Self-Care, the Luxury You Can Afford

Self-care is a choice. When you find yourself feeling sorry for yourself because you "have to" hit the gym, because you "can't" have that piece of birthday cake or because you "wish" you could be like your friend who stays out late doing exciting things, remember that you're free to flop on the couch, have TWO pieces of cake or not go to sleep at all.

You're choosing self-care.

Instead of asking "Do I have to do this my whole life?" remind yourself, "I GET to do this my whole life, if I keep making the choice to!"

In his book, "Callings", Gregg Levoy writes, "In the Afghani tongue, the verb to cling is the same as to die."

To me, this drastic statement reminds me of the many years I clung to smoking, long after it stopped fitting into my life or my self-identity. I've been smoke-free for almost six years now, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to share what I've learned in my journey towards self-care.

My favourite self-care principle is to focus on what you want to add in, versus what you need to take out. In order to release the habits you might be clinging to, you need to shift the idea that you'll have to give up things that you love to take care better care of yourself.

When you begin, instead, to ADD nourishing self-care treatments, rituals and habits to your life, you'll become naturally ready to let go of what's not right for you. Because you've sent yourself the message that you're worth it.

You'll become clear about your priorities and will naturally let go of whatever doesn't fit into the new life that you're building