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This article examines the concept of "extreme self care" as a key factor of success.
One critical key to having a successful life is something so simple; we sometimes take it for granted. Taking extremely good care of yourself can pay off in many ways. Not only does it make you attractive to others, but it demonstrates to others how they should treat you. You will also find you have more energy, peace of mind, satisfaction and can be more generous with those around you. When you start to put yourself first, you can be more fully available to others without having any resentment or anger in the process.
No one else cares about you like you do. What I'm asking is that you begin to make yourself the top priority. Be "self-ish." This can be a very scary proposition at first. Just the word "selfish" brings up old feelings of a mother's scolding. By definition, my old Webster's dictionary says the word selfish means "caring unduly or supremely for oneself…at the expense of others." That meaning is not what I'm suggesting here. Sometimes selfishness does conjure up negative reactions, yet there is a very positive side in honoring your highest self. When you are taking very good care of yourself, ultimately it allows you to be more generous and supportive of others than you have ever been before.
Self care requires that you start to focus on life balance, well-being, and quality of life. When you think of it, truthfully, you can't take care of others without taking care of yourself first. Think of the flight attendant's instructions at the beginning of every flight. In case of emergency, you must put your own air mask on first. Then you assist others around you. If you aren't getting any oxygen, you won't be help to anyone else.
Self care does require some action on your part. For those of you living the adrenaline lifestyle, rushing here and there, you may need to reestablish a relationship with yourself. You'll have to slow down and take some time for reflection. What are your needs and desires? Have you lost touch? As a personal coach, I have worked with a number of clients in this same place. With a little creativity and conscious planning, self care can fit into the busiest of schedules. I usually suggest in starting this process that this may be a good time to begin journaling. Time must be set aside to begin reevaluating the way you're living life. Start the process now to take good care of yourself. Set aside a few hours or an evening each week. Turn off phone, relax, write in your journal, light some candles, take a hot bath or watch a movie. This is your time for you!
It may be hard to slow down at first, but you can. Take a look at your whole life. Your life has many facets, and all are important. A meaningful life is one in balance. A balanced life means balanced in all aspects: relationships, work, spiritual well being, contribution to others, fun, adventure, and emotional and physical health.
Our emotional and physical health in particular, is something that is easy to ignore until there is a problem. We lead busy lives, and tend to put others needs before our own. Slow down and connect to your wise self. By taking good care of yourself, you show others how to treat you! You'll also be surprised to find that you start attracting wealth and opportunities this way.
There are many ways to start building self care into your life. Many of these ideas take little investment other than your time. Consider building in time for a regular massage or other body work, surrounding yourself with beauty, saying "No" to requests for your time, reading a juicy novel, taking a class just for fun, simply sitting by a river or pond and listening, having a picnic, or planting a flower. Self care is the base on which you build a successful life. Think of it this way. If your foundation is weak, chances are good that parts of your life may crumble or crack. Take steps today to make sure your foundation is solid and secure and success won't be far behind.
About the Author
Christy Donner, owner of Innovative Strategies Coaching, specializes in coaching people in life and career transitions. She is a graduate of Coach U and Career Coach Institute, and holds the designations of Associate Certified Career Coach from CCI and Certified Professional Resume Writer from PARW/CC.