Rediscovering Self and Joy Beyond Work and Family
Happy Galentine's Day glow getters! February has extra emphasis on black excellence, love, romance, and more. But before we dive into showering others with affection, let's take a moment to focus on ourselves. As a theme for the month is endearment, consider using this time to show extra love and care to yourself, rediscover your passions, and indulge in activities that bring you joy outside of work and family commitments. While those we love and the work we love can bring an immense amount of joy to our lives, it’s important to continually cultivate love and joy within first, so that everything else is extra. Joy within also helps us better serve those and the things we’re called to.
As women, we often wear many hats – from career professionals to caregivers and everything in between. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, leaving little time for self-care and self-love and loosing a bit of our identity along the way. Change is indeed beautiful, and while we can't dwell on the past, it's important to embrace the woman we see in the mirror today. So, this month, let's prioritize ourselves and delve into the joy of indulging in what we love and what nourishes us. And because I'm committed to practicing what I preach, here’s a few things on the docket for me this month:
a trip to the spa for a much needed massage
enjoying an evening of live music
dinner date with my girls at a new restaurant
getting back on my Peloton and back to yoga
Now it’s your turn! Let’s dig through the following steps to rediscover what you love:
Reflect on Past Passions: If it’s been awhile since you’ve done things just for you or if you feel off and not like yourself, I encourage you to take a trip down memory lane and think about the activities that used to bring you joy. Whether it's singing, dancing, dressing up, traveling, spending time with friends, or other things, reconnect with those hobbies and loves that ignite you.
Try Something New: Step out of your comfort zone and explore new interests. Sign up for a cooking class, try your hand at pottery, or join a group fitness program. You never know – you might discover a new passion along the way.
Schedule "Me" Time: Carve out dedicated time in your schedule for self-care and self-love. Whether it's a monthly spa day, a weekly lunch date, or simply curling up with a good book, prioritize yourself and your well-being.
Create a Self-Love Ritual: Start and end each day with a self-love ritual. Whether it's journaling, practicing gratitude, or simply taking a few moments to breathe deeply, make self-love a daily habit.
Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to commitments (and people) that drain your energy and say yes to activities that nourish your soul. Setting boundaries is an act of self-love and allows you to prioritize what truly matters to you. I’m currently reading a book on this very topic!
Celebrate Your Wins: Take time to celebrate your achievements, no matter how big or small. Whether it's completing a project at work or reaching a personal milestone, acknowledge your accomplishments and give yourself a pat on the back. And be sure to submit your name for next month’s Women Celebrating Women event here.
Create a Love List: Write down a list of activities that bring you joy and make you feel alive. Refer to this list whenever you need a reminder of the things that light up your soul.
Reach Out for Support: Don't be afraid to ask for help or seek support from friends, family, or a therapist. Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you on your journey of self rediscovery.
Ask Yourself This: What activities bring me joy and fulfillment outside of my responsibilities? How can I incorporate more self-care and self-love into my daily routine? What hobbies or interests have I been neglecting, and how can I rediscover them? What boundaries do I need to set in order to prioritize my well-being?**
So, here's to a month of showing extra love and care to ourselves, rediscovering our passions, and embracing the beauty of self-love. Remember, you deserve all the love and happiness in the world, so don't forget to shower yourself with affection this month and beyond.
Have a glowing day!