s connect. Schedule a free Chemistry Call here! 60 minute sessions take place a few ways: Zoom, In-person Office, Phone Call, and Walk and Talk Outdoor Sessions.
